When it comes to choosing a pickup truck, there are three popular options. The Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 both display exceptional towing performance and engine power. The other contender, the Chevy Silverado 1500, has the highest towing capacity at 13,500 pounds. Its heavy-duty version, the Silverado 2500 HD, can tow up to 17,400 pounds.

The Silverado 2500 HD also beat out its rivals in one key factor. According to Kelley Blue Book, this truck has the highest resale value at 60%. This low depreciation rate shows that the truck has a lot of fans. Is this truck all it’s cracked up to be?

The Chevy Silverado’s towing power

The 2500’s towing stats look impressive on paper, but how well does it perform in real-world testing? KBB decided to find out by towing 12,000 pounds up a mountain pass. They found that the engine felt a little strained, but it still managed to get the job done.

For the first test, they used the gasoline engine. However, when using the new 6.6-liter turbodiesel offering, the truck could pull 14,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. The new dually 3500 HD was also tested, easily pulling 32,000 pounds.

Cool trailer features

The high towing capacity of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is especially useful when it comes to hauling trailers or boats. To make things easier, the truck comes equipped with technology specifically designed for trailering. With the MyChevrolet smartphone app, you can easily track things like trailer tire pressure and maintenance schedules.

The 2500 HD also comes with a 15-angle camera system that allows you to see your trailer from every possible view. One of the most unique functions is the “see-through” camera angle. Thanks to a special camera placed on the trailer’s rear, you’ll be able to see any cars directly behind it. The display will make it appear as if the trailer itself is transparent.

High-powered engines

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD comes with two different engines. The standard is the 6.6-liter V8, capable of 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed heavy-duty transmission. This is a great improvement over the 6.0-liter engine from last year’s model, which only got 360 hp. 

For bigger jobs, you’re going to want the new 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine. It can produce 445 hp and a whopping 910 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission also comes with a Tow/Haul mode, designed to efficiently cool the engine while pulling heavy trailers.

Chevy Silverado trim levels

In addition to the standard model, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is available in four other trims. With the Custom trim, additional features like a power tailgate, trailer brake controller, and tilting trailer mirrors are included. This trim also adds on more infotainment features like satellite radio.

The LTZ trim has a lot of available packages that give you more safety features and other towing enhancements. If you upgrade to the High Country trim, you get all the upgrades from the other trims, plus the most luxurious interior.

A one-of-a-kind exterior

Side by side, the regular Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2500 HD look like completely different trucks. The Silverado 2500 HD has a different grille design, with Chevrolet’s name proudly displayed in the center. The larger grille, along with the hood scoop and 28-inch cooling fan, is designed to keep the engine from overheating.

They’re also much bigger than their light-duty counterparts. The crew cab Silverado 2500 HD is 10.4 inches longer, 5.2 inches taller, and 1.4 inches wider. With all these improvements, it’s easy to see why the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD retains so much of its value.