Overview

Chevy Silverado HD trucks are the perfect partner for hardworking Americans. They're built to handle heavy loads and can tow up to 36,000 pounds with their available Duramax diesel engine. So whether you're moving mountains of dirt or hauling large equipment, the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD will get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Silverado HDs in High Country trim have a lot of macho capability that can't be left at work, and they're still able to clean up pretty well. They come in single-, double-, or four-door crew-cab styles and can be ordered with rear- or four-wheel drive. There are also five bed length options ranging from 11.8 feet to 14.3 feet long. A 401 horsepower 6.6 liter V-8 engine is standard, and it's connected to a six speed automatic transmission

The 445-hp Duramax diesel is available as an option and is a 6.6-liter V-8, utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ram HD's cabin quality surpasses the Silverado HD in excellence; however, the Chevy has a more affordable base price along with increased towing capacity from the gas powertrain.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD come with a standard gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 that has 401 horsepower and 464 pound feet of torque. It has a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V8 is the carryover from the previous generation and it still makes 445 horsepower but now 910 pound feet of torque thanks to an Allison 10 speed automatic transmission . You can get these engines with rear or four wheel drive, and each one works with either the single or dual rear axle..

We took both engine types for a spin in the mountains while hauling several tons, and we were very pleased with their power. The gas engine and six-speed automatic shifted well to keep the truck's speed steady going up inclines, which is vital when you're pulling a load behind you. That said, if you regularly tow heavy loads, the Duramax option is definitely the way to go.

Chevy's Silverado is confident and capable, designed for truckers who need to move mountains. The electric-assist system gives the driver a high level of control, while the lack of steering accuracy may be offset by the smooth ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the EPA doesn't test vehicles as heavy as the Silverado HD and its colossal competitors, we can only judge their real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. We tested the Silverado 2500HD with the gasoline 6.6-liter V-8, and it earned 14 mpg on the highway. For comparison, we tested an F-250 with the gas-fed 6.2-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission, and it returned 15 mpg in the same test. The diesel Silverado 2500HD managed 19 mpg on the highway, as did the Ram 2500 we last tested.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Silverado HD is available with a host of driver-assistance technology, and there are several trailer-specific assists that make towing easier. There's even a useful multiview camera system that includes a transparent mode that makes maneuvering in parking lots and merging onto the highway easier when towing by allowing the driver to virtually see through the trailer. For more information about the Silverado HD's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Is the Chevy Silverado 2500 reliable?

We expect the 2023 Silverado 2500HD will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020, 2021 and 2022 models.

Will the 2023 Silverado 2500 be redesigned?

The Chevrolet Silverado HD is expected to receive minor changes and updates for the 2023 model year.