2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 cranks up the power & gets best-in-class towing

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss

Chevrolet has unveiled its latest Silverado 1500 trucks and engine options and increased power are the primary changes for the 2020 model year.

More than half of all 2020 Silverado 1500 trim levels will be available with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, Chevy says. That engine will be paired with a 10-speed transmission.

The 6.2L V8 will also be available on the Silverado RST when equipped with four-wheel-drive. With that combination the 2020 RST trim will be capable of a class-leading 13,400 pounds of maximum towing capacity, Chevy says.

A performance upgrade package will also be available for the 6.2L V8, raising output to 428 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss side view2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss

The LT, RST, LTZ and High Country models will also be available with the 3.0L Duramax diesel for the first time in 2020. That engine was originally scheduled for a release late in the 2019 model year on both the Silverado and GMC Sierra, but GM has been forced to push back the release until the 2020 models due to longer-than-expected emissions testing. This 3.0L diesel provides 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss logo on truck2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss

Finally, the 5.3L V8 will also be available with the 10-speed transmission on certain trims. That powertrain combo comes standard on the LT Trail Boss, a trim that includes a 2-inch factory suspension lift and the Z71 off-road package, including a locking rear diff, skid plates, Racncho mono-tube off-road shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrec off-road tires. The Trail Boss with the 6.2L V8 starts at $43,865 including destination.

You can see the full engine lineup for the 2020 Silverado 1500, including a 2.7L Turbo mated to an 8-speed transmission, in this chart.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Propulsion LineupClick to enlarge.

 

New tech options

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss front grill2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss

Carried over from the 2020 Silverado HD trucks to the 2020 1500 lineup is the availability of a trailering camera system. The system delivers up to 15 unique camera views to the center console, including a transparent trailer view to provide a better view around what’s in tow. The system constructs this transparent view by stitching together images captured by cameras mounted on both the tailgate and on the rear of the trailer.

Another available option on the LT, LTZ and High Country models is adaptive cruise control which automatically maintains speed and a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Chevy says the system can also bring the Silverado to a complete stop and is integrated with the stop/start capability of its engines to optimize fuel efficiency.

Written by Wayne Grayson, online managing editor at HWT’s partner publication, Equipment World.

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