2020 GMC Sierra Owner Says, “I Wish I Would Have Bought a Chevy Silverado, or Previous-Gen Sierra, These Fenders Are Weirdly Shaped and Have Big Gaps”

For one 2020 GMC Sierra owner, those striking new fenders aren't turning heads—they're sparking serious regret and a wish he'd bought a Chevy Silverado instead.

Does the New Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra Look "Weirdly Shaped?"

I saw a direct question from Cameron Hughes on the 2019 - 2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook page that cuts right to the heart of the matter for thousands of GM truck owners:

He says, "Now I wish I had gotten a Chevy Silverado or the previous body style GMC Sierra. I don't love how these fenders are weirdly shaped. There are big gaps towards the rear and a much smaller gap towards the front of the rear fenders."

The T1XX Truck Paradox: Function Over Form

The uneven wheel gap and high rear fender on the 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra (T1XX platform) are not a design flaw, but an engineering compromise prioritizing utility.

Key Reason: Maximum Capacity

The noticeable gap is a necessary design choice to prevent the suspension from bottoming out (squatting) at the truck's maximum payload or towing limit. This is known as a factory "rake" (rear higher than the front).

• Function: The large space is a capacity waiting to be used. It ensures stability and prevents headlights from aiming high when the bed is loaded with significant weight (e.g., 1,500 lbs).
• Form: For daily drivers without constant heavy loads, this functional necessity results in the aesthetically polarizing "nose high" or "stink bug" look.

Styling vs. Engineering

The squared-off amplifies the aesthetic issue, aggressive fender arches introduced on the T1XX, which visually emphasize the high wheel well clearance compared to the more rounded K2XX (2014-2018) body style. While the styling is polarizing, the T1XX platform offers superior chassis rigidity, refinement, and technology.

How to Improve Aesthetics

Since most owners use their trucks as daily drivers, these are the most common ways to correct the factory rake:

• Leveling Kits: Raise the front suspension by about 2 to 2.5 inches to match the rear height. This is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.
• Bigger Tires: Visually reduce the gap by replacing stock tires with a slightly larger size, such as 33-inch or 34-inch options.
• Suspension Overhaul: Install adjustable coilovers and consider rear airbags to maintain a level stance when empty, while still compensating for heavy loads.

What the Community is Saying

The feedback on GM's T1XX design choices is consistent across all platforms. Here's a snapshot of the discussion:

• YouTube Commenter: "Dude, the front fender cut-off is just weird. It looks like they chopped off the wheel well halfway through. I had to put a 2.5-inch level just to kill that 'stink bug' stance. $200 fix for a $60k truck."
• Reddit User (r/Silverado): "My main complaint on my '22 refresh is the huge hockey stick flare on the rear fenders. It looks okay from some angles, but that giant space between the tire and the fender lip is what kills the profile. Functional, maybe, but ugly for a daily driver."
• Quora Respondent: "The gap difference is intentional, related to GM's focus on max towing and payload. They engineer the truck to look level when fully loaded. Unfortunately, for 90% of commuters, it gives the appearance of a permanent factory rake. So yes, it's a feature, not a bug, but it's a polarizing design choice."

The Final Word and Related Reading

Cameron's wish that he'd gone with the previous body style is understandable, but don't let a fender gap overshadow the T1XX's true capabilities. You own a modern, powerful, and technologically advanced machine. The key is recognizing the gap is a feature for the heavy hauling it was designed for, and then using the aftermarket (leveling kits, bigger rubber) to dial in the look you want for your day-to-day driving.

As a Torque News Senior Reporter covering GM Truck complaints, I provide context and solutions, and I hope this comprehensive look gives you the confidence to address the aesthetic issue head-on.

Related Torque News Stories from Denis Flierl:

• Why a Silverado Owner Swapped His 5.3L V8 for the Duramax and Regretted It
• I Had My 2019 Chevy Silverado Trans Flushed & New Filter at 72K For Harsh Shifting: What Owners Need to Know
• My 2022 Chevy Silverado Passed the L87 Recall With Flying Red, White, and Blues: Are We All On Borrowed Time?

Now, I want to hear from you, the owner community:

If you corrected the factory rake on your Silverado or Sierra, what was the single best modification you made, and did it truly change how you feel about your truck? Let me know in the comments below.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Cameron Hughes