Everything is new on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. A new 6.6-liter V8 gas engine replaces the old 6.0-liter motor, and tow ratings have improved as a result. Additionally, it boasts stiffer frames and more modern technology throughout.
Furthermore, the heavy duty's truck sheetmetal is different than the light duty counterparts, aside from the roof. However, the interior remains much the same as the Silverado 1500, meaning the 3500HD uses the same subpar materials and conservative design.
Chevy offers the Silveardo 3500HD in four trims: WT, LT, LTZ, and High Country. The WT and LT are available in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab configurations, while the LTZ and High Country are only offered with the Crew Cab.
A 6-foot-9-inch bed is standard and an 8-foot bed is available for $200. Dual rear wheels, which are the hallmark of the Silverado 3500HD and the key to realizing those massive towing numbers, are available on long-bed models for $1,200.
Prices start at $36,895 including destination for a WT Regular Cab and range up to $63,895 for a High Country Crew Cab.
The newly standard 6.6-liter V8 engine is an overdue replacement for the 6.0-liter gas motor that has been around since 1999. The Duramax diesel, which costs $9,750 to $10,165 depending on the trim, returns with an enhanced cooling system and way better towing.
| Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing (traditional hitch) | Max Towing (fifth wheel/gooseneck) |
| 6.6L V8 | 401 hp | 464 lb-ft | 16,800 lbs | 16,800 lbs |
| 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 | 445 hp | 910 lb-ft | 20,000 lbs | 35,500 lbs |
The 6.6-liter V8 utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel's improved capability is largely due to its new 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The new gearbox represents a giant step forward for the class, as Ford and Ram continue to back their heavy-duty diesels with six-speed transmissions. Four-wheel drive is a $2,800 upgrade across the lineup except for the High Country, where it's standard.
The max gooseneck tow rating of 35,500 pounds comes courtesy of a two-wheel-drive Regular Cab truck equipped with the long bed and dual rear wheels. The more popular Crew Cab models pull up to 31,400 pounds when similarly equipped.
Note that the EPA does not test HD trucks for fuel economy due to their GVWR, or a gross total weight figure that factors in curb weight, passengers, and payload.
The Silverado 3500HD can carry anywhere from three to six people depending on the cab style. The two-door Regular Cab only offers seating for three with its front bench seat.
The Double Cab and its small, front-hinged rear doors expand capacity to six passengers, though the 35 inches of rear leg room leaves much to be desired. Crew Cabs offer seating for six and upgrade to 43 inches of rear leg room. On Crew Cab models, the front bench seat can be swapped for front bucket seats and a fixed console.
Standard-bed models offer 69.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while long-bed variants have 83 cubic feet, making it the largest in the class. Both boxes now have built-in steps just in front of the wheel well for easier access.
The Silverado 3500HD comes standard with very few active safety features. It costs $1,090 to add blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors to the base model, or $890 on the LT and LTZ. These features finally become standard on the High Country.
On the LTZ and High Country, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams are bundled in a $645 package.
Safety ratings are unavailable as the NHTSA and IIHS don't test trucks of this class.
A 7-inch color touchscreen comes standard on the WT and LT, while the LTZ and High Country get 8-inch units. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard, as is wi-fi on all but the WT. Navigation and wireless charging are standard on the High Country.
Chevy has made towing easier through technology with an available multi-angle monitoring system with a class-leading 15 camera angles, including a unique transparent-trailer view that shows drivers the view directly behind the trailer.
Other available technologies include an enhanced integrated trailer brake controller and a hill-hold assist feature that will exert braking force to all four wheels when the truck is parked on a grade. New software programs can monitor trailer conditions and systems from either inside the truck via the touchscreen or on a mobile device using Chevrolet's own app.
The base WT, or Work Truck, model is rather spartan by today's standards, as evidenced by the vinyl floor and vinyl bench seat. Creature comforts are limited to a 3.5-inch driver information display and the 7-inch touchscreen.
Buyers can upgrade features with the $1,185 WT Convenience Package that adds cruise control, keyless entry, a power-locking tailgate, a rear-window defroster, tinted class, and, for Regular Cab models, power windows and locks.
The LT is still modes in its list of standard equipment. The $3,900 premium over the base model brings cloth seats, cruise control, keyless entry, wi-fi capability, a 4.2-inch driver information display, OnStar, and an integrated trailer brake controller.
Once again, creature comforts can be enhanced with a Convenience Package. For $2,440, buyers can add 14 features including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and a 10-way power driver's seat.
The $745 Advanced Trailering Package includes the 8-inch touchscreen embedded with the Advanced Trailering System in-vehicle software. The package also provides multiple USB ports, hitch guidance, a power lock and release tailgate, and a high-definition rearview camera.
In a rather strange segregation of options, the Convenience and Advanced Trailering System Packages can't be equipped together.
The Crew-Cab-only LTZ steps up things in a big way, It adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus software, the Advance Trailering System, chrome exterior touches, dual-zone climate control, and hitch guidance on the rearview camera.
The surround-vision camera setup with 15 angles requires the $2,125 Technology Package, which also includes a 15-inch head-up display, an 8-inch driver information display, and a rear camera mirror.
Heated and ventilated front bucket seats can be bundled with rear outboard seats, a power rear window, a power tailgate, and LED cargo lighting for $1,675 with the LTZ Convenience Package.
The range-topping High Country is only available with the Crew Cab and 4WD. Notable standard features include navigation, heated and ventilated front bucket seats, heated rear outboard seats, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and the 8-inch driver information display.
Compare Silverado 3500HD Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LT is the most budget-friendly and value-laden trim here. When equipped with the Convenience Package, Safety Package I, Duramax diesel engine, and Crew Cab, the out-the-door price is a just shade over $58,500. This combination offers more than enough amenities to bring you and your fifth-wheel safely and comfortably to the campground.
