2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, when driven through the neighborhood or local ranchlands, always managed to capture attention with its chrome-encrusted build. The redesigned half-ton pickup was notably larger both inside and out compared to its predecessor. GMC's term "more dominant presence" perhaps aimed to highlight its substantial physical presence, but it skirted a touch on appealing to a more male-centric viewpoint.

Opinions on the Denali trim were mixed. While some found its appearance too flashy and overdone with its oversized grille and silver front skid plate, others appreciated its tries at toned-down elegance compared to the standard Sierra. Its interior, although improved in material quality, still had a jumbled and unrefined look, marked by numerous seams and a variable surface dashboard topography. Despite this, all buttons and controls were easy to locate and operate, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came under social media fire for its design as part of Chevrolet's controversial aesthetic shared by the Camaro and Blazer. Initial impressions of the truck were generally negative regarding its looks. However, the Silverado shifted focus from form to function, a crucial aspect for work vehicles. The cabin's design and layout remained largely unchanged and practical, promoting ease of use and familiarity.

The trims for the Silverado ranged from the basic Work Truck to the feature-laden High Country, with our focus being the LTZ variant, which included leather upholstery and heated seats. This retained familiarity made the Silverado HD cabin integral for users who rely heavily on functionality over newfangled technology.

Performance-wise, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali test truck was equipped with the most powerful of the six available drivetrains. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and an Autotrac 4WD system, the Sierra offered brisk acceleration and smooth gear changes. However, the true towing and hauling capacities remained slightly behind competitors like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, with a towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a payload of 2,240 pounds.

Fuel management saw advancements with the introduction of Dynamic Fuel Management, promising optimal performance and efficiency through 17 deactivation combinations. While the Sierra's EPA estimate was 17 mpg combined, real-world usage reflected slightly lower figures, averaging around 16.3 mpg over nearly 350 miles.

Conversely, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a powerhouse with two 6.6-liter V8 engine options—one gas and one diesel. Our test focused on the Duramax turbodiesel, producing 445 horsepower and a staggering 910 lb-ft of torque. With a 10-speed automatic transmission, the diesel's power built up to an immense swell, making towing heavy loads like horse trailers or equipment-laden flatbed trailers a breeze. The towing capacity for the Silverado 2500HD peaked at 18,500 pounds.

Though heavy-duty trucks lack EPA fuel economy ratings, the Silverado still impressed with its observed 17 mpg during testing, enabled by its sizable 36-gallon fuel tank, allowing longer trips between refuels.

In terms of interior space, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 saw remarkable improvements. Its redesigned crew cab offered an additional 3 inches of backseat legroom. Alongside rear air vents and USB ports, this made for a more comfortable experience. The Sierra retained practical features like enhanced cargo-bed volume, a deeper and wider truck bed, and a high-strength steel floor claimed to be 50% stronger than previous models.

Loading cargo was simplified with the new MultiPro Tailgate, allowing for six different configurations. Enlarged rear Corner Step bumper cutouts further facilitated easier access, with 12 tie-downs in the bed corners rated to withstand up to 500 pounds of force.

On the other hand, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations including Regular, Double, and Crew Cabs. Our test model, a Crew Cab with a standard bed, featured Chevy’s practical CornerSteps and BedSteps, now larger to accommodate work boots. A power lift-and-lower tailgate was also included, operable via key fob or cabin button—a handy feature for work scenarios where quick access is crucial.

Inside, the Silverado boasted generous space, with ample cubbies and trays. Rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional under-seat storage, maximizing utility.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 was packed with tech features, starting with next-gen infotainment systems sporting faster responses and improved graphics. Standard offerings included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, though the subscription trial was limited to just one month. The Denali trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system, Bose premium sound, and the first-in-class head-up display (HUD), aiding in speed regulation.

Visibility enhancements included a Rear Camera Mirror and a suite of cameras providing 360-degree and towing views. These features, along with the ProGrade Advanced Trailer Package, made towing easier by offering technologies like Hitch Guidance and a Trailering App.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD balanced technology with practicality. The infotainment systems ranged from a 7-inch touchscreen on base trims to an 8-inch screen on higher trims, all supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite some small icons being harder to touch accurately, they still facilitated easier navigation compared to competitors with larger touchscreens.

Multiple USB ports and power outlets were available throughout the cabin. A wireless charging pad, while optional on our LTZ test vehicle, promised future integration with over-the-air (OTA) Apple CarPlay updates. Connectivity was further bolstered by a standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot on mid to high trims.

For safety, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 offered comprehensive options depending on the chosen trim. The Driver Alert Package 1 was standard or available across all versions, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The higher-end Driver Alert Package 2 included advanced features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.

Although adaptive cruise control wasn't available, features like Teen Driver monitoring and Rear Seat Reminder were standard, enhancing both safety and convenience. Crash-test ratings were, however, unavailable at the time of review.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD also delivered robust safety offerings. Standard features included a reversing camera, traction control, and multiple airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera, and our test model featured Safety Package II, incorporating forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat proved practical, vibrating to alert the driver to potential hazards.

The Silverado’s Safety Package I provided blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, aiding in tight maneuvering and traffic situations. Massive side mirrors with integrated wide-angle mirrors further improved driving ease in a large vehicle.