We’re spending the week with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the new-generation truck that’s built on the GM T1 platform. Our test pickup is equipped with the turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six that’s part of the Duramax engine family, rated at 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission which transfers power through either the rear or all four wheels.
Our Silverado test unit is a Crew Cab High Country trim level with four-wheel drive and the short box. It’s painted in the Northsky Blue Metallic paint and equipped with the optional High Country Deluxe package ($4,300) which adds a set of 22-inch wheels, a power sunroof and Safety Package II.
The latter includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian braking technology, Intellibeam headlights (high beam assist) and adaptive cruise control with following distance indicator. It also includes GM’s Safety Alert Seat system which vibrates to warn the driver of possible impacts or collisions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the features that are included in the High Country trim level:
- Chrome grille, tow hooks, exhaust tips, door handles and window trim.
- Chrome-contoured side steps
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- Model-specific grille with high gloss black mesh and chrome/bronze inserts
- High-intensity LED reflector headlamps and LED fog lamps
- Power tailgate
- Bose Premium sound system
- Heated and ventilated leather seats (front)
- Heated rear seats
- Trailering package with hitch guidance
- Rear axle with 3.23 ratio
Our 2020 Chevrolet Silverado is also equipped with the optional Technology Package ($1,875) which adds GM‘s Rear Camera Mirror, HD Surround Vision camera system, head-up display, Bed View Camera and an 8-inch infotainment screen with on-board Wi-Fi and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration. Our truck also wears 22-inch High Gloss Black wheels ($2,995, or $920 when the High Country Deluxe package is selected), which pair well with the optional front black Bow Tie ($140).
We will have the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax for a week. If you would like to know more about this truck beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section below, and we’ll reply in a timely manner as part of the GM Authority interactive review.
Ready…. set… go!
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Comments
Litterally my dream truck, if i had to get a 1500. Same color and everything!
If this engine was available in the Trail Boss, I’d be all over it.
How is the NVH of the Duramax engine? How well does it accelerates off the line? What other trims is the Duramax Diesel engine is available for?
I have a 2015 Silverado 6.2 and I pull a 4500 boat. The diesel is very intriguing to me and I suspect it will pull with little to no downshifting and get good mileage while doing it. My question is what kind of passing power does it have with a load, say 50-80? It has the torque but is down roughly 150 hp from my 6.2.
How about the questions asked in the other thread for the 3.0 Silverado?
This test should be done over because of the pandemic, roads are virtually empty which means it’s like a giant test track with little true life experiences; Chevrolet should do this test again in late summer when things return back to normal as testing it during Labor Day may show some quirks when there’s bumper-to-bumper traffic.
How is the NVW characteristics of the engine?
Can you turn off the start/stop feature?
How does the truck feel in normal driving and acceleration runs? How does it compare to the 5.3L V8?
I had a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with the 5.3, double cab z71 etc. For the above questions….yes you can turn off the start stop but have to do it each time you turn your engine on. Power wise it really pulls, the torque is from idle on, you can really get up and go from a light and passing is no problem. The transmission shifts really smoothly and you’ll love the mpg. The lowest in town/residential areas is around 24.5mpg (5.3 was around 16) and on the highway you can get 29-34 (5.3 was 19-20) depending on the hills, wind etc. Haven’t towed yet but the overall ride is a lot nicer. I have the RST w/18′ tires in Shadow grey metallic.
Is there an electric version?
Any news on the ZRX
Noise is it as it’s rated or claimed to be?
The Ford 150 diesel was and it had the torque, and provided excellent exhilaration and obvious torque. I wanted to see GM’s engine before making decision.
Why is the availability of the standard bed so limited?
For those who use their truck for work and towing, the 5ft bed is useless.
Why such big tires….smaller tires get way better mileage…..my last 2 high country truck l switched to 18”tires they are way better for just cruising?
Love a straight 6 if it’s installed fore-to-aft like this one. It is easy to work on and is inherently balanced.
How does it compare to the 6.2? Pulling, passing, overall driving?
It will get better mileage, but also more expensive to maintain. (Ex; Fuel cost, filters, oil changes).
I have a 2020 LTZ w/3.0 Duramax. My question is i keep checking my DEF/guage and it shows full. I have a little over 2,300 miles on it from when i first picked it up in January. Shouldn’t i be seeing a drop in the def/guage? How often does it do a re-gen? Thanks, JMB
I also want to know about real world performance, mileage and how that 10 speed trans works. All the other stuff is just fluff
My 2020 3.0 has gotten 33.3 for the best and about 25.4 for the lowest. The 10 speed to me works great and shifts really good. My 2012 Avalanche LT 4/wd the best i ever got was 20.2 coming from Arizona back to Texas. The Silverado rides a little stiffer but it is a truck and doesn’t have the same setup as the Avalanche. I have yet to pull my 21’boat but i’m sure it will do fine since the torque 460 ft/lbs comes in at 1500/rpms.
I’ve been seeing a lot of problems with this vehicle on Facebook site. Is this going to be another Vega?
I’ve been driving my 2020 1500 LTZ Diesel since January, over $5k miles so far. Fuel economy, Best over 50 miles, 37.1, average city and highway over the 500 miles, north of 24 mpg. As for pulling my 4800 lb. Boat, we will know soon! Had a 1500 5.3 before this loved it, this one, love on steroids! Best Chevy truck I’ve ever owned during my 40 yr. Ownership of Chevy trucks! This thing truly exceeded my expectations in a big way, quiet, comfort, power, snap, and ride! AWESOME!
Have heard of overheating issues. Is this true? Are you having overheating issues?
Is got to be available in USA
I totally love m 3.0 Duramax, great economy, as high as 37mpg., Quiet, fantastic range, over 600 miles, solid towing, and comfort, a Chevrolet Home Run!