Overview & Reviews

Though "HD" is a fixture in our digital-age parlance, rest assured that the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD does not, in fact, involve a television. In this case we're talking about the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." The Silverado 2500HD is a true workhorse meant for big-league towing and hauling tasks, even if the latest model does offer an HD-quality 8-inch touchscreen.

Indeed, the current-generation Silverado 2500HD has easily the nicest interior yet. For years, Chevy trucks were rebuked for their lackluster cabins filled with hard plastics and poor fit and finish, but this criticism now only applies to earlier 2500HD models. Nonetheless, it will always be this truck's durability and tremendous workaday capabilities that keep generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. For an intermediate heavy-duty pickup, new or used, it's hard to go wrong with the Silverado 2500HD.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The current Silverado 2500HD has been redesigned for the 2015 model year. It borrows its vastly improved interior from the latest Silverado 1500; similarly, its numerous new features and revised exterior styling are inspired by its lighter-duty sibling. Like the previous 2500HD, the current model is available in regular-, extended- or crew cab body styles, with a long or short cargo box and rear- or four-wheel drive. Note that the extended cab is now known as the "double cab" and employs four conventional doors (like a smaller crew cab) rather than the former reverse-opening rear doors.

The powertrain options carry over from the previous generation, meaning a 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque comes standard. As before, a "bi-fuel" option allows this V8 to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), with CNG output dropping to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft. Either way, a six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting. The available diesel engine is the familiar 6.6-liter Duramax V8 (397 hp, 765 lb-ft), paired with an exclusive Allison six-speed automatic.

The double and crew cab body styles are offered in three trim levels -- Work Truck, LT and LTZ -- while the regular cab can only be had in Work Truck and LT trims. In terms of standard equipment, the Work Truck gets a few unprecedented perks, such as cloth upholstery, cruise control and an audio system with a 4.2-inch color display and USB connectivity. It also continues to provide basics like a front bench seat, steel wheels, a tilt-only steering wheel and air-conditioning. The LT adds alloy wheels, tinted glass, heated power mirrors, an "EZ-Lift and Lower" tailgate, OnStar, MyLink smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio. The LTZ boasts larger wheels, foglights, extended chrome trim, an automatic locking rear differential, a power-sliding rear window, towing preparation, leather upholstery (with optional power front bucket seats), heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera and an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen.

As usual, some of the fancier standard features can be added to lower trims as options. Other extras include power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio and the Z71 Off-Road package with special suspension components. A new offering is the High Country package, which emulates high-end rival models with saddle-brown leather and basically every premium feature in the order guide. The 2500HD also gains high-tech safety options like lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert.

With its carryover engines, the latest Silverado 2500HD offers only incremental progress on the towing and hauling fronts. Of course, the previous model was already an absolute beast, so it makes sense that Chevy would focus on other areas. In particular, the interior is a revolutionary improvement -- even the Work Truck dashboard looks respectable now, while the LTZ's leather trim and 8-inch touchscreen would do a luxury SUV proud. We used to bag on the 2500HD for its chintzy cabin, but now it's fully competitive in this respect. We also like the new double cab with its four normal doors; it's a "Why didn't they think of that before?" kind of idea. Throw in the epic, time-tested Duramax diesel, and you've got an all-around winner that's hard to beat. Things change quickly in this segment, though, so be sure to keep tabs on the latest from Ford and Ram as well.

Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Models
The previous-generation Silverado 2500HD was produced for the 2007-'14 model years with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 initially rated at 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 made 365 hp and 660 lb-ft. The gas V8 inched up to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft for 2010; meanwhile, the Duramax was overhauled for 2011 with 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. All 2500HD models of this generation were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the diesel got a stronger one (not that the standard unit was exactly a weakling) with manual shift control.

For 2013 and '14 only, buyers could add a bi-fuel option that allows the 6.0-liter V8 to run on either gasoline or CNG. When operating with CNG, power output drops to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.

This Silverado 2500HD offered three different cab designs -- regular, extended and crew -- until 2014, when the extended cab was dropped. The extended cab utilized a traditional "clamshell" design with reverse-opening rear doors. There were three trim levels: Work Truck, LT and LTZ. The Work Truck started with basics like manual accessories and vinyl seating, though air-conditioning was also made standard as of 2011. The LT added luxuries like chrome exterior trim, alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, cloth upholstery and upgraded audio, with optional dual-zone automatic climate control and front bucket seats. The fancy LTZ threw in the LT's standard and optional features plus leather upholstery, Bose audio, keyless entry and ignition, an upgraded dashboard, heated power front seats and rear audio controls. Options included a rear-seat entertainment system, a sunroof, a navigation system and the Z71 Off-Road package.

In an Edmunds.com comparison test of heavy-duty pickups, the mechanically identical GMC Sierra HD of this generation came out on top against its Dodge and Ford competitors. Though we found its cabin less inviting than the others, the recently revised frame, suspension and diesel engine proved hard to beat. As such, a used Silverado 2500HD from this era makes for a great used truck. Its capabilities remain formidable, and depreciation can deliver one to your driveway for a fraction of what it cost new.

Even though its appearance remained largely unchanged, this 2500HD saw some significant changes during its run. The 2011 model received a stronger, fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components and additional electronic aids, so that's something to keep in mind when looking at previous years. As noted above, the engines were also updated along the way. Other changes were minor, including an optional rearview camera for 2009 and hard-drive-based functionality for the navigation system in 2011.

The preceding Silverado 2500HD was sold from 2001-'06 in configurations much like those of its successors. It lived on for one additional year in '07 as the "Classic." These trucks came in standard, Work Truck (after 2003), LS and LT trim levels. The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. There were two optional engines: an 8.1-liter gasoline V8 producing 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel producing 300 hp and 520 lb-ft. This diesel was upgraded in 2006 for more power (360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque), added refinement and fewer emissions. These engines carried over for the Classic.

A five-speed manual transmission was standard with the 6.0-liter V8, with a four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter diesel came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, which became a six-speed for 2006.

As with subsequent Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models, we were impressed at the time by this generation's powerful engine lineup and substantial towing and hauling abilities. It was a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but it predictably lacked the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines will provide capable acceleration and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially the more powerful Duramax from '06. Our principal beef concerned the subpar interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, including notable updates for '03, but it was never quite up to snuff.

Prior to this, Chevrolet heavy-duty pickups ran from 1988-2000 and were simply known as the 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton). In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive (indicated by a "C", e.g. "C2500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K2500 trucks included the base Cheyenne and top-line Silverado, which changed to base and LS for 1999. Strengths of these trucks include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.

User Reviews:

• 

  Bills new 2004 Chev - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Bill Craig - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I was impressed the first time I drove this truck by the smothness of the 2500 HD 4 wheel drive. Much improved over previous models ride. Although the truck still has less than 700 miles I have notice that the gas mileage is improving as the miles add up. The progamable features which allow custom features is much better than the fixed features of earlier models. Power and towing is impressive. I have towed my John Deere tractor (6000 lb + 2500 trailer) up an gravel road incline on my ranch and the truck did not show any signs of slipage of the transmission or lack of torque from the engine.

• 

  2500HD LS GOOD TO GO - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By CU on the highway - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned 3 chevys and the 2500HD is leaps and bounds above the rest. Before purchasing the 2500HD, I seriously looked at and test drove the Ford and Dodge trucks. Chevrolet is in a class by itself (which is above Ford and Dodge). Nice ride, plenty of power, nice interior and the exterior looks great. Great move by chevy with the "real" information center, bose stereo system and the roomy and "very comfortable" back seat.

• 

  Duramax Desiel - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Dustin Frieler - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love all of the power that the duramax has and the comfort of Leather

• 

  Duramaxd Diesel with the full Banks Kit - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Duramax Diesel - January 24 - 8:00 am

  This truck is plenty powerful on its own with the Duramax Diesel. Tons of torque, a great ride and built tougher than any other truck out there. Lots of room inside. I had the full Banks system added over time (chip, exhaust, Six-Gun and Speed Loader) and this truck is faster, stronger and better than I could have imagined. I get a combined 18MPG and I put the miles on this beast in all the worst driving conditions. My acceleration is amazing. You CANNOT go wrong with the Duramax diesel and the Alison transmission. It will stand up to anything you throw at it.

• 

  Too Many Repairs - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Kurt - January 9 - 3:46 am

  I bought this vehicle with the greatest of expectations. Duramax iesel, Allison trans. what a dream. It turned into a nightmare. The Injectors have been replaced 2 times, it seems that every time I turn around it is breaking. Heater, speedometer, transmision, the list and $$ go on and on, and this was all under 60000 miles but over the 36000 mile warranty. I have always been a GM corporation fan. They have always been good to me. This one makes me want to say GM you need a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper or Im going to Toyota, Sorry. I hate to disrespect one of my idols but they just dont seem to have the quality or dependability I demand. So GM here it is 100,000 bumper/bumper or adios

• 

  Lousy - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Skags - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a lousy vehicle. Should have bought a Ford. From being four inches higher to a six speed manual transmission that is virtually impossible to use to a crack under the center seat which lets things fall onto the floor to annoying reflection from the radio lights on the rear window, this truck is totally unworthy of the name Chevrolet. Its no wonder sales are down 27%.

• 

  Bad Mistake - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Ross - December 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought my 08 2500hd 6.0 L used with 4k miles. It seemed really nice. Was told another dealership owned and went out of business. This pickup is a pile of CRAP, nice interior and exterior, but I buy vehicles for them to work. Horrible fuel mileage 12 max no matter what you are doing! Everything rattles, ride is so rough and loud. My 02 1500 5.3 L had more power and got same mpg pulling as 08 2500hd but way less empty. Not impressed with dealer either, cant even get in to get worked on. What a joke. I am going to buy back my 02 with 100k, 10 times the truck.

• 

  2010 Silverado HD - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Rob - December 2 - 2:53 am

  I love the truck just not the mileage. I am looking into buying an Edge Programmer and some K&N induction to try and help it.

• 

  Great Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Chevroletman - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The silverado is one tough truck. It is full of power. I love it!

• 

  Great 03 Silverado - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By JJG - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck with 8,000 miles on it and still cant figure out why it was turned back. Its the most comfortable truck Ive ever owned and the difference between it and my 2002 3500 Silverado are significant. Chevy worked on the basics for the 2001 and 2002s but refined the beast in 03. This was/is my wifes truck and at 110lbs, has no trouble getting around and enjoys being Queen of the road. The Duramx/Allison combination is perfection and POWER!