When you’re shopping for a 2020 Ford F-250 or Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, you’re in need of a truck that can move major weight. Which of these heavy-duty trucks best serves your daily drive? Our comparison guide takes a look.
Modern Comforts and Technology: It’s a Tie!
Inside, the 2020 Ford F-250 and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD treat you to just about everything you’d find in an expensive luxury vehicle. Climb either heavy-duty truck’s trim levels, and you’ll enjoy indulgences like leather upholstery, heated seats, and power-retractable side-steps. And, with three cabin options available for each heavy-duty truck, it’s easy to create the passenger space you require.
We’re also impressed by these trucks’ tech features. Both offer cutting-edge infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And both trucks provide high-tech safety nets, via features like trailer tow camera systems and lane departure warning.
Standard Power: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
It might be a big, heavy-duty truck, but the Silverado 2500HD’s engine options make it pretty quick on its feet. Two engine options treat you to a speedy performance. The standard engine is a gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 that makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. That’s more output than you’ll get from the standard F-250 engine! For even greater power—and towing capabilities—there’s the turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8, and engine that makes 445 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque.
While the 2020 Ford F-250 doesn’t come standard with as much horsepower, upgrading your engine will indeed lead to a more powerful ride. The standard engine is a 6.2-liter gas-powered V8, which is still pretty capable, with 385 horses and 430 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a bigger, 7.3-liter gas-powered V8 engine available, increasing output to 430 horses and 475 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the F-250’s turbodiesel 6.7-liter V8 engine takes towing performance to the max with 475 horses and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.
Heftiest Performance: 2020 Ford F-250
To tow and haul greater weight, you’ll need the F-250. Properly equipped and configured, Ford’s heavy-duty truck can tow up to 20,000 pounds of conventional trailer. Equipped for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, Ford’s heavy-duty truck is even more impressive, able to tow up to 22,800 pounds. And the F-250 can also help you haul lots of equipment, with max payloads reaching 4,332 pounds.
Just like the F-250, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD’s capabilities depend on body style and equipment. That said, Chevy’s heavy-duty truck can tow up to 18,500 pounds. That figure barely changes when a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer is involved, moving up to 18,510 pounds. Max payloads reach 3,900 pounds.
Off-Road Capabilities: 2020 Ford F-250
The F-250 might be a heavy-duty pickup, but it feels surprisingly light and agile in off-road settings. This year, shoppers can add the new Tremor package, which adds to your rugged adventures with larger tires, off-road-ready front suspension, and a variety of rock and terrain crawling modes.
As with the F-250, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 offers sporty four-wheel drive for every trim model. This performance gear and its extra traction will help you make your way through muddy river beds, sand-hewn trails, and snow banks alike. While the Silverado 2500HD never feels quite as agile in rugged terrain, it does offer a Z71 Off-Road package to help you navigate more difficult environments.
The Verdict
When it comes to raw power, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD delivers the goods. But it’s the 2020 Ford F-250 that puts you at an advantage in the towing and hauling departments. Ford’s heavy-duty truck is also the definitive option for off-road performance, spicing up your life with rugged adventure.