Chevrolet’s 2020 Silverado High Country is offered with a choice of three engines – two gasoline and one diesel – mated to one of two automatic transmissions – an eight-speed or a ten-speed. However, one particular configuration that was previously equipped with the ten-speed will now be equipped with the eight-speed instead.
Specifically, the 2020 Silverado 1500 High Country 4WD Short Bed model with the 5.3L V8 L84 engine featured the ten-speed automatic transmission since the beginning of the model year. However, GM Authority has exclusively learned that starting with vehicles ordered in July, this configuration will get the eight-speed unit instead, and the change will remain in effect through the end of the 2020 model year.
The process behind the change is also worthy of mention: dealers will continue placing orders for the trucks with the 10-speed automatic transmission, but GM will manually change the order to the 8-speed. As a result of the change, GM will provide a $200 credit on the vehicle invoice as well as on the window sticker. The change has yet to be reflected on any public-facing materials as of this writing.
When asked for a statement by GM Authority, Chevrolet declined to comment on the change.
However, sources have since told us that the 2020 Silverado High Country 4WD Short Bed model was previously limited in availability due to a constraint with a component associated with the ten-speed automatic gearbox in the 4WD Short Bed configuration. Since no solution currently exists to resolve this constraint, GM made the decision to replace the ten-speed transmission with the eight-speed.
Meanwhile, the optional 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline and 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engines will continue being mated to the ten-speed transmission in the 2020 Silverado High Country, regardless of bed or drivetrain configuration. Additionally, 2WD Silverado High Country models powered with the 5.3L V8 L84 engine will continue shipping with the 8-speed automatic.
| Cab | Bed | Engine | Drive Wheels | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab | Short Bed | 5.3L V8 L84 with DFM (gasoline) | 2WD | 8-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Short Bed | 3.0L I6 LM2 Duramax (diesel) | 2WD | 10-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Short Bed | 5.3L V8 L84 with DFM (gasoline) | 4WD | 10-speed auto, replaced with 8-speed auto in July 2020 |
| Crew Cab | Short Bed | 6.2L V8 L87 with DFM (gasoline) | 4WD | 10-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Short Bed | 3.0L I6 LM2 Duramax (diesel) | 4WD | 10-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Standard Bed | 5.3L V8 L84 with DFM (gasoline) | 2WD | 8-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Standard Bed | 5.3L V8 L84 with DFM (gasoline) | 4WD | 10-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Standard Bed | 6.2L V8 L87 with DFM (gasoline) | 4WD | 10-speed auto |
| Crew Cab | Standard Bed | 3.0L I6 LM2 Duramax (diesel) | 4WD | 10-speed auto |
The GM Hydra-Matic eight-speed automatic transmission has been the subject of many complaints, mostly surrounding erratic shifting behavior and lackluster feel. GM issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to address the issues, though – based on comments from existing owners – the success of the fix appears to be hit-or-miss. A class-action lawsuit surrounding the issues with the transmission was filed in April of 2019.
By comparison, the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, which is newer than the 8-speed, does not appear to be suffering from these issues.
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That's really unfortunate. Having driven a 5.3 8spd RST and a 5.3 10spd TB that 10speed makes a really nice difference, especially unfortunate considering the HC price point. I'd almost skip out on purchasing, $200 is crap..or tell them I want the $200 out of inconvenience and then go for the 6ft bed with 10spd at the same price as the SB
Why can’t GM do what Ford did and largely supply the 10 spd across the board? GM is very frustrating.
You can kiss 5.3L High Country sales good bye.
I doubt it will have a measurable impact on sales, very few folks know how many gears are in their transmissions. Also, the increase in gears in transmissions has been somewhat disappointing from a performance perspective and very disappointing from a fuel economy perspective. Going from 4 to 6 speeds seemed to make some difference, especially in performance. All the increases since then from 6 to 8,9 and 10 speeds have been almost undetectable on the fuel economy front.
My comment has nothing to do with how many gears the tranny has or weather the customer knows how many gears it has. Also has nothing to do with fuel economy. If you knew your stuff you would know my comment has to do with the bad reputation that the gm 8 speed has throughout the auto industry. The article even points it out.
Actually Matt, I do know my stuff. And you are fully aware that the problems with the 8 speed appear to be solved. You know that as well as I do, but you choose to ignore it.
You essentially stated that GM would sell zero High Country trim level trucks, which is ridiculous hyperbole.
Appear to be solved !!!!
That's a good one Bruce !!!
No way would I ever buy a GM vehicle with the GM 8 speed junk transmission !!!
Why buy a high country when you can get a denali
Why buy either when you can get an LTZ?
Why buy a Chevy when you can get a superior Ford!
Because they want a operational truck.
Funny Objects Run Disfunctionality......
Dude. You must be on cocaine to make that statement. I have a 2018 F150 with 80k on it and it has had the cam phasers done twice. Numerous electrical issues, coolant leaks , etc etc. I just purchased a 2019 GMC Sierra SLT and there is no comparison between the two trucks. It is night and day the difference in the ride , handling etc. Zero issue with it yet and from my experience the Fords are the same they have always been cheap. The Ford has cost me so much money in rentals while I wait for parts I am up over $2500 in rental fees for a truck 2 years old and less than 85 k.
Do you realize that the High Country and Denali are equal. The Denali is not above High Country just look at the prices, they are about the same. The High Country has a Country Western theme while the Denali has a city slicker theme. It's the same thing Ford does with the King Ranch and Platinum, also Ram does it with the Long Horn and Limited. Also Toyota does it with the 1794 and Platinum.
Crocker,
You had better do some checking !
ONLY the Denali has the better leather on the seats etc !
Sure the AT4 and High Country have different color, however if you check you will know !
Again, don't take someone's word for it, find out for yourself !
My high country has the good quality leather In it
Already did and leather is a personal preference but lets say it does. One has more standard features than the other but the price point is about the same is what you are missing. What you need to do is watch what you say because using your logic would mean that the higher end Ford would automatically be better than anything GM offers since they offer more.
Tommy and Crocker,
It IS a personal preference, My brother would prefer the harder lower grade leather. He has told me this, yet it was after I pointed out that the Denali leather is softer and thicker, ( a higher grade ).
Now its different than saying a Ford diesel is better than the Duramax, because is it ? How would one prove that ? So that is a preference.
Yet grading leather is not a preference !
Sure your preference on what you like better is a preference !
Yet the grading of leather is a standard !
A quality standard !
Its like if you like wheat over corn to eat, that's a preference.
But when selling wheat or corn, there is a standard, Weight per bushel, moisture, protein level cracked kernels, etc !
Like I said, go cut a couple seats, one a Denali, one a HC, take the leather to a leather shop and have an expert explain it to you.
They will tell you what leather is a better quality, yet what one you like better is up to you !
One more time, its like this, my sister and I bought new sofas at exactly the same time, she paid $699.00, for a leather one, I paid $2000.00 for a leather one, she has bought 5 new ones, they are just junk, still some kind of leather, but just wear out, paper thin, mine was down filled higher quality soft thick leather, and looks like the day I bought it.
And still, they are equally priced. No getting around this sir, if it has meant to be a higher trim level then the price would reflect it.
I’ve had ltz leather and now i have high country leather don’t tell me i don’t no the difference. Denali is equivalent to high country only difference is chevy looks better then gmc
I think you had better check again Tommy !
Again, don't take my word for it !
have 5.3 with 8 speed transmission shifts great ,also the 8 speed is faster in a drag race, more speed.
I drove a new style 2019 Sierra 5.3 8 speed for a few days and the transmission sucked. Maybe they have "fixed" it again but the 8 speed was reported to have been fixed for the t1xx.
I have not driven the 10 speed.
Bruce, Thanks for your comment. I own a Sierra 8speed SLT and it is terrible. You mentioned a fix to the transmission. Can you elaborate? i am looking at trading to a 10 speed but if there is a fix, ill take that.
Thanks
Not making excuses but If you're buying a HC, why in the world you want a 5.3?.
That was my first thought.
Well I wouldn't buy one with a 5.3 for sure now !
I believe its a good motor though, so each to their own !
But NEVER with that GM 8 speed junk transmission !
And even that would be possibly OK , if GM had any customer service !!
However with the HORRIBLE GM customer service and the even worse than that GM 8 speed junk transmission
WOW no way in h3ll !!!!
Don't whine at my comment, just take your cash to the competition when trading in. I don't stick to "brand-x" if they don't have what I want when I want it.
Don't worry Guestt,
I'm not a half ton driver, so I will not get the 8 speed junk transmission !
And I have taken my money elsewhere in the midsized vehicles !
All GM has to offer there is the same old BLAH, just " Good Enough " cheap $hit !
O yeah, and HORRIBLE customer service !
See ya!
I don't think you ever will ! I wish I could see a few of you guys here, that would be fun !!!
O but don't think I will ever leave the GM sites !
I still own a 2020 HD Denali, and will continue to update the people on all the GM sites on just how HORRIBLE the GM customer service and Customer support is !
After all, I have driven only GM products for the past 39 years !
I will test drive all the new GM stuff, like the new onslaught of Cadillac underpowered BLAH " Good Enough " junk !
And let you know how much the dash/interior is $hit in my $80,000.00 Denali !
And just how GM had become a horrible value, for your dollar !
Nah you'll just get a nice vacation from the mods here, you probably get a free gold membership from GMinsidecryers.com with that type of stuff.
Ha !
I Googled GMinsidecryers.com, yet nothing !
Then I googled GM 8 speed junk transmission !
You should try it !
I got About 1,950,000 results (0.55 seconds)
No lie, try it !
Now that's funny !!!!!!!!!!!!
5.3 is a nice motor hampered by being under geared. The 10 would help, but the 3.23 gears should be swapped for something like 3.42.
373 gears.....
I have had nothing but excellent customer service and luck from my GM dealer. If you are not getting good quality service switch dealers and fill out the surveys they send out after every service visit to hold them accountable to corporate. Complaining at large doesn’t do honestly much good for either side.
SDog4127,
They do not send out surveys after every service !!!
I have never gotten one !!
New 2017 Denali HD truck and new 2020 Denali HD truck, every bit of service and all the recalls done at GM dealerships !
Again, what survey ?
I guess this explains my good customer service vs your experience. I get a phone call periodically and always bombarded with survey invites after any visit. The dealership always tells me to call if I cannot give them a perfect score so they can make it right.
I had an oil smudge inside after a simple oil change. I told them and the genera manager personally apologized and gave me a $50 visa gift card!
I feel for those who don’t have this kind of service. I do buy new trucks frequently, but from talking to other patrons they have the same satisfaction. I am lucky maybe?
Best wishes
Sdog4127,
That is what I am trying to get across here !
If you don't give your dealer a 5 star rating, you will NOT get the survey !!
Its that simple !
Its just like saying, you will not get the Covid, if you don't get tested !
GM will make the data whatever they want ! They - GM - just does NOT survey the people who are not satisfied !
And some things, the dealer, can not make right. Its just to expensive for then if GM will not pay !
That's where the attorney gets involved and you have a class action !
And I had nothing but GREAT service from GM for 35 years !!
Just took 1 lying service manager, and never a survey again !
1 person !!!
1 lying sack of $hit !!!
After 35 years !!
Because most HC's on the lot have the 5.3 and most people don't order a vehicle.
paracutin,
You are so correct !!!!
But this is a GM move !!!
Look at the Cadillac line, the only vehicles GM puts on dealer lots are the cheap junk !
You know, like the 2.0T !
And just like ALL vehicles, GM full and well knows, most people do not order vehicles !!
All this does is makes a hole lot of people hate their " great vehicles " because when you buy a dealer stocked " cheap junk " Good Enough " GM vehicle, and compare it to an ordered GM vehicle that has what should be stock, there is A LOT of difference !!
Component issue huh, I’m sticking with it’s another cheap effort by GM.
How can GM ever build a rough shifting clunky transmission. It’s just not what they do, they’re known for other things however, and not in a good way.
I loved the 4L60E trans that was in my 94 Cadillac Fleetwood. So buttery smooth and strong. GM vehicles for the most part had good transmissions over the years, it’s everything else that fell apart in the car that made them unreliable.
I’d love to own a 69 Chevy C-10 pick-up, when Trucks were trucks and if one accidentally hit something, the truck wouldn’t even notice it and keep truckin along!
Another great job by gm.... I cant wait until everyone knows how bad those transmissions are and people will stop buying your junk! They obviously dont care about returning bussiness.. Last silverado I will ever own and probably trading it in this weekend!
Well , Chris , my experience is the complete opposite. My '20 High Country has been a dream up till now. My son finally got his Trailboss last week , and so far so good. The dealership has been nothing but utterly professional as well. My previous car , a Traverse never missed a beat neither did my son's Camaro. All purchased from the same dealership here in Chattanooga , serviced there as well.
Didn't have a single issue with my 2018 LTZ 6.2L and 8-speed trans. Not one.
Chris, please don't feel the need to announce your departure. Just leave. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Don’t buy a Ford with an eco boom.
I have a reason for not buying Fords: over the years, our family has tried them. Getting a Ford dealer to honor a warranty claim is next to impossible. Every excuse is given, from “warranties are only good at the selling dealer” to “the warranty doesn’t cover that” when clearly, it does.
Does this apply to GMC or does the GMC brand finally get mechanically different for once.
I’m betting a simpleton downvoted me
No. They probably used common sense. If they can't get parts for the 10 speed transmission why does it matter if the truck is a GMC or Chevrolet?
You guys are reading too much into this. It's a supply chain issue. They are saving the 10's for GMC and the better engines, bigger engines. The issue is probably linked to the coronavirus and parts availability.
So I am guessing this is the same reason you can no longer get a double cab SLT and you have to go 4x4 just to get a 6.2?
This is stupid as hell they should do all they can to keep that pos transmission out of them trucks iam glad I know about the 8 speed but people who don't will be screwed