By Kodiak or Silverado 4500, it is up to the company if they will name it with an old name. It is understandable – Silverado is much more popular, so the GM will try to make better market results with this nameplate. However, the 2020 Chevy Kodiak is still a possibility. Well, models of 4500 / 5500 / 6500 commercial trucks are here after ten years, and Chevrolet will need all available support to be competitive with Ford F-650 and F-750, or Ram 4500 and 5500 models.
The last time we saw Chevy producing medium-duty trucks, it was in the previous decade. Back then, this was the Kodiak. The model had three generations in 30-year production. In 2007 the company decided to discontinue the lineup. GM searched for a partner to remain in the market, but they didn’t find a suitable offer. Now, we will see the 2020 Chevy Kodiak as a product of cooperation between General Motors and Navistar International.
2020 Chevy Kodiak vs Navistar CV
The 2020 Chevy Kodiak is not going to have a twin in GMC lineup. Most Chevrolet’s SUVs and trucks are rebadged and launched within the same company. Now, it seems like General Motors will not use the same recipe. Instead, Kodiak will have a twin in Navistar’s new CV truck. The company announced a debut of models for series 4 and 5. Silverado will be available for Series 6 of medium-duty trucks as well. Who knows, Navistar can always update the lineup.
2020 Chevy Kodiak Specs
General Motors will update the powertrain lineup for the next season. Currently, it is certain that under the bonnet of the 2020 Chevy Kodiak will be a turbodiesel unit. The Duramax engine is capable to tow a lot. It is reliable and durable. That is all a truck like Kodiak needs. A 6.6-liter displacement can create 450 hp and 930 lb-ft of torque. Such output allows models that use this drivetrain to tow over 23,000 pounds. Of course, special configuration is needed. A 5th-wheel setup and gooseneck system will maximize the towing capacity of the new 2020 Kodiak. Regular 10-speed gearbox can’t stand so much power and torque. So, GM and Duramax are getting a special transmission by Allison. A six-speed case box will transfer power to rear wheels.
Petrol Engines
We could see the 2020 Chevy Kodiak with petrol drivetrains as well. We can take a look at heavy-duty segment of Silverado’s lineup. There, we can find a very powerful engine. It is a 6.0-liter V8 drivetrain that is capable to create 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Here, a ten-speed transmission is sending power to wheels. Dual rear wheel setup is not available here, which results in weaker towing capacity. With petrol engines, owners of the new Kodiak can haul 15,000 pounds. Gooseneck system will allow extra 500 pounds.
2020 Chevy Kodiak Official MSRP
General Motors already announced the pricing for Silverado 4500 / Kodiak truck. Without too many changes, the cost of the medium-duty model will remain the same. That means the offer will start at $48,000. Add around $1,000 for additional destination costs and other expenditures. Upper trim levels, Silverado 5500 and Silverado 6500 will go above $50,000. The most expensive version will start just shy of $55k.
2020 Chevy Kodiak Features
Well, the 2020 Chevy Kodiak will borrow a lot of equipment and parts from its smaller stablemates. At first place, there is the MultiPro tailgate. This feature allows you to set up the rear in accordance with cargo size. Oversized items can be secured easily with one of six positions of the MultiPro gate. What’s more, the tailgate can serve as a working station. Special bed liner will cover the floor of the box. Lights, safety gear, and small storage compartments are part of the bed.
Inside the cabin, buyers can find standard features such as MyLink Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services. Well, the working mule is not going to offer too many of these items, since its utility is the priority. Still, six-speaker audio is standard. Additional packages can upgrade it to a premium system with more speakers and surround sound. Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports are there, as well as the CD/MP3 player. A large. The 8-inch display is at the center of a dashboard.
Upper trim levels of the 2020 Chevy Kodiak will bring premium equipment. At first place, there are going to be heated and ventilated seats. The leather is again optional and more expensive addition. Zonal climate control and keyless functions will make a life of a trucker easier. On the other hand, such features boost both driving impression and the price. The high-end models are offering rear-seat entertaining system, moonroof, and more safety features.
Is Chevrolet TopKick Coming Back Too?
If the 2020 Chevy Kodiak becomes reality, the company could bring back a TopKick too. Well, these two trucks are sharing the destiny for a long time. Both arrived back in 1980, they had three generations, and their production ended at the same time. Now, when Chevrolet is back in the medium-duty class, we could see another comeback. The 2020 Kodiak will replace Silverado 4500, while the Chevy TopKick is a successor for the Series 5 truck – Silverado 5500. Rumors about the TopKick are quiet, but gossips about Kodiak lightened stories about its closest sibling. Differences will be minor and these two trucks will continue to share good and bad moments.
2020 Chevy Kodiak Competition
As for the heavy-duty segment, GM faces the competition from its major rivals – Ford and FCA. Series 4, 5, and 6 of medium-duty models are new, and F-series in Ford’s lineup is currently best-selling units. Ram is also in the game with the complete squad for 2020 season – 4500, 5500, and 6500. Nissan Titan XD could be considered as a rival for Silverado 2500, but it is way behind light-duty tier. No other Japanese truck company is planning to enter the market where Chevy Kodiak is heading.
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