The 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Is the Most Drivable Heavy Duty Truck
You always want every vehicle you buy to perform at least as well as advertised. But chances are there’s a bit more at stake when your heavy-duty truck fails to perform than your run-of-the-mill sedan does. So it’s a good idea to dig into available reviews and reliability ratings before you plunk down tens of thousands on a new heavy-duty model. In that vein, TrueCar’s review of the new Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD may be helpful, covering everything from towing and hauling capacity to performance and handling.
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500HD at a glance
Overall, TrueCar’s review is filled with praise for Chevy’s newest Silverado model. They note the model’s multiple configuration options: five trims, two beds, three cabs, and two powertrains.
They also note its power. The standard Silverado has a 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 engine, though you can also get a 445-hp 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine. The former also generates 464 lb-ft of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the latter offers a tremendous 901 lb-ft of torque and comes with a ten-speed automatic.
These powertrains are more than capable of big hauls on a daily basis. And though Chevy leans into power, durability, and ruggedness with the Silverado, that doesn’t mean the 2500HD lacks comfort. Indeed, quite the contrary. TrueCar notes the spaciousness of the cabin, the comfort of the extra wide seats, and superior build quality.
The infotainment system is also praiseworthy, with intuitive controls and a simple layout. And Chevy doesn’t skimp on advanced safety systems. That’s great, especially given that trucks in this segment aren’t typically tested for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Auto emergency braking with forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning are all standard, providing drivers with a good measure of safety. With the Silverado, Chevy aims to make tough jobs as smooth as possible.
Where the 2023 Silverado 2500HD underperforms—and overperforms
One of the only criticisms TrueCar offers of the 2023 Silverado 2500 HD is its towing ability. The internal combustion engine (ICE) V-8 engine option is rated at 14,500 pounds, while the diesel version is rated at 18,500 pounds.
Those are respectable numbers, for sure. And a Silverado 2500 HD is likely going to be able to meet the needs of most prospective buyers, whether small business owners or weekend adventurers.
The challenge is that Silverado’s closest rivals simply tow more. Substantially more. The Ram 2500, complete with the Cummins diesel engine, can tow 10 straight tons. And Ford lovers may be pleased to know its entrant in this space, the Super Duty F-250, can tow up to 22,800 pounds.
However, despite their superior towing capacity, the Ram 2500 and Super Duty F-250 are trounced by the Silverado 2500 HD in one key area: drivability.
It’s not just the power or driver comfort. TrueCar notes the Silverado is more maneuverable, offers better handling, has a quiet cabin even at 75-mile-per-hour speeds, and has a more enjoyable drive overall. And that’s an important consideration if you plan to clock major hours in your next heavy-duty truck.
Other important considerations
The 2023 Silverado 2500 HD also sports other features that make it excellent for towing and hauling, such as 12 tie downs, a payload capacity of 3,979 pounds, and LED cargo area lighting. And in addition to generous cabin space, there are plenty of interior compartments to stash valuables away.
TrueCar also dinged the Silverado for fewer standard infotainment system features and a dated interior relative to its rivals. The dated interior may be of some appeal to some owners. And the interior styling doesn’t impair the 2500HD’s comfort.
And despite its underperforming tow rating, the Silverado can be purchased with eight cameras, providing 15 views of what you’re towing. This is an excellent safety addition and worth the upgrade price if your regular routes are filled with curves and hills.
TrueCar also notes that the diesel’s fuel efficiency is on par with its rivals at a combined 18 mpg. This version is the one TrueCar reviewers reserved the most praise for. And at a starting MSRP of $43,395, you’ll pay a bit less than the F-250 ($45,865) and the Ram 2500 ($46,100). Overall, the Silverado 2500HD is an excellent competitor in this segment and a great choice for most buyers.
