Chevrolet Silverado 2500

The Silverado 2500 HD is a heavy-duty full-size pickup. In Chevrolet’s lineup of full-size trucks, it slots between the light-duty Silverado 1500 and the even more robust Silverado 3500 HD. The 2500 HD comes in three main cab styles: the two-door, three-seat regular cab; the four-door, six-seat extended cab, which in 2015 became the double cab; and the roomiest of them all, the four-door, six-seat crew cab. Both the extended/double cab and the crew cab are available with either a 6.5-foot standard bed or an 8-ft long bed, while the regular cab pairs solely with the long bed. Properly equipped, the 2500 HD can haul up to 3979 pounds of payload and tow up to 18,500 lbs. Notably, a dual-rear-wheel axle (aka a “dually’) is not available on the 2500 HD; however, it is offered on the 3500 HD.

The Silverado 2500 HD comes standard with a gasoline-powered V8 engine, which produces 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque in 2019 and earlier models. In 2020, it was enlarged from 6.0 to 6.6 liters, increasing output to 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. The gas V8 pairs solely with a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, which Chevy calls Duramax. In 2016 and earlier models, it pumps out 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, and it got a significant boost in 2017 to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. The Duramax engine was backed by a heavy-duty six-speed automatic until the 2020 model year, when it was paired instead with a 10-speed unit made by Allison Transmission. Power is routed to the rear wheels on the 2500 HD unless the truck is equipped with optional four-wheel drive. No hybrid or electric versions have been produced so far.

Chevrolet offers the Silverado 2500 HD in five trims: the bare-bones Work Truck (WT), the slightly upgraded Custom (which first appeared in 2020), the mid-level LT, the well-equipped LTZ, and the range-topping High Country (which debuted in 2015). The WT offers little in the way of creature comforts but does at least come with air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. In 2018, it also gained a standard 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with a rearview camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Custom trim adds cloth upholstery, power-adjustable side mirrors, cruise control, and keyless entry. The LT further includes alloy wheels, a carpeted floor, and (as of 2016) an upgraded 8.0-inch center touchscreen. Meanwhile, the LTZ comes standard with a trailering package, remote start, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 110-volt power outlet. Opting for the top-tier High Country gains you several high-end goodies, including ventilated front seats, navigation, power-adjustable pedals, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose audio system. Some notable options on the 2500 HD include lane-departure warning (first available in 2015), forward collision mitigation (2020), a trailering camera system (2021), and the Z71 off-road package, which adds skid plates, beefier suspension components, and hill-descent control.