More Non-four-cylinder Choice: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Expands V8 Availability, Adds Tech
The pickup market certainly is cutthroat. Fortunately, that fierce competition seems to work out rather well for the consumer. Less than a year after introducing the current-generation Chevrolet Silverado, General Motors is already making adjustments in a bid to boost its appeal with a broader array of customers — a necessary gambit, considering Ford’s F-150 is still the pickup sales king and Ram’s well-praised 1500 has displaced the Silverado as the runner-up.
For 2020, Chevy’s Silverado gets much of the new tech that was previously introduced for HD models, plus wider availability of the desirable 6.2-liter V8. As a result, the Silverado will offer customers the most towing capability of any light-duty pickup, at 13,400 pounds.
And, if you’re hauling a heavy load, you might be tempted to get GM’s tow-friendly camera option. Premiering on the pickup’s heavy duty sibling, the system utilizes the standard tailgate-mounted camera in tandem with an accessory cam affixed to the back of the trailer. The duo work together to provide 15 digitally unimpeded camera views.
General Motors also plans to add adaptive cruise control for the 2020 model year, bringing it up to speed with its rivals. While we possess mixed opinions over how the technology can lull drivers into complacency, it’s becoming a ubiquitous safety fixture in modern day vehicles and something Chevy needed to incorporate to remain competitive. However, won’t be standard equipment on all Silverados. GM says the feature will only be available on LT, LTZ and High Country trims.
Speaking of trims, the Trail Boss and RST designations will now be available with the 6.2-liter V8, rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you’re hunting for that 13,400-pound maximum tow rating, select the RST with four-wheel drive.
However, if you’re more interested in just having a good time, the Trail Boss comes with a 2-inch lift kit, locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho mono-tube off-road shocks, and 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires — courtesy of the Z71 Off Road Package. Chevy also claims the Trail Boss is the most affordable way to access over 400 hp in a pickup (its pre-destination starting price is $43,865).
Those needing to eek out even more power from the V8 can purchase an upgrade package that hooks the Silverado 1500 up with a performance air intake and cat-back exhaust system. GM says the kit effectively raises output to 435 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque.
It’s good to see Chevrolet spreading the V8, paired with GM’s 10-speed automatic, across more than half the lineup. The company will also keep the 4.3-liter V6 (which only comes with the old six-speed) and 5.3-liter V8 (which available with both, as well as the eight-speed) on hand for for customers who don’t need it. The 2.7-liter Turbo, which GM hesitates to call a four-cylinder, remains standard fare on the base LT and RST models, while the delayed 3.0-liter diesel will be an available option on multiple trim levels.
[Images: General Motors]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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- Pig_Iron This message is for Matthew Guy. I just want to say thank you for the photo article titled Tailgate Party: Ford Talks Truck Innovations. It was really interesting. I did not see on the home page and almost would have missed it. I think it should be posted like Corey's Cadillac series. 🙂
- Analoggrotto Hyundai GDI engines do not require such pathetic bandaids.
- Slavuta They rounded the back, which I don't like. And inside I don't like oval shapes
- Analoggrotto Great Value Seventy : The best vehicle in it's class has just taken an incremental quantum leap towards cosmic perfection. Just like it's great forebear, the Pony Coupe of 1979 which invented the sportscar wedge shape and was copied by the Mercedes C111, this Genesis was copied by Lexus back in 1998 for the RX, and again by BMW in the year of 1999 for the X5, remember the M Class from the Jurassic Park movie? Well it too is a copy of some Hyundai luxury vehicles. But here today you can see that the de facto #1 luxury SUV in the industry remains at the top, the envy of every drawing board, and pentagon data analyst as a pure statement of the finest automotive design. Come on down to your local Genesis dealership today and experience acronymic affluence like never before.
- SCE to AUX Figure 160 miles EPA if it came here, minus the usual deductions.It would be a dud in the US market.
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I saw a brand new Chebby peecup with Z71 package today...lifted a few inches and equipped with big matte black wheels and low-profile highway tires. I must admit, the thing was uglier in the metal than I expected...and after seeing the photos I already had low expectations. Bleh...regardless of engine!
Since we are at Peak Truck right now, all three brands are offering great products and none has a huge advantage over the other two. Given that, the Chevy looks like your fat ugly cousin from Bulgaria that your mom wants you to set up with one of your friends. It's pretty easy to pick the hunky Ford or the sleek Ram over this thing. Strange, after decades of the Chevy being the looker of the bunch.