Page 50 - Motor Trend (January 2020)

TOTY

Finalists

PRO Diesel/10A combo • Endless trailering features • Big payload and towing limits CON Gas/6A combo • Stiff ride even for an HD • Bargain-bin interior

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

quicker. What’s more, the Ram’s
max tow rating is compromised by
its off-road suspension. Whereas
the Chevy was towing 75 percent
of its maximum, the Ram was at its
limit and still quicker.
Blame likely falls on the mildly
updated six-speed automatic.
Why Chevy chose to pair this
transmission with its all-new gas
V-8 instead of opting for the hot
new Allison 10-speed automatic
the diesel gets is beyond us.
We’ve been waiting 20 years for
Chevy to replace the 6.0-liter
gas V-8, only to have it hobbled.
With the Ram 2500 already
outperforming it and the just-an-
nounced Ford F-250 Super Duty
coming with its own all-new gas
ow well a vehicle performs an unmatched suite of trailering of performance from the gas V-8 and 10-speed automatic, the
on paper depends entirely apps and cameras makes a Silverado 2500 HD. Any way you gas-powered Silverado 2500 is
Hon which piece of paper strong workhorse stronger. look at it, the 6.6-liter gas V-8 is DOA competitively.
you’re looking at. Check the new But take a look at the test just slow. Whether empty, with We also have to acknowledge
Chevrolet Silverado HD’s spec results; they’re a mixed bag. The a 10,500-pound trailer on flat that the Silverado HD shares the
sheet, and you’ll see a strongly diesel-powered 3500 (repre- ground, or accelerating uphill lackluster interior of the Silverado
competitive new truck. Check our sented here by the GMC Sierra from 35 mph to 55 mph with a 1500 we lambasted last year. All
test data, though, and not every- 3500 HD) is substantially quicker 10,150-pound trailer, the truck the same criticisms still apply,
thing lines up. than the equally new Ram 3500 always feels like it’s struggling. from the uncomfortable seats
Put the Silverado HD’s power- HD diesel, both empty and when This comes in stark contrast to to the cheap materials and the
train, payload, trailering, and pulling 20,000 pounds. Likewise, the Ram 2500 HD Power Wagon’s barely updated design. Still,
pricing numbers next to those it stops shorter from 60 mph 6.4-liter gas V-8, which makes Williams points out heavy-duty
from Ford and Ram, and things unladen and is more nimble in an slightly more power but way less truck buyers are willing to trade
look pretty good. Chevrolet emergency lane change. Most torque. Despite outweighing the opulent interiors for capability
invested its money where it crucially, it needs less time and Silverado, the Ram is noticeably when it comes time to work.
matters most, under the sheet- distance to accelerate from 35 Underwhelming performance
metal. A stronger frame increases mph to 55 mph uphill while towing from one half of the powertrain
payload and tow ratings for 17,730 pounds. If you’re like most department is bad enough in a
every model, an all-new gas dually buyers and towing is an truck meant for work first and
engine finally makes competi- integral part of your job, these are coddling second. Add in an
tive numbers, a new 10-speed critical differences. uncomfortable and outclassed
automatic makes the most of the They’re counterbal- interior, and you’re saddled with a
already potent diesel engine, and anced, however, by the lack truck that’ll only attract the most
faithful customers. We expect
SPECS 2020 Silverado 2500HD Custom (CrewCab 4WD 6.6L) open-minded shoppers will likely
Base Price/As Tested $45,195/$48,695 float away to Ram and Ford,
where the compromises are far
Power (SAE net) 401 hp @ 5,200 rpm
less evident. Scott Evans
Torque (SAE net) 464 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 7.5 sec
Accel, 0-60 mph (loaded) Not tested
Accel, 0-60 mph (towing) 17.0 sec*
Quarter Mile 15.9 sec @ 89.8 mph
Quarter Mile (loaded) Not tested
Quarter Mile (towing) 21.4 sec @ 66.9 mph*
Braking, 60-0 mph 135 ft
Braking, 60-0 mph (loaded) Not tested
Double Lane Change Time 3.9 sec
Davis Dam Frustration 21.2 sec @ 1,405 ft**
Cruise Control 65-mph Overrun 5.3 mph
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Exempt from testing

Vehicle Layout Front-engine, 4WD, 6-pass, 4-door truck Engine/Transmission 6.6L OHV 16-valve V-8/6-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist)
7,126 lb (56/44%) Wheelbase 158.9 in Length x Width x Height 250.1 x 81.9 x 79.8 in

50 MOTORTREND.COM JANUARY 2020 *10,500-lb trailer | **35-55-mph uphill acceleration with 10,500-lb trailer