In the world of pickup trucks, there comes a time when one must move mountains and make the earth shake. This is where a truck followed by the words “heavy-duty” is needed and often utilized to its fullest potential. Nothing else will do when the odds are stacked against you, and this is where the 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD can be that sign of relief when it feels like all the chips are down. Possessing unmatched performance and hauling capabilities that make any workload look minuscule, this is what they mean when they say, “you need the right tool for the right job.”
Heavy-duty trucks have become a staple for any worker who needs their vehicle to provide extra muscle to get through the day or anyone who needs a little more power to tow their trailer on vacation. In fact, there are a ton of ways you can utilize a heavy-duty truck. However, you might not necessarily need the most powerful heavy-duty option out there. The Silverado 2500 HD sits in that perfect sweet spot between the appealing 1500 and powerful 3500 HD. You may need a little more power than a Silverado 1500 can muster, but not quite as much as the Silverado 3500 HD has, which makes the Silverado 2500 HD just right.
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We’re starting with what makes the Silverado 2500 HD such a powerhouse and a workhorse—its engine performance. A truck such as this doesn’t believe in being runner-up, and to that end, Chevy has equipped the Silverado 2500 HD with two unique engines that are up to any task you put before it. (And we do mean any task.)
The standard engine for the Silverado 2500 HD is what happens when low speed, high output, and top-tier performance are melded together. While it’s still a relatively new engine, making its debut in 2020, it's already earned its stripes as one of the most formidable weapons in GM’s arsenal. The 6.6L V8 possesses a horsepower rating of 401 and generates an impressive 464 lb-ft of torque. Both of these feats are done at relatively low engine speeds (5200 & 4000 RPMs, respectively), and Chevy equips this workhorse with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, Chevy has never been known to rest on its laurels when it comes to offering maximum performance. Ever since the introduction of Duramax, the diesel-fueled engine has been given a resurrection and one that continues to defy all expectations. Paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance, this diesel dynamo generates 445 horsepower. And when it comes to doing more with less, it can generate a mind-blowing 910 lb-ft of torque.
The first-rate performance of the Silverado 2500 is impressive and silences any critics who might have doubted Chevy’s abilities. Even though these are engines built for towing, trailering, hauling, and helping, they’re still capable of being quick on the draw for those moments that call for it. Traveling from zero to 60 mph in a little over six seconds flat, you’ll have no issues crossing the finish line ahead of your competitors–once the working day is done, of course.
While we would normally organize towing and payload with performance, we know that the Silverado 2500 is a vehicle whose capabilities deserve a category of their own. The towing and payload capacity of the Silverado 2500 varies upon what engine you choose to utilize and if your truck is properly equipped. Both engines are more than capable of helping you accomplish a hard day’s work, and we’re going to want to look at each one and the work it can accomplish for you.
If you opt to utilize the Silverado 2500 with a gasoline-powered V8, you’ll have plenty of towing prowess to take advantage of. So, while this engine has a little less towing power than the diesel variant, it still has a respectable 17,370-pound maximum rating. Remember, this rating is assuming that the truck is properly configured. However, while the gas engine isn't the most powerful when it comes to towing, it more than makes up for it with the maximum payload rating. When properly configured, this engine can haul up to 3,979 pounds of payload. Essentially, if you find yourself hauling lots of dirt, gravel, or tools in the bed during the day more than you are hitching up something to tow, you'll want to consider a Silverado 2500 HD with this engine.
For the Silverado 2500 equipped with a Duramax Turbo Diesel, the towing limitations are expanded, and the most arduous tasks can be accomplished with relative ease. A properly equipped crew cab powered by a Duramax possesses a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 pounds. This is a considerable bit more than the gas engine gives you, so if towing is the main name of your game, the diesel option will be the one for you. Don't worry, though; while not as good as the gas engine, the payload capacity of the diesel is still impressive, with the ability to haul up to 3,715 pounds.
How much you plan on towing vs how much you will use your payload capacity should be something to carefully consider when choosing which engine works best for your Silverado 2500 HD. With two good engines, it can be hard to decide which will be best for your jobs, and if you are having trouble, we would be happy to help you determine which model is best.
It doesn’t matter how much horsepower you have or how much you can tow; there will never be anything to rival the importance of being safe while on the road or at the job site. A heavy-duty truck such as this is not a vehicle to be taken lightly, and being a responsible and conscientious driver should always take top priority whether you are driving the family around on the road or equipment on the worksite. To this end, the Silverado 2500 has a fair amount of safety features, both standard and available, depending upon which level of trim you decide to go with. In order to give you a firm idea of which trim level will be in your best interest, we’re offering a trim-by-trim breakdown of the safety and driver assistance features that come with each.
The WT is the ideal vehicle for a job site investment. It's the most stripped-down version of this truck you can get but still has a great set of safety features that will help you during the day. Hitch guidance comes standard, as does StabilItrak, and GM's Teen Driver program. A rear vision camera also comes standard, which is perfect for helping you get a clear view of what's behind you. Plus, you can easily add more safety features to this trim if you would like.
The next two trim levels are more advantageous for the everyday driver. From this level forward, OnStar capability comes equipped along with Chevy’s connected services. A step up from the WT and an economical choice for the average consumer.
As the middle trim option, the LTZ is the perfect compromise when it comes to the Silverado 2500. A step up from the previous trims, but not too extravagant, either. An HD rear vision camera comes standard, as does a Hitch Guidance with Hitch View to ensure successful and safe towing, wherever you plan on heading.
Believe us when we say that the High Country moniker lives up to its namesake in every sense of the word. This is for people who view trailering and towing as a way of life and not an occasional activity. A Bed View Camera and HD Surround Vision provide multiple camera angles to keep an eye on every feasible section of your truck and trailer during those long hauls that cover miles and miles of roadway. Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert also come standard, making every trip, no matter how short or long, the safest as possible.
Trims, engines, and towing, oh my! The Chevy Silverado 2500 HD certainly puts the “heavy” in “heavy-duty.” When it comes to purchasing one, you should consult a dealership that adheres to the same standards of quality that Chevy does. At Newton Chevrolet of Russellville, we believe that the customer and his needs always come first. From our expansive and always growing inventory to award-winning service, you’ll find that the high standard we talk about touches everything we do.
Our dedication to you doesn’t end when you drive off the lot, nor should it. If you want the exemplary service others have talked about but never delivered on; then we’re the dealership for you. Our service team will be able to handle whatever your Silverado throws at it. Accept no substitutions, and never settle for second best when it comes to your dealership choice. We don’t.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
