Silverado not only has delivered a long-lasting and dependable powerhouse pickup, but a truck that can do any job.
There is a dynamic duo under the hood of the 2500—the available Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 and the 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. There are 397 horsepower and a 765 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood.
Now there are other choices: A standard 360 hp Vortec 6.0L gasoline engine with variable valve timing (VVT). This E85-capable V8 is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6-speed transmission. This transmission has a “steep” first gear that maximizes acceleration and a “tall” overdrive top gear for a quieter ride. The third engine option is a 6.0L bi-fuel V8, which can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas.
The Silverado HD is built on a massive, fully boxed steel frame. This allows you to haul a maximum payload of 4,306 pounds (2500HD) and 7,374 pounds (3500HD). Now don’t look for this boxed frame on either the Ford-250 or F-350.
The front suspension offers precision-matched, forged upper control arms and torsion bars. This, combined with a larger steering gear, enables Silverado to have a front axle weight rating of up to 5,600 pounds.
A rear vision camera allows you to hook up a trailer easily. The display is integrated into the rearview mirror or the available navigation system. Once you are hooked up, the standard tow/haul mode will adjust the shift schedule on the auto transmission, allowing you to use the optimal gear while towing or hauling.
The 2500HD can tow a maximum of 14,500 pounds for conventional trailering and 17,900 pounds for fifth-wheel trailering. For models with the diesel V8 and Allison transmission, Auto Grade Braking is another great standard feature. It automatically downshifts the transmission to help slow the truck—and give you more control—while descending long, steep, grades. This works together with Diesel Exhaust Brake to reduce the amount of conventional braking needed while towing or traveling downhill.
The StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control is a system that works to keep your vehicle and trailer on the path by sensing a loss of lateral traction and then responding by adjusting the engine output and brakes accordingly.
When you are pulling on hilly terrain, Hill Start assist holds the truck stationary for about a second or two after the brake is released. This gives you time to accelerate before the truck can roll backward.
The spacious, comfortable, cabin offers room for everything and everybody. There are large center, front, and rear storage areas and a one-hand flip up rear bench seat on the crew cab and extended cab models.
On the LTZ model you have heated and cooled leather-appointed front bucket seats with 12-way power adjusters.
Power adjustable pedals help you to find the perfect driving position. It is standard on the LTZ and available on the LT model. Dual-zone automatic climate is also standard on the LTZ and available on the LT. This system provides customized comfort for everyone in the front seats of the cabin.
OnStar Direction and Connections Plan connects you immediately to a personal assistant for help. You can connect to Turn-by-Turn Navigation with voice-guided directions at the touch of a button. The first six months of service is standard. There is also an available touch screen navigation system that displays maps and other information.
The Bluetooth feature makes and answers calls so you don’t need to take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
The Wi-Fi feature gives you internet connection for multiple devices simultaneously through the truck and up to 150 feet away.
Prices: Silverado 2500HD starts at $31,310, plus $1,095 dealer freight charge, for 2WD regular cab model. The 2500HD crew cab prices start at $35,095 for 2WD and $38,050 for 4WD, plus $1,095 dealer freight.
Warranty
3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
3-year/36,000 mile corrosion warranty
5-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty
5-year/100,000 mile roadside assistant and courtesy transportation
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
