We recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of the gasoline-powered 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the crew cab RST 4WD configuration and what we found was a capable truck that delivered a smooth ride.

The 2020 Silverado 1500 belongs to the new generation of Silverado trucks that has brought significant change for the Silverado nameplate and was introduced in the 2019-MY.   

Apart from shedding nearly 500 pounds from the prior generation, the new generation also introduced two notable engines for the Silverado 1500 a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, which comes standard on the LT and RST trims and an available 3.0L diesel inline-six.

We’ve written about the diesel model before, and that truck is in a category all its own.

No Performance Anxiety

This 2.7L turbo four-cylinder variant we recently drove has its own identity and place for fleets — the standard model offers fleets who regularly tow less than 7,000 pounds a viable truck.

The 2020 Silverado 1500’s 2.7L turbo four-cylinder engine is mated to an automatic eight-speed transmission that provides 310 hp and 348 lb.-ft. of torque, which allows the truck to tow up to 6,800 lbs.

The previous generation Silverado 1500, which last appeared in the 2018-MY, came standard with a 4.3L V-6 engine mated to a six-speed transmission which provided 285 hp and 305 lb.-ft. of torque. So, even with fewer cylinder’s the 2020 Silverado 1500 is a step up in performance.

Driving through the city, the truck was quick off the line. However, the engine definitely felt like it preferred a smooth and gradual acceleration up to speed as opposed to a hard step on the pedal.

The pounds that this generation shed appears to have helped it in terms of maneuverability. While turning and maneuvering around city streets still came with the complications that are inherent while driving a full-sized truck, turns and cornering weren’t as unwieldly as I expected.

One aspect of the truck that came as a bit of a surprise was fuel efficiency. A 2.7L turbo four-cylinder with automatic start/stop technology, on paper sounds like it should be better on gas, but on pure city drives I was seeing 16-18 mpg.

Mixed highway and city, as expected, provided slightly better fuel economy. The EPA rated the truck for 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, which is slightly lower than some of its biggest competitors.  

More Technology Packed In

New to the 2020-MY Silverado 1500 is the 15-camera trailering technology that was introduced in the 2020 Silverado HD.

I was unable to use this technology during my time with the truck, but I have used it while driving the Silverado HD, and the trailering technology makes trailering much less nerve-wracking. The invisible trailer camera view is a standout due to the sheer improvement in visibility while trailering. Being able to see exactly what’s behind you while trailering helped put me more at ease in the times that I used it.

Adaptive cruise control is also an option this year on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. Adaptive cruise control allows the truck to follow the car ahead of it without input from the driver. The truck will speed up, slow down, and come to a complete stop depending on the vehicle in front of it.

Other Configurations

Apart from the 2.7L turbo four-cylinder that we drove, and the 3.0L diesel engine that was previously mentioned, the 2020 Silverado 1500 is also available with a 4.3L V-6 on the work truck and custom trims; a 5.3L V-8 mated to an eight speed transmission on the LTZ and High Country trims; a 5.3L V-8 mated to a 10-speed transmission standard on the LT Trail Boss trim; and a 6.2L V-8 mated to a 10-speed available on the Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country Trims.

With proper configuration, the 2020 Silverado can tow up to 13,400 pounds.

2020 Silverado 1500 2.7L Specs:

• Engine: 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder (310 hp, 348 lb.-ft.)

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Towing: 6,800 lbs.