Excessive horsepower is a necessity when it comes to pickup trucks. This is mainly because of the work required of them. Chevrolet has always managed to make one of the most powerful pickup trucks, just like the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. To know more about these two, this article provides a comparison of Chevy trucks that have the most horsepower. Read on.
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What Chevy truck has the most horsepower?
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine has the most horsepower among all Chevy trucks. It is a popular truck for many reasons. For one, it boasts of a towing capacity of 13,400 pounds. Another thing is how it can carry as much as 2,280 pounds in its cargo bed. All these capabilities are made possible by its powerful engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet torque (435 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque with the Performance package).
Running in second is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Its standard 6.6-liter V8 engine produces a decent 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet torque. It has a roomy backseat and an impressive towing capacity.
Now we’ll take a look at how each of these powerful trucks perform in different categories:
Performance
Engine Comparison
Silverado 1500
The 2020 Chevy Silverado offers a handful of powertrain options. It has a standard 285-hp V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is enough for daily driving and light work duty.
Available engine options are: a 277-hp inline six-cylinder turbodiesel, a 310-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and 5.3-L and 6.2L V8s that generate 355 and 420 hp, respectively. It also offers a Performance package that will boost the V8’s engine horsepower to 435 hp.
For 2020, Chevrolet made its 10-speed automatic transmission available to all the Silverado lineup. This transmission reacts quickly and rattles off smooth shifts. It’s keen to downshift and takes a great advantage of the engine’s power. The 10-speed automatic transmission performs better than the available eight-speed, which at times hesitates to shift the way it should be.
Silverado 2500HD
The Chevy Silverado 2500HD comes with two V-8 engines. The gas 6.6-L engine generates 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and its turbo diesel 6.6-L produces 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The potent 6.6 V-8 gas engine with direct injection offers a great performance.
Gas-powered models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel is mated with a 10-speed unit. When this 10-speed is paired with the available Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbo-Diesel engine, it boosts its maximum towing capacity to 35,500 pounds on properly equipped models. Performance-wise, this heavy duty Silverado delivers all of the specs you would want in a new pickup truck.
Gas Mileage Comparison
Silverado 1500
The 2020 Silverado 1500 has been gaining attention due to its new turbo diesel six-cylinder engine. The ones with this engine earns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Those are the best for full-size pickup trucks which beat the Ford F-150 and its diesel option, having 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The diesel Silverado gets back to an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The gas-powered four-cylinder earns 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 5.3-L V-8 engine with AWD earns 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway based on EPA estimates.
Silverado 2500HD
The 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, similar to Chevy’s other engine offerings, is able to maintain respectable fuel economy. Engineers were smart to include technologies such as Variable Valve Timing, which results in a decent 16 mpg highway fuel efficiency. This is not as good as the Silverado 1500, but is on par with similar heavy-duty trucks.
Ride and Handling Comparison
Silverado 1500
The Silverado despite being a big truck has good steering feedback from the road is good and also does well taking corners. However, it can be difficult to maneuver and park in tight spaces. Ride quality is also good and the cabin is quiet, but it does not offer the same luxurious experience that its rival trucks like the Ram 1500 offer.
Silverado 2500HD
It does its job and does it well. But it is not for driving enthusiasts. Its 910 pound-feet of torque is not enough to compete with sports trucks when it comes to acceleration. Still, it isn’t lazy on the road. The gas-powered engine is eager.
If you want to get the most of the Silverado 2500HD, go for the 10-speed Allison automatic transmission for a smoother and refined ride, instead of the six-speed automatic transmission.
You can’t expect this truck to handle with any real dexterity, but its steering is notably light for a heavy vehicle. This is why you can move around town quite well. Its brakes are also powerful. While it is not athletic, its handling is decent enough to drive around town and over rough terrain.
Interior Comparison
Silverado 1500
It won’t be surprising if owners of this pickup truck will spend lots of time inside it. It comes with impressive technological amenities. It has the Chevrolet MyLink system allowing drivers to access their favorite navigation apps and radio stations. The Silverado 1500 has a user-friendly seven- or eight-inch touchscreen so you can access any of the apps you’ll need without the need to constantly take your eyes off the road.
It also has a wireless charging dock so you don’t have to worry about your smartphone running out of battery and you don’t have to deal with charging cables, too. It is also equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi to keep you connected at all times.
The standard Regular Cab configuration can seat 3 people while the Double Cab and Crew Cab can seat six people. The Silverado 1500’s front seats are supportive and comfortable. The cabil is also roomy. The Crew Cab configuration offers a huge amount of rear legroom.
The interior quality is okay. You can’t fail to notice though that the lower trims have hard plastics. But the upper trims have nicer touches and premium leather. Overall, the ambience is not as opulent as its rivals, Ram 1500s and Ford F-150s.
Silverado 2500HD
This Chevy Truck has many of the same interior features that the 1500 has, but it includes a number of extra amenities that will enhance the convenience. Overall, it makes a huge difference in the entire driving experience.
For example, the truck’s steering wheel has a number of controls that enables drivers to safely control the accompanying touchscreen unit. These intuitive buttons and knobs are also easy to access which allows drivers to focus their attention on the road.
It also has sound-deadening materials throughout the truck which makes listening to music more enjoyable. These include inlaid, triple-sealed doors will enable drivers to hear their favorite tunes instead of the wind or engine.
The Silverado 2500HD also comes with the useful Customizable Driver Display. It is a 4.2-inch diagonal color screen which displays essential information directly in front of the driver. This means you don’t have to strain your neck to check fuel efficiency, speed, or car diagnostics.
Stylewise, this Silverado looks a bit dated on the inside but it is functional. It also has a spacious rear seat.
Safety Comparison
Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500HD
Comparing the two Silverados is a bit hard considering their safety functions because they essentially offer several of the same features. But these features are too notable to overlook.
It begins with protective safety amenities which plays an important role in keeping drivers safe during a crash. The two Chevy trucks have six standard air bags and high-strength steel safety cage which are expected to provide more than enough protection.
There is also an alternative OnStar Automatic Crash Response System that drivers can depend on if they need or want more help. This automatically connects the car’s operator with an OnStar Advisor who can send emergency personnel directly to the area.
The various preventive safety features are expected to keep you out of harm’s way completely. These two trucks are equipped with functions that should significantly reduce the chance of an accident which include the following:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Safety Alert Driver Seat
- Rear Vision Camera
Towing and Hauling Capacity Comparison
Silverado 1500
Its maximum tow rating is impressive, at 13,400 pounds, which is the highest figure in its class. You can achieve this by going for the 6.2-L V8 engine and the Max Trailering package. It also has a trailer camera with 15 viewing angles which helps in towing.
Models with the turbo diesel engine have a 9,300 pounds towing capacity and 1,870 pounds maximum payload capacity. Those with 5.3-L V8 engines also provide a good combo of value and capability with towing capacities of between 9,500 and 11,600 pounds.
However, Silverados equipped with other engines are unimpressive when it comes to towing and hauling. With capacities on the same level of that of a compact pickup truck.
Silverado 2500HD
The 2020 Silverado 2500HD is able to finally muscle its way in the competition of mid-range heavy-duty trucks when it comes to its towing and hauling capabilities. Its reinforced chassis and strengthened joints enable this Chevy truck to nearly match its rivals, Ford and Ram, having a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 lbs. It also has a towing camera system with up to 15 views.
Overall Impression
Silverado 1500
This Chevy pickup truck is one of the most capable and versatile full-size pickup trucks out there. It gives you lots of engine options. It has excellent fuel economy and impressive towing capacity with its V8 engine models. The ride and handling are also decent. It is also equipped with desirable technologies and safety features. But it falls short in its interior quality and style.
Silverado 2500HD
It may not be the strongest Silverado around but the 2500 HD is still a good option and a powerhouse. It is able to match its established rivals, Ford and Ram, when it comes to towing and hauling capacities.
The interior, just like the 1500, is not as stylish and opulent. But it is spacious inside and is packed with tech and convenience features you would want in a vehicle. However, as you can expect in a heavy duty truck, it has poor fuel economy. It could be expensive, but if you are going to use it for its specific purpose it is worth it. It is a very capable vehicle for towing and hauling.
Which truck has the most powerful engine?
The 2020 Ford Super Duty with 6.7-L power stroke has the most powerful engine, producing 475 horsepower. It also dominates when it comes to generating torque. At second place is the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor and Limited, generating 450 horsepower. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is not far from the top. It comes next to the Raptor along with the GMC Sierra.
Conclusion:
Chevrolet has done a pretty decent job in its 2020 Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500HD. This auto manufacturer is able to put two of its pickup trucks on the list of the most powerful ones. Aside from having powerful engines, the two also offer impressive hauling and towing capabilities.
The ride and handling of the two are not athletic but decent enough for their size. These two Silverados are also equipped with impressive infotainment and safety technologies. There are not a lot of differences between the two. Both also have a bit dated interior.
But there is a significant difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. The 1500 comes with an impressive fuel economy while the 2500HD has poor fuel economy. It is worth taking note though that the 2500HD’s fuel economy is at par with its rivals. Heavy duty trucks are expected not to have excellent fuel efficiency.
A comparison of Chevy trucks that have the most horsepower reveals that both are good options. The better pick for you will depend on what you will use the vehicle for.