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Yes | Standard Full LED Lighting | No |
Yes | MultiPro Tailgate | No |
Yes | Rear Seat Entertainment | No |
The GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado are the twin pickup trucks produced by the two most successful branches of GM. Sharing platforms, powertrains, and many features makes deciding between these two trucks a challenge that all too often comes down to a matter of looks and price. However, despite their many similarities, these closely related vehicles are far from identical twins, and a detailed comparison of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 vs 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 will reveal some significant differences between the two. From its standard full LED lighting to its six-position MultiPro tailgate, the heavy-duty GMC Sierra is filled with unique features that set it apart from its Chevy counterpart. And while the Chevy Silverado may be a bit cheaper upfront, the extra equipment that GMC adds to its version of this capable truck means that the GMC Sierra is the better value vehicle.
When it comes to power, the two GM machines are evenly matched and share the same engine and transmission options. The base engine in both the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 is a 6.6L gasoline V8 that produces 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. This is a great all-around engine that provides well-balanced performance for any task. And being gasoline-powered, the base engine is also easy to fuel and requires minimal attention to perform at its best.
However, if you need something with a little more might and do not mind dealing with a diesel, these two trucks can also be optioned with a 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8. While this engine may be the same size and configuration as the base power plant, the combination of a diesel and a turbocharger allows it to deliver an incredible 910 lb-ft of torque. And unlike many diesel options, it even delivers an impressive 445 hp. These attributes make the diesel engine a clear upgrade and the ideal option for serious drivers who need a truck to pull a trailer or haul heavy loads.
Another advantage of choosing the turbodiesel is that it also comes with a more capable transmission than the base gasoline engine. While the six-speed automatic that comes with the standard engine is not a bad piece of equipment by any stretch of the imagination, it pales in comparison to the ten-speed Allison automatic transmission that the turbodiesel is paired with. And not only does the Allison unit bring more gears and a legendary name, but it also adds the option of an integrated power take-off. This neat feature allows you to use your truck to power worksite equipment with the simple press of a button in the cabin.
However, the option of a power take-off is only available on certain lower trims of the two trucks. In the case of the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500, it can be had on the Work Truck and LT trims. And on the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500, the power take-off is an option on the Base and SLE trims. And because the lower trims on the Chevy are not as well equipped as those of the GMC, if you need a power take-off and desire comfort, the GMC Sierra 2500 is clearly the superior choice.
While the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 are closely related and share the same structure and mechanics, when it comes to the details of the two designs, the GMC product quickly pulls into the lead. Although on paper, both of these highly capable trucks will prove equally adept at towing and hauling, when you live and work with your truck, small improvements add up and will quickly have an outsized effect on your day. And it is these small improvements that set the GMC Sierra apart from the Chevy Silverado.
Starting with the exteriors of these two trucks, you will immediately notice that the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 comes standard with full LED exterior lighting. Headlights, taillights, and daylight running lights all use this brighter and longer-lasting form of illumination across every trim of the new Sierra 2500. In contrast, the lower trims of the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 are still equipped with older lighting technology, and full LED lights are only available on the highest LTZ and High Country trims. And when your work means getting up before the break of dawn or heading home after sunset, reliable and high-quality lighting is more than just a nice to have feature.
One of the most unique advantages of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 is its MultiPro Tailgate. While you might take this vital component of a pickup for granted, GMC has carefully engineered a better tailgate to help you out throughout your day. The MultiPro design has no fewer than six different modes, including fold-out load stops for two different heights, as well as a fold-down section that includes a full-width step for easier access to the bed and the ability to fold out into an ideal height work surface. Now this tailgate might seem like a gimmick at first glance, but the advantages it offers are real and make securing cargo or loading and unloading easier than ever before.
And of course, on top of its numerous small improvements, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 simply offers upscale looks when compared to the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500. From the base Sierra trim all the way up to the luxury Denali trim, GMC’s truck has a more imposing and refined presence than its Chevy counterpart. On the highway or at the job site, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 will turn heads in a way that the more common 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 will never match.
Inside, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 and the 2500 Chevy Silverado 2500 share the same basic look and layout. They even share a large number of the same features, including some unique design elements such as the handy storage compartments hidden inside the backs of their second-row seats. But as with the other aspects of these two GM trucks, it is the GMC model that takes the basic design above and beyond with many small improvements in features and technology that will make your life more convenient both at work and at play.
For instance, while both of these trucks come with the modern Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system and either a 7-inch or 8-inch touch screen, only the GMC Sierra 2500 can be equipped with a rear-seat infotainment system as well. Available on the higher trims, this system includes a pair of 8-inch seat-back displays and a DVD player. Plus, it comes bundled with wireless infrared headphones so that the back seat passengers’ entertainment will not bother the people in the front. With this option, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 becomes an exceptional family vehicle for long trips.
Further enhancing its entertainment capabilities, every trim of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 can be optioned with a weatherproof Kicker Tailgate Sound System. This 100-watt speaker setup is perfect for tailgate parties, camping, or just livening up the worksite. And with its wireless Bluetooth inputs, you can conveniently play whatever music you want without actually having to be in your truck. This works particularly well when paired with the truck’s 4G LTE wireless hotspot, allowing you to stream music no matter the location.
Altogether, the many enhanced features available on the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 turn it into one of the most comfortable and convenient trucks around. While the Chevy Silverado also contains many modern interior features designed to make your day easier, the GMC Sierra is the epitome of both convenience and utility. With GMC, you will never have to sacrifice comfort in order to obtain the performance you need to get through any job that life throws at you, and the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 is the ultimate do it all vehicle. Working hard or playing hard, by yourself or with your family and friends, this truck is a clear winner.