2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ― First Drive, Towing and Walk-Through

Resident truck expert and Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds just got back from driving the new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. In this video, he shows what it's like to drive and tow with gas- and diesel-powered variants. We also get a look at a comprehensive camera system along with a functional look at the interior and bed.

With extremely capable engines and transmissions, smart technology and a functional bed, the Silverado 2500 makes a great first impression. Yes, the interior may not be as nice to look at as some of the competitors, but we think the Silverado HD will put up a strong fight when we compare it to its key rivals.

A glance at the Silverado's specs makes Chevy's claimed tow rating seem like some kind of trick. After all, Chevrolet's 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel may have been revised to the point where its 445 horsepower outmatches Ram's top-dog diesel, but its 910 lb-ft of torque falls short of the Ram's nice, round number. So what gives?

The answer may lie in the transmission. Chevrolet pairs its Duramax diesel with a 10-speed automatic, while the Ram soldiers on with a six-speed. The extra gears reduce the gear splits dramatically, and that alone could make up the difference. Whether that's really the case, the extra cogs will certainly be a boon in the form of better drivability and improved fuel economy whether you're towing or not.

Not into the whole diesel thing? The HD's new non-turbocharged 6.6-liter gasoline V8 now makes a healthy 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, and it can tow as much as 17,400 pounds. Those three figures represent 11%, 21% and 18% improvements over last year, respectively. What hasn't changed is the transmission. The gasoline V8 is still paired with a six-speed automatic.

Whether towing is your prime directive, the Silverado HD's lengthened wheelbase will pay dividends each and every day. The most popular combination, especially for the 2500HD version, is the crew cab with the standard bed. This combination has had its wheelbase stretched by 5.2 inches, which results in two major improvements.

Rear legroom in the Chevy's crew cab has increased by nearly 3 inches — also bringing the Chevy to within a couple of tenths of the Ford F-250. Look at the front and rear legroom together, however, and the Chevy takes the win. Meanwhile, the Ram crew cab languishes behind because its new 2500 and 3500 trucks didn't get the enlarged crew cab the automaker bestowed on the Ram 1500. Why? Because the Ram HD offers a Mega Cab option, with about the same rear legroom as Chevy's new crew cab, plus reclining rear seats and behind-the-seat storage.

Read more about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/silverado-2500hd/2020/

Watch our 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD & 3500HD first look video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03dCmi_PPcM

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