Chevy has updated the 2500 and 3500 Silverados for 2020. The grill is even bigger than before, the cab is longer and more spacious, the bed is wider and longer, and they are now offering a bigger V8 gas engine.
Chevy has used the 6.0 gas V8 for over a decade now, and it’s long past due for a major update.
We found the new 6.6-liter V8 gas engine to be more than adequate for most uses. With a towing capacity of up to 16,600 pounds most weekend warriors will be able to take their boats to the lake or tow their toy haulers with sand buggies in the back out to the dunes, without paying almost $10k more for a diesel. The Custom work truck model we tested is also a good buy for fleets as generally gas engines are cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, and have less complicated exhaust systems.
We enjoyed the new gas engine with its smooth throttle control and good power for those who don’t need the ridiculous amounts of torque that the diesel puts out. The engine bay is much more open than the diesel and doesn’t have all the additional emissions stuff that the diesels do. One area we especially enjoyed the gas engine was offroad. Having a higher and quicker revving engine with a quicker response time makes the gas engine better for many offroad situations.
The only thing we would improve with this engine isn’t actually the engine, it’s the 6-speed transmission. Competitors offer 8 and 10 speeds and the gap between 2nd and 3rd is noticeably larger in the 6 speed, making hill climbs while towing in the 40-50mph range tougher than they need to be. The 6.6 gas should be paired with a 10-speed transmission similar to what is offered in the diesel versions.
Check out our video review and photos below for a complete look at this capable new truck.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 6.6L Gas V8 – Off-Road Traction Test
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 6.6L Gas V8 Gallery
Matthew Barnes is an experienced towing expert. He works as a mechanical engineer and his day job involves testing a variety of vehicles while towing trailers of all types and sizes. Matt shares his knowledge by writing for automotive news outlets in the evenings. When he’s not working he can be found spending time in the great outdoors with his family. He enjoys camping, hiking, canyoneering, and backpacking. Whenever possible he spends time riding in or on any power sports vehicle he can find and claims he can drive anything with a motor, which probably isn’t true.
Matt lives in the Utah mountains and often posts cool off-roading videos to his Instagram and YouTube channel.