Chevrolet released a pair of redesigned heavy-duty pickups in the 2020 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD. Many buyers may see that larger number and automatically assume it's the best option for them, but a closer look at the numbers is needed. You may find the 2500HD is plenty of pickup for you.
Continue reading to see which is the better option for the average shopper.
See a side-by-side comparison of the 2500HD & 3500HD »
What the Silverado 2500HD Gets Right
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD kicks things off with a base price of $35,695, which makes it $1,200 cheaper than its 3500HD sibling. It does this with very few differences compared to its big brother, as it boasts a virtually identical look, the same interior space, and more.
The Silverado 2500HD even matches the 3500HD’s powertrain options, starting with its standard 6.6-liter V8 engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. Buyers looking to do some serious work can also get a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with 445 hp and a stump-ripping 910 lb-ft of torque.
The Silverado 2500HD also boasts a more commuter-friendly chassis that better absorbs bumps and road imperfections.
What the Silverado 3500HD Gets Right
The Chevy Silverado 3500HD boasts a stronger chassis that improves its towing and payload capacity compared to the 2500HD.
In its single-rear-wheel setup, the Silverado 3500HD’s conventional towing is rated at 20,000 pounds with the diesel engine, which beats the 2500HD by 1,500 pounds. Gooseneck towing rings in at 21,500 pounds, which is 2,990 pounds more than the Silverado 2500HD.
As for payload capacity, the single-rear-wheel Silverado 3500HD can haul up to 4,534 pounds, which gives it a 555-pound advantage over the highest-rated Silverado 2500HD.
The Silverado 3500HD enhances its blue-collar ruggedness with a dual-rear-wheel option that boosts its towing a payload capacity even further. This boosts its gooseneck towing capacity to 35,500 pounds, which beats the 2500HD by a whopping 16,990 pounds.
The 3500HD’s payload capacity rings in at 7,442 pounds, crushing the 2500HD by 3,463 pounds.
Blue-Collar Workers Need a Blue-Collar Truck
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are virtually identical inside and out, but the 3500HD’s stronger chassis makes it a better option for heavy towing. This makes it the perfect option for buyers who haul large horse trailers, car trailers, and more.
Our Verdict: Chevy Silverado 2500HD
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD may not have the towing capacity of its larger sibling, but it has plenty of capacity for most buyers. Plus, its chassis offers a better and more comfortable ride. This combination makes it a better overall buy for the average truck shopper.
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