What's the Difference Between the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HDs?
Although we don't yet have all the specs and information about GM's new 2020 heavy-duty pickup trucks, we do know what the top-of-the-line models look like and have a pretty good idea about the major changes underneath.
Related: Chevrolet Unveils 2020 Silverado 2500/2500 High Country
While the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 are almost identical structurally to the GMC Sierra 2500/3500 models, they differ significantly when it comes to styling, packaging and cost. In this story we'll focus on exterior and interior design, beds and powertrains.
Exterior Design
We were told that Chevy and GMC customers were quite clear about what they wanted from a new HD pickup truck: They wanted them bigger and stronger — and from the looks of the trucks, they also wanted better split-level towing mirrors.
From the front end, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado High Country has a much more traditional, horizontal look with a massive chrome bar running through smaller chrome slats. The Chevy bow tie is prominent (lower trim levels will sport a spelled-out nameplate). The hood itself has a taller power dome with a rather subtle intake slat for the split air intake.
The 2020 GMC Sierra Denali makes a bolder statement with its familiar chrome grate grille and C-clamp crystal headlights. And there's no missing the flared nostrils of the hood intake that gets a bigger opening and more chrome accent surrounds. Our favorite feature is the carryover vertically mounted tow hooks.
Interior Strategies
Inside the new heavy-duty trucks, you can expect some recognizable details, especially if you're familiar with what Chevy and GMC have done with their new half tons.
Expect the Silverado High Country interior to reflect the same modestly upgraded and restyled interior we've already seen in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country, with its reshaped and more ergonomic center console, plush seating and hidden storage in the rear crew-cab area. All HD cabs will be bigger and provide more storage.
The GMC Sierra Denali HDs also get the identical treatment found in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, meaning more accent colors and materials surrounding the climate vents and a larger touchscreen along with softer leather choices and leather-wrapped steering wheels for a better tactile experience. Expect much more in the way of advanced safety systems and a massive color head-up display as well.
Beds Changes
No other part of a pickup is likely to continue experiencing upgrades more than the work end of the truck as new vehicles hit the market with higher-tech beds.
As with their half-ton counterparts, Chevy and GMC are completely changing how they form and bond the side and backing walls of the HD beds to provide several inches of more volume. Of special note, the Chevy HDs now offer an integrated side step in front of the rear wheel well to provide easier access into the back of the bed.
The GMC Sierra HDs have the same bed construction changes and offer the exclusive MultiPro Tailgate for the entire HD lineup. Of note: If the tailgate detects a trailer connection, you will not be able to automatically drop the inner tailgate with the one-touch button. That measure is designed to prevent the tailgate from dropping onto the trailer hitch equipment and causing damage. Also, carbon fiber beds will not be available for the GMC HD models (but that could change in the future).
Powertrains
Although we don't have all the details yet, the strategies here are pretty clear. We expect an all-new gas engine will be available for all the HD pickups but (as we've seen with the half tons), and there could be some exclusive use issues on certain GMC trim levels that would tilt toward the brand's aura of exclusivity. Using the half-ton trucks as models for HD possibilities, the off-road-oriented 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 can be optioned with a 6.2-liter V-8, while the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss does not offer it (yet). We'll assume that the GMCs may get across-all-trim-level use of the new HD Allison 10-speed transmission no matter what the motor, while there may be another transmission option for the fleet-friendly Chevys. We'll know more soon.
Manufacturer images
Comments
That Chevy is going to take some getting used to......if ever!
Until they are built on different platform. It's like twins sisters wearing different cloths, makeup and jewelry.
Every angle on the Silverado looks amazing until you look directly at it? It looks different, but I will save judgement for an in person view.
I thought same way about the 1500 until I saw it and sat in it.
I definitely like the GMC pictured here, not so sure about the Silverado, maybe it looks ok at best. The interiors need some help, but the powertrains are promising!
I think some will call the GMC frowny faced.
The difference? One is really ugly, and the other is horrifyingly grotesque
And your opinion is just that, your opionion. Somewhat stupid, but your opinion.
Both look good, glad GMC didn't use the "triangle odd ball shape" wheel wells like the half tons.
no dual exhaust?
stop complaining about the interiors, it's what's on the outside that counts
I like the looks of the GMC better save for the chrome piece on the hood. If it were body colored instead I'd like the looks of the front much better. The chrome piece on the hood reminds me of an old lady that gets lipstick all over her upper lip.
The only other thing I'm a bit concerned about is the sheer size of the mirrors. Between them and the A pillars I could envision a scenario slowly moving through an intersectrion where a pedestrian could be crossing the road and the driver never see them.
Other than those two things, it'd be the GMC for me. I know the interior isn't as flashy as the new Ram's but having experienced electrical issues three Jeeps and a Dodge Ram but have never experienced those type of issues with any of the Chevys I've owned, I would buy the GMC over the Ram. Unless of course after driving both, the GMC drove much bigger than the Ram. Then I'd get the Ram Bighorn.
The 3/4-tons are bordering on becoming too big (or I'm getting too old (mid-50's) - sad but true, no doubt). How much more one-up-manship can occur before it becomes overkill...or has it alreay reached that point...?!?
I like the Chevy better. I've never been a fan of the tall grills like GMC has where it is taller then the headlights. The Chevrolet looks more proportional.
The 3/4-tons are bordering on becoming too big (or I'm getting too old (mid-50's)...Posted by: average joe | Feb 4, 2019
Good question Joe! I'm reminded that just a few years ago you could buy a truck that looked like an F150 but it had a lot more lugs on the wheels and the differential looked a lot beefier. Apart from that, and maybe its stance, you didn't know there was a much heavier capacity available. People scoffed about it at the time.
The Z71 version of the Silverado HD is great looking. The other grill options are too busy.
After that latest barrage of Ram media info the new GM twins already look outdated interior wise.
Well the short version is the GMC will be super expensive and sell in low volume but with a high profit margin (like they have been). The side markers over the wheel wells and super complex tailgate are uniquely silly gimmicks to the GMC but its interior and exterior styling are well received. The Silverado is a miserable failure on the front end styling and interior. A mid cycle refresh can correct these alarming deficiencies and is already overdue on this brand new model.
For some reason they both share the wonky sideview mirrors.
The rear angle shoots of both trucks looks great. From those shoots easily the best looking truck on the market IMO. The Chevy falls apart with the grill but the GMC holds up pretty good. A replacement bumper and grill guard on the Chevy just might set it off though.
After spending some wheel time in a 2019 Silverado 1500 LT the interior is way better than I expected based on reviewer comments.
Ugly is ugly
Both of them are super UGLY!!! No question about it.
Best looking HD trucks around. Haven't scene anything look this good in 25 years.
"Ugly is ugly"
@ imposter tntgmc
Your mother says the same thing about you.
Get your own name fool. Stop wrecking the site
Get your own name, u can never be me 🤡
Best looking HD trucks around. Haven't scene anything look this good in 25 years.
Posted by: papajim | Feb 4, 2019 11:35:26 AM
Those cataracts are really clouding your vision
Ford sells the most trucks. Not GM.
https://focus2move.com/world-best-selling-pick-up/
@TNTGMC
"You can never be me"
HAHA!!! Even I have to laugh at that. Who in their right mind would want to be you? Ugly, unintelligent, morally bankrupt and generally unlikable? Yep, sounds like you're a roll model.
A mid cycle refresh can correct these alarming deficiencies and is already overdue on this brand new model.
For some reason they both share the wonky sideview mirrors.
Posted by: Clint | Feb 4, 2019 10:20:47 AM
All those knocking the Silverado are clearly those who wouldn't buy one anyway. I too have heard the many comments about the new Silverado and GMC styling when they were first introduced Funny thing, those same individuals are looking forward to the opportunity to upgrade to these newest models. I for one am quite happy with my classic High Country but wouldn't hesitate to replace it with new model if I were in the market.
These trucks are so bloody ugly, birds won’t even waste their waste on them.
Ford builds trucks. GM builds trucks. Ford sells more trucks.
Any questions?
I see the comment section has gone to $h!t again bc mommy hasn't kicked her n!pple s@cking boy out of the house yet. What a loser!
@ the real GMSRGREAT
Styling and looks are subjective to everyone. It's the guys/ladies who can't afford or won't ever drive them bc they prefer a prius or festiva. They come on here and impersonate "real" men who drive trucks.
Poor little ladies
TNTGMC is a sexist bigot.
What a disgrace this moron is. He judges people on the vehicle they drive or don’t drive.
Could this idiot be any more shallow?
Ford builds trucks. GM builds trucks. Ford sells more trucks.
Any questions?
Posted by: GMSaren’tGREAT | Feb 4, 2019 12:45:36 PM
Fake statement from a fake.
Yea, I could care less what other choose to drive, it's personal choice. In fact I wish more people would drive Prius's to keep gas cheaper for those of us that really like to drive trucks.
Could this idiot be any more shallow?
Posted by: the FAKE GMSRGREAT | Feb 4, 2019
Evidently you come to a comments blog looking for a deep relationship...let that sink in.
Posted by: GMSaren’tGREAT | Feb 4, 2019 12:45:36 PM
Fake statement from a fake.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 4, 2019 1:15:50 PM
There is nothing fake about the numbers. Ford sells the most trucks you stupid fuq
https://focus2move.com/world-best-selling-pick-up/
LMFAO! I think I hurt the poor little ladies feelers.
Come on down for a session or two. Maybe we can find your b@lls somewhere under that skirt. Then you can man-up and drive a truck
@TNTGMC
Post your phone number and address then.
If not, you’re nothing but a mouthpiece
The only differences on the twin sisters are front bumpers,hoods,front grills, left and right fenders and on the back just the bed and tailgat and the taillights. The cab is the same, tow mirrors are the same doors are the same door knobs are the same and the power train is the same so why do you need two trucks if they are going to be identical?
The only differences on the twin sisters are front bumpers,hoods,front grills, left and right fenders and on the back just the bed and tailgat and the taillights. The cab is the same, tow mirrors are the same doors are the same door knobs are the same and the power train is the same so why do you need two trucks if they are going to be identical?
Here’s some more numbers for you GMSRGREAT...
GM Laying off 4,000 employees today
I am really beginning to dislike this company
There is nothing fake about the numbers. Ford sells the most trucks you stupid fuq
https://focus2move.com/world-best-selling-pick-up/
Posted by: papajim | Feb 4, 2019 1:23:04 PM
Still doesn't change that you are a fake. You need to take you fakeness with you over to that web site. Any questions?
Can’t dispute the the factual information, so you dwell on something irrelevant
"Still doesn't change that you are a fake. You need to take you fakeness with you over to that web site. Any questions?
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 4, 2019 1:34:06 PM"
Now how many times did you boast Gm selling the most trucks??
And you are calling this guy a fake?? Your hypocrisy knows no bounds....
@ Fake
LMFAO! Boy you get a hold of mommies computer keyboard, tarnish the site by using others usernames, and then talk trash.
I call you out and you wanna get all big and bad by wanting my address and phone number.
Tommy tough b@lls here!
I'll pass, because I don't need your obnoxious text messages or personal letters stating how screwed up your life is.
I deal with your type all day long fool.
Try and get a life, hit the weight room as well.
@ Fullsize
Come on man, even you have half a brain to realize this guy is posting under fake names. Don't stick up for him or try to justify what he is doing. Your better than that!
GM is still the #1 producer of vehicles in Mexico.
Looks like the Silverado lost its chin!
GM is still the #1 producer of vehicles in Mexico.
Posted by: Just the truth | Feb 4, 2019
Where does Ford rank in that market?
@TNTGAY
LMFAO! Boy you get a hold of mommies computer keyboard, tarnish the site by using others usernames, and then talk trash.
I call you out and you wanna get all big and bad by wanting my address and phone number.
Tommy tough b@lls here!
“ I'll pass, because I don't need your obnoxious text messages or personal letters stating how screwed up your life is.
I deal with your type all day long fool.
Try and get a life, hit the weight room as well. “
Stop whining about other people here. This is a pickup truck comment section. Either get on topic, or leave.
Don't worry Ford can't catch them. GM is moving production to Mexico way to fast for Ford to catch them.
@d*pshit JTT
There is another excuse for Ford:
Their US operations are the only place where Ford makes a profit.
Their board of directors is really not happy about that, but it isn't Mexico's fault, or China's fault, or France's fault or Africa's fault or India's fault.
Nobody at Ford wants to accept the blame, so they'll probably blame it on T-r-u-m-p, just like they did everything else last year.
Papajim you are so smart. Or at least you think so.
Don't worry Ford can't catch them. GM is moving production to Mexico way to fast for Ford to catch them.
Posted by: Just the truth | Feb 4, 2019 3:09:30 PM
That there is what has all these GM Shills ( TNTGAY, papaTROLL, uh huh, GMSaren’tGREAT ) so up in arms. Their beloved GM is turning it’s back on the hired help and moving production to 3rd World Mexico - TNTGAYS fathers Sierra is Mexican made.
Take a look at the Unifor commercial against GM.
https://youtu.be/QEAAz3fr2EU
Here’s the link for the commercial
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