2020 vs 2015 2500hd

94yj · February 23, 2020

i am thinking about upgrading to the 20 model and wanted to ask how the 2020 models better than the older 2015 silverado 2500hd all opinions greatly appreciated also one other question is the gmc any better than the chevrolet as the only thing i see different is the cosmetics and badging

Edited February 23, 2020 by 94yj

Sniperdan · February 23, 2020

40 minutes ago, 94yj said:

i am thinking about upgrading to the 20 model and wanted to ask how the 2020 models better than the older 2015 silverado 2500hd all opinions greatly appreciated also one other question is the gmc any better than the chevrolet as the only thing i see different is the cosmetics and badging

There are many differences between those 2 years, here are some of the main ones: The 2020 has a 10 Speed Transmission vs 6 spd on the 2015. Also has larger rear differential. More HP and Torque, better cooling system. All this adds up to much higher payload and tow rating.

As for the difference between Chev and GMC it is all cosmetic, the running gear is all the same.

Edited February 23, 2020 by Sniperdan

94yj · February 23, 2020

1 hour ago, Sniperdan said:

There are many differences between those 2 years, here are some of the main ones: The 2020 has a 10 Speed Transmission vs 6 spd on the 2015. Also has larger rear differential. More HP and Torque, better cooling system. All this adds up to much higher payload and tow rating.

As for the difference between Chev and GMC it is all cosmetic, the running gear is all the same.

thanks i forgot to mention the truck i have now and the one i will be getting will be a gas engine as i do to much idle time for a diesel

Sniperdan · February 23, 2020

4 minutes ago, 94yj said:

thanks i forgot to mention the truck i have now and the one i will be getting will be a gas engine as i do to much idle time for a diesel

I can't really speak for the running gear on the gassers. There is a new 6.6L V-8 though with a 6 speed transmission that should be a big improvement over the 2015 but I am afraid I haven't done any research on the gassers.

Dunn · February 23, 2020

more hp and torque on 6.6 vs 6.0.....I am a gas engine guy and would rather have the 6.6, so I would look at 2020 over 19 for sure....probably not too hard to improve that either......ride quality as well from hearing others.....plus it just is bad ass looking truck!.....

would be nice if they could offer better gearing tho and maybe the 10 speed tranny.....

really don't understand the 10k upgrade for diesel even though I don't want or need one.....maybe 5k but even that is pushing it.....

Edited February 23, 2020 by Dunn

jaybauman · February 23, 2020

I recently upgraded from a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax Denali to a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax AT4. Both were equipped with the standard (i.e. short) box size.

Overall, the 2020 is a better truck, but there are a few regressions. Notably, I miss the adjustable floor pedals and the quick-release tilt wheel. With a longer wheelbase and sharper turning angles, the new one handles quite a bit differently in tight spaces.

But the benefits far outweigh the negatives. The new mirrors are phenomenal, both side mirrors and the rearview camera “mirror”. There are absolutely no blind spots on this behemoth. The built-in cameras (plus the additional trailer-mounted one) really aid when towing large trailers. The integrated trailer tire pressure monitors are easy to setup and seamlessly integrate into the truck’s electronics.

The new engine/transmission combo is light years ahead of my 2015’s drivetrain. I see some guys complaining that the 10-speed likes to switch gears too frequently (especially when towing), but I haven’t had that experience. The new transmission shifts much more smoothly (perhaps because gear ratios are closer together?) so I’m rarely aware of the shifts. The really low first gear (only available in tow-haul mode) is really nice when pulling a heavy trailer from stop; I can drag my RV out of the gravel with far less “jerking”.

One thing I really like about the new ones is something I haven’t really heard much chatter on: The steering wheel is now centered with the driver seat and the 2 armrests sit pretty much at the same height. I find that this makes for a much more comfortable driving experience, especially when sitting for a few hours. And, finally, the kids have a lot more legroom in the back seat of the much-longer crew cab.

artie2908 · February 23, 2020

20 hours ago, 94yj said:

i am thinking about upgrading to the 20 model and wanted to ask how the 2020 models better than the older 2015 silverado 2500hd all opinions greatly appreciated also one other question is the gmc any better than the chevrolet as the only thing i see different is the cosmetics and badging

Offhand I can think of two differences between the 2020 Silverado 2500 and the 2020 Sierra 2500-- the headlights on the Sierrra are LED vs halogen on the Silerado and the multi-pro tailgate is available only on the Sierra. but as stated earlier the drivetrains and suspensions are the same.

migrabill · February 24, 2020

difference between chevy and GMC is not ALL cosmetic. Chevy doesnt' have that Multi Pro Tailgate.

Sniperdan · February 24, 2020

1 hour ago, migrabill said:

difference between chevy and GMC is not ALL cosmetic. Chevy doesnt' have that Multi Pro Tailgate.

That is true. The offset is that GMC does not have the power up option for the tailgate. I guess in my head, I would still consider that cosmetic though.

Wbrisett · February 25, 2020

On 2/23/2020 at 9:50 AM, jaybauman said:

The new engine/transmission combo is light years ahead of my 2015’s drivetrain. I see some guys complaining that the 10-speed likes to switch gears too frequently (especially when towing), but I haven’t had that experience. The new transmission shifts much more smoothly (perhaps because gear ratios are closer together?) so I’m rarely aware of the shifts. The really low first gear (only available in tow-haul mode) is really nice when pulling a heavy trailer from stop; I can drag my RV out of the gravel with far less “jerking”.

I also moved from a 2015 to a 2020 (both also diesels), and have to agree 100% with all of Jay's statements, but mostly this one about the new transmission. I find it perfect for towing and don't notice any shifting. It just seems to work. I've posted a thread about what I like and things I would like to see improvements in, all of these are coming from a 2015 to the 2020, so that thread might give you some insight into things as well.

CRApex · February 25, 2020

On 2/23/2020 at 5:17 PM, artie2908 said:

Offhand I can think of two differences between the 2020 Silverado 2500 and the 2020 Sierra 2500-- the headlights on the Sierrra are LED vs halogen on the Silerado and the multi-pro tailgate is available only on the Sierra. but as stated earlier the drivetrains and suspensions are the same.

Actually my Silverado High Country HD has LED lights. The Silverado HC also has a power open and close tailgate that is not available with the multi-pro gate.

Carolina · February 25, 2020

On 2/23/2020 at 4:50 AM, jaybauman said:

I recently upgraded from a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax Denali to a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax AT4. Both were equipped with the standard (i.e. short) box size.

Overall, the 2020 is a better truck, but there are a few regressions. Notably, I miss the adjustable floor pedals and the quick-release tilt wheel. With a longer wheelbase and sharper turning angles, the new one handles quite a bit differently in tight spaces.

But the benefits far outweigh the negatives. The new mirrors are phenomenal, both side mirrors and the rearview camera “mirror”. There are absolutely no blind spots on this behemoth. The built-in cameras (plus the additional trailer-mounted one) really aid when towing large trailers. The integrated trailer tire pressure monitors are easy to setup and seamlessly integrate into the truck’s electronics.

The new engine/transmission combo is light years ahead of my 2015’s drivetrain. I see some guys complaining that the 10-speed likes to switch gears too frequently (especially when towing), but I haven’t had that experience. The new transmission shifts much more smoothly (perhaps because gear ratios are closer together?) so I’m rarely aware of the shifts. The really low first gear (only available in tow-haul mode) is really nice when pulling a heavy trailer from stop; I can drag my RV out of the gravel with far less “jerking”.

One thing I really like about the new ones is something I haven’t really heard much chatter on: The steering wheel is now centered with the driver seat and the 2 armrests sit pretty much at the same height. I find that this makes for a much more comfortable driving experience, especially when sitting for a few hours. And, finally, the kids have a lot more legroom in the back seat of the much-longer crew cab.