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In this industry styling is everything, get it wrong and the social media trolls will have their way. But if there is anything we know, appearance isn’t everything. What may look like just some jock of a truck, the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has more brains behind its brawny sheet metal.

Delivering more to the heavy-duty side of the truck realm, there has been some justly significant changes made to its diesel performance. Carried over from the previous generation, the 6.6-liter diesel V-8 makes a comeback tour singing 455-horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque paired with an all-new Allision, 10-speed automatic transmission. However, despite diesel being the preferred performer when it comes to towing, in this article, we’re examining the all-new 6.6-liter gasoline V-8 engine.

Having lined up the opportunity to test the towing performance with some heavy-duty construction toys, mother nature had a different plan after a rain storm turned this particular construction yard into a muddy soup mess. Unfortunately, I’m not rough enough to get my sneakers dirty and I was wearing my good pair of pants.

So, with the ability to two 14,500 lbs or haul 16,740 lbs through a gooseneck, this 401-horspeower, 464 lb-ft of torque truck was left to the devices of being a city life refuge – and after developing a mere over 13-mpg’s, this wasn’t exactly the most idealist daily grind commuter. Left to the city lifestyle, the 2500HD is a smooth operator. The six-speed automatic transmission is refined in its changeovers and develops rev-match downshifts to help slow its roll. Torque application has been increased with a smoother delivery and quicker acceleration as we see nearly 7.0-seconds to 60 mph. With our test subject arriving as an entry level ‘Custom’ trim, it stuck to the traditional ways of hydraulic steering – while feeling like a proper road hugging handler, the hydraulic ways also made it difficult and heavy to maneuver. Higher trim models such as the LTZ and High Country sees upgraded enhanced digital variable electric assist steering that caters to easier mobility and more towing confidence.

Underneath all that sheet metal is a completely re-engineered chassis with a more rigorous heavy-duty ladder frame design that advances its strength and generates more towing capabilities. This revamped structure also helps keep things collected on the road with a smoother ride and improve weight distribution.

Starting at $43,600, the Custom series is a new entry-trim level introduced for the first time on the heavy-duty line-up. One step below the LT but one step above the base ‘Work Truck’, the Custom serves as the more entry point into the series. Only available with the 6.6-liter gas V-8, one would have to step up into the LT and fork out an extra $10,000, give or take for the diesel power.

Representing the tradesman nature, its tough shell interior is designed to take on a rough beating. Its simple, yet functional design encompasses a 7-inch touch screen display that highlights the dash as the most premium feature within the cabin that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The cloth interior and 6-seater bench style setting is appropriately comfortable for its occupants considering the interior dimensions has grown out over three inches in length. A new styled rear seat now allows passengers to have a more relaxed setting with a slope seating position and slightly reclining back that helps make long haul trips more tolerable.

If the new design looks bigger than before, that’s because it is – it has been extended in every which way it could be stretched. Its demeanor features a rugged, intrepid precedence that grows on you over time. Our ‘Custom’ trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels, black accent painted bumpers, and reconfigured power folding trailering mirrors.

Despite our truck coming with the gasoline engine, there has been major progressions made to the diesel engineering making things simpler for the owner. The engine block heater cord plug-in has been relocated for easier access. The diesel exhaust fluid tank was also relocated to be further in the rear of the vehicle to be more out of sight with easier accessibility. With the ability to tow upwards to 35,000lbs (dual-rear wheel 3500HD), immense developments were made in available technology and trailering assist for both 2500HD and 3500HD truck that helps boost towing confidence and abilities.

Being at the near bottom end of the trim totem pole, the Silverado 2500HD Custom is all about taking on the hard-dirty work. With its new V-8 gasoline engine, there is a lot more heft and more duty behind its burly exterior.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD
Trim: CUSTOM
Starting Price: $45,195
As Tested: $48,670
Color: SILVER ICE METALLIC

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 6.6-LITER GASOLINE V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 401-HORSEPOWER / 464 LB-FT TORQUE
Transmission: 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Drivetrain: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel Economy: UNLISTED
AS TESTED: 13.3 MPG COMBINED
Fuel Range: 400 MILES
0-60 MPH: ±6.5 SECONDS