Pickup truck competition is increasingly rabid, especially now that Chevrolet has fallen to third place in full-size pickups. So, to help counter this, and for the first time, an inline-six turbo-diesel is joining the light duty Silverado 1500 line-up. 

Power is served up by a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel producing 277-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That’s a bit more horsepower but a bit less torque than the 2020 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel.

As we hit the road in Oregon a 10-speed automatic smoothly called the shots.

Moreover, the new inline Duramax snatches the truck fuel economy crown from the rival Ford 150 Power Stroke Diesel V6, setting a new pickup record of 33 MPG Highway.

Payload is 1870-pounds with a 9300-pound towing capacity. Technology is now a big part of towing. Cameras help make trailer hook up a breeze, while Adaptive cruise control makes breezing down the highway less intense. 

Expect the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3.0-liter Duramax to be comparably priced to the Ford F-150 diesel at around $42,000 to start when they arrive in dealers in September.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0 liter
  • Horsepower: 277
  • Price: Starting around $42,000