2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD showcased a polarizing design that triggered mixed reactions among enthusiasts and critics alike. Many found its aesthetics unappealing, linking it to the same controversial design language that prompted Chevrolet to rework the Camaro just a year after its redesign. However, despite the initial repulsion, the Silverado's function-over-form philosophy made it an acceptable workhorse for many. Inside, the Silverado retained much of its familiar layout from previous models, much to the satisfaction of drivers who preferred not to re-learn controls.

Available trims included the Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country, each offering distinct features like a 7-inch touchscreen in the base work truck and leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel in the LTZ.

Contrastingly, the 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty carried forward a more mature evolution of its predecessors' design. Updates to the grille and headlights provided a less gaudy yet still imposing look. However, this supposed refresh didn’t entirely hide the fact that its fundamental design traced back to 2017.

Ford offered a wealth of trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, each packed with features suitable for various needs. Basic trims like the XL maintained a "work truck" appearance, while higher trims added luxury-oriented elements like the King Ranch's saddle-style leather upholstery and the Limited's Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Chevrolet's 2020 Silverado 2500HD offered two 6.6-liter V8 engine options—a 401-horsepower gas engine with 464 pound-feet of torque and a significantly more potent 445-horsepower Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 910 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax stood out for its immense towing capabilities, managing up to 18,500 pounds. Upgrading to the 3500HD extended this range to 20,000 pounds conventionally and up to 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch.

The fuel economy hovered around 17 mpg from the diesel engine, paired with a 36-gallon tank for extensive range.

Ford’s 2020 F-350 Super Duty offered a trifecta of engine choices starting with a 6.2-liter gas V8 that managed 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The newly introduced 7.3-liter gas V8 provided 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and a staggering 1,050 pound-feet of torque.

When fully equipped, the F-350 could tow 24,200 pounds conventionally, 32,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel setup, and an incredible 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. It was also capable of handling a maximum payload of 7,850 pounds.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a variety of configurations, including the Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab, with options for standard or long beds. The Crew Cab, particularly, provided expansive interior space with various compartments for storing gear. Additionally, the LTZ model featured a convenient power lift-and-lower tailgate.

Ford presented the F-350 Super Duty in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Crew was noted for its spaciousness, offering ample headroom and legroom and a fold-up rear seat creating a flat load floor. The F-350 was available with either a 6-foot-9-inch bed or an 8-foot bed, the latter accommodating a dual-rear-wheel setup for additional cargo capacity.

Chevrolet’s tech approach for the Silverado 2500HD was thoughtfully restrained, emphasizing usability over flashy features. Lower trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims got an 8-inch version, both incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple USB ports and power outlets ensured connectivity, and features like wireless charging and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were also available.

Ford’s 2020 F-350 Super Duty utilized the SYNC 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SYNC 3 sometimes experienced initial glitches, but overall, it provided a smooth multimedia experience. The truck also featured advanced towing technologies, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified the sometimes daunting task of maneuvering a trailer.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and multiple airbags. Higher trims offered advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera with trailer views. The Safety Package I added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, proving essential for maneuverability.

For the Ford F-350 Super Duty, standard safety features included comprehensive airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and advanced blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. Premium trims incorporated adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, and more sophisticated parking and towing assists.