For a manufacturer, inertia is deadly in the pickup truck segment. It’s a reality Chevrolet has long understood, and now, just one year after totally overhauling its popular full-size pickup, the automaker is making some substantial changes to the 2020 Silverado.
Most of the upgrades have to so with the truck’s capabilities, in particular its ability to pull loads.
Here are the changes as announced today by the manufacturer.
First off, the 10-speed transmission, previously included only with the 6.2L V8 engine, is now delivered standard with the 5.3L V8 unit used for the Trail Boss variant, and available as an option with the High Country version. That 6,2L engine is now offered for the Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss and RST versions.
Concretely, this means over half of the Silverado versions can be had with the 6.2L engine, a unit that delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The Trail Boss models fitted with this engine also get a suspension elevated by two inches and the Z71 off-road package. The latter brings with it locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks and 18-inch wheels clad in Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires.
“The Trail Boss models are already some of the most popular in the Silverado franchise. Adding the available 6.2L V-8 will ratchet that excitement up even further.”
- Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing
Other big news for 2020 is that the 4WD RST edition of the Silverado 1500 can receive the 6.2L engine as well. This gives it increased towing capacity to the tune of 13,400 lb when the vehicle is suitably equipped, and it means the Silverado retakes the crown for heaviest puller in the segment.
On top of that, a performance package is available with this powertrain, which will bring output up to 435 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque.
These details for the 2020 Silverado 1500 are for the U.S. market, but given the significance of this model for the manufacturer, we can fairly safely assume Canadian consumers will have access to the same versions and options.
On both sides of the border, it will be a much more varied and versatile Silverado that hits the market for 2020.
