2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a design that sparked mixed reactions. Its exterior, part of the same design family as the Camaro and Blazer, was often criticized for its aggressive and polarizing look. Despite initial reservations, the design began to grow on some over time, though it was clear that the truck prioritized function over form. Inside, the Silverado maintained a familiar cabin layout, with all controls and features in their expected places, making it user-friendly for those accustomed to previous models. The Silverado HD offered various trims, from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a more restrained and timeless design. Its clean lines and blocky grille exuded confidence without being overly aggressive. The interior was straightforward, with a mechanical-looking dash that came to life upon startup. While the lower trims featured hard plastics, the higher trims added soft-touch materials and leather, though it still lacked the luxury feel of some competitors. The F-150 offered a range of trims, from the basic XL to the high-end Limited, each providing varying levels of comfort and technology.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options, both displacing 6.6 liters. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, capable of sending power to the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds, making it a robust choice for heavy-duty tasks. Despite its power, the diesel engine provided an impressive fuel economy of about 17 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Other options included a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6, a 5.0-liter V8, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The most powerful engine, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The F-150's towing capacity reached up to 12,300 pounds when properly equipped. The truck's handling was surprisingly nimble for its size, and the Raptor trim offered specialized off-road capabilities with its advanced suspension and drive modes.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab options. The Crew Cab provided ample interior space, with massive cubbies and trays for storage. The rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage trays. The Silverado's cabin layout remained consistent with previous models, making it easy for users to find controls and features without a learning curve. The truck also featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps for easy access to the bed.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came in three cab sizes—Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew—and three bed sizes. The SuperCrew stood out for its spacious cabin, offering exceptional backseat legroom and a large load floor when the rear seats were flipped up. The F-150 provided numerous storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a large center console bin. The truck also featured a bed step for easy access, though it lacked the simplicity of GM's integrated corner bed steps.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its straightforward approach to technology. The base trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and a simple layout. The truck included multiple USB ports and power outlets, with wireless charging available on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on mid to high trims, providing connectivity for multiple devices.

The 2020 Ford F-150's technology varied by trim. The base XL trim had a basic AM/FM radio, while the XLT and higher trims featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. The system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use. FordPass, available on XLT and higher trims, allowed remote vehicle access and status checks via a mobile app. Higher trims also offered a premium B&O sound system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came equipped with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera with trailer views and the Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for safety alerts. The Safety Package I offered front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, essential for maneuvering the large truck.

The 2020 Ford F-150 included standard safety features such as airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking was standard across all trims. Higher trims offered Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance technologies including blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. The F-150 SuperCrew received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, while other cab styles received slightly lower scores.