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Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty Pickup review

Rob Fraser
2024 Chevrolet-Silverado-2500-HD-media-drive-event-March-2024-26

Silverado 2500 HD – Big American Pickup trucks have become more popular in recent years. Mainly in the 1500 size. What happens when you take the bigger 2500 size Pickup for a drive in normal suburban streets.

Some other Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD articles

What does the Silverado 2500 HD look like?

Big is the immediate answer.

Front on, the large and imposing grill blends stylish LED Headlights offset against the bonnet scoop. Colour coordinated lower bumpers have integrated fog lights. The lights also have a dual function as owners approach or depart, an animated lighting sequence welcomes or bids them farewell from the truck.

The profile shows just how long this truck is. There are combination rock sliders that have flat spots for steps. These are appreciated as the vehicle is high to just step into. Especially for my partner, she is a touch shorter than I am.

One clever feature are the steps on each corner on the rear tub, which allows better access to the tub.

There is a subtle styling line along the top of the wheel arches that continues around the rear tailgate. It softens the sheer bulk of the side and rear. The result is that the 2500 HD looks smaller and sleeker than it is.

Another clever feature is the soft opening tailgate. The lined tub is hard wearing and has a rear light. Another clever feature is the abundance of tie points. There are 12 in total, three each corner. That’s impressive. The length of the cargo box floor is 2089mm, it is 1814mm wide and offers 1968 litres of volume.

Other external features include:

The MY24 is available in four colours, consisting of a NEW Slate Grey Metallic, Summit White, Red Hot and Black. Accessories currently on offer include four different tonneau cover options – soft, hard rolling, trifold and electric-retractable.

What is the Interior like

Once you step up into the cabin, the first impression is of space. There is room everywhere.

Front leather seats are deeply comfortable. They are heated and ventilated. Both front seats have 10 way electronic adjustments with additional lumbar support – perfect for my aging back.

In front of the driver there is a four spoke thick rimmed leather steering wheel. It has the usual controls there that you expect. It frames the 12.3″ Diagonal Multi-Colour Configurable Display drivers instruments perfectly. Note that the configurable HUD is good but will polarise out with sunglasses on.

An old school style, column mounted gear shift mechanism allows for significantly more storage area in the centre console.

Power windows, power sunroof and power sliding rear window complete the overall package.

Technology

The large 13.4″ Diagonal Colour central Touch screen houses all the infotainment and connectivity outlets. It’s easy to use and has excellent resolution.

Also, on offer and available as standard fitment is wireless phone connectivity and charging for  Apple Car Play and Android Auto, front and rear USB ports, dual zone automatic climate control and more.

For the audiophiles there is a Bose Premium seven-speaker sound system with Richbass™. It booms out your favourite music.

General storage in the central console bin, door pockets and in the rear is excellent.

In the rear, there is room for three adults with enough head, shoulder, knee, and leg room.

Outer rear seats are heated. They are split 60/40 with storage underneath. There are three isofix and top tether child seat points and there is more than enough room for baby seats there.

There are grab handles on every door to assist with access. Other appreciated features include auto headlights and wipers, front and rear USB ports and dual zone climate A/C.

Overall, the interior is spacious and extremely comfortable.

Engine and drivetrain

Powering the Silverado 2500 is a 6.6-litre Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. This beast provides some  350kW of power and a handy 1,332Nm of torque.

Let’s say that again – 1,332 Nm of torque.

Paired with the powerful, torque-laden engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission. Revised for 2024, final drive ratios enhance low-end performance by as much as 25%, which is particularly useful when towing, at low speeds, or ascending steep grades.

The transmission optimises grade braking with closer gear ratios, allowing for greater engine braking control. It is also tuned for quicker downshifts to enhance the feeling of on-demand power, precision, and refinement.

Also, with a 2 Speed Transfer Case with Push Button Controls (4-button control 2WD, Auto, 4WD HI, 4WD LO). In addition, there is a standard automatic locking rear differential.

What is the Silverado 2500 like to drive?

Fun is the immediate answer. But not in the way you might imagine.

It feels big because it is. But the steering is light and responsive, more responsive than you might think.

Having all that torque under your right foot is IMPRESSIVE. It like a big lumbering Hippopotamus that seemingly lumbers around but can be surprisingly fast when needed.

The Z71 Off-Road Suspension Tune Rancho® with Twin Tube Shocks certainly helps the ride and handling. It seems to simply absorb almost all bumps and corrugations. It’s secure on dirt roads and despite its weight its nimble on sand.

On the blacktop is hums along lazily. It is responsive to the right foot. So is the fuel economy.

But always remember that this is a 3600 kg behemoth. If pushed, you absolutely feel the weight transfer in corners. This Pickup cannot be flung around easily. It’s not designed to do that.

Around Town

Around town you feel its size. In open air suburban car parks, you find yourself heading down to the back to free spots as it doesn’t really fit in the allocated parking lines. Often you will go over the rear space into the spot behind, so that your nose doesn’t sit out too far.

You can forget inner city underground carparks and for that matter most undercover shopping centre car parks as well.

This is a Pickup that you can hop into and traverse hundreds if not thousands of kilometres outback and enjoy every moment of it.

If you are looking to buy one of these keep an eye on your license. For example if the Pickup is rated at Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) (NB1 Category) 4495 kg you can theoretically drive, it on a normal “C” class license. If it’s rated at Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) (NB2 Category) 5148 kg then you need a Light Rigid (LR) license in NSW. (check your local state regulations)

However, the niggle comes in with the GCM. That’s Gross Combined Mass (kg) of 12474 kg and that definitely requires a LR license.

4WD Capability

Venturing off-the-beaten-track, is made easier thanks to the inclusion of an Automatic Locking Rear Differential and Z71 Off-Road suspension with Rancho™ twin tube shocks.

The inclusion of a Two-Speed Transfer Case with Push Button Controls means switching from two-wheel drive to Auto and 4WD-HI can be done on the fly. Transitioning to 4WD-LO can be done when the vehicle is stationary. Hill Descent Control assists getting back down safely.

Approach and departure angles are 28.5 and 23.6 degrees respectively and ground clearance is 251mm. Rampover is a limiting factor at 19 degrees. Suffice to say that the long wheelbase makes this aspect challenging.

This is not a 4WD vehicle for tight rock step trails. It’s simply too big. However, for outback touring, forest trails or traversing the iconic tracks in Australia it’s ideal. I would love to take this on tracks like Strzelecki, Birsdville, Tanami, Oodnadatta etc.

Silverado 2500 – Towing Capability

Towing is what the Silverado 2500 is built for. Most buyers have a need for towing something heavy. Like a heavy horse float, large boat or caravan, machinery trailer etc.

With a towing capability up to 4500 kg its popular. The specifics are that the Silverado 2500 will tow up to 3500 kg with a 50 mm tow ball and up to 4500 kg with a 70 mm tow ball.

And it will do that effortlessly with the peak torque delivery around 1600 rpm.

Showing that the Silverado 2500 is built for towing are a number of standard features.

Advanced Trailering Features include:

Standard Trailering App offers:

Standard trailering features include:

Available camera technology features include:

Diesel Exhaust Brake

Another supportive feature to aid towing ability is the addition of a Diesel Exhaust Brake. This is used to slow down the engine by closing off the exhaust path.

Such action causes compression of exhaust gasses which, in turn, slows the vehicle. This is especially helpful when driving downhill with a heavy load. As it negates the constant need to apply pressure to the brake pedal.

Camera Technology assist for towing

The MY24 Silverado 2500 HD also offers advanced camera technologies that are designed to help make general manoeuvring and towing jobs easier. Enhanced levels of visibility are delivered via a 360 degree HD camera with up to 14 available unique camera views.

Four available Hitch Views:

Six available Driving Views:

Four available Parking Views:

Silverado 2500 – Safety features

A new feature on the MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is Adaptive Cruise Control with Camera (ACC). Not only can this feature be used for day-to-day driving, but also while towing your load. The latter, being an extra function of ACC.

A key capability of the ACC is that it accounts for additional drag and extra weight behind the vehicle, meaning that braking distances are increased when the system is in operation.

Additional new safety features include Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (TSBZA) and Gross Combined Mass Alert (GCMA). The TSBZA extends the blind zone area of interest to help enhance safety and situational awareness when towing, while the GCMA warns the driver if the vehicle and trailer weight exceed the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating.

These new safety features bolster the suite of active safety and driver assistance features found as standard, some of which are:

6 Airbags – Dual-stage Frontal Airbags for Driver and Front Outboard Passenger; Seat-mounted Side-impact Airbags for Driver and Front Outboard Passenger; Head-curtain Airbags for Outboard Seating Positions; Includes Front Outboard Passenger Sensing System for Frontal Outboard Passenger Airbag.

Silverado 2500 HD Owner Benefits

Warranty 3 years/100,000km (whichever occurs first). Roadside Assistance 3 years Roadside Ultra Assistance. Service Intervals 12 months/12,000km (whichever occurs first)

Silverado 2500 HD Final Thoughts

Its big, powerful, loud and I LOVE IT.

Surprisingly its also good value.

This Pickup truck will seat 5 adults in absolute comfort. Tow 4500 kg with ease and cover kilometres like they are nothing.

Silverado 2500 HD could be the ultimate outback touring and towing vehicle.

What is good?
  • Stylish for a biog Pickup Truck
  • 4WD and towing Capability
  • Interior comfort and space

What is not so good?
  • Its size in the suburbs
  • No massage function for front seats.
  • Can get very thristy

Silverado 2500 – All the details

Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Model

2500 HD LTZ Premium

Model Price $163,000 MLP*
Engine 6.6 L V8 Turbo diesel  Euro 5
Drivetrain 10 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power 350 kW @ 2,800 rpm
Torque 1322 Nm @ 1,600-2,600 rpm
Safety N/A
CO2 Emissions TBC g/km
Economy ADR TBC /100km / 136L capacity
Economy on test 10.1L/100k
Max Range TBC
Range on test 950km
0-100 km/h / top speed TBC
Servicing 12Mth / 12,000km Capped Price
Warranty 3yr/ 100,000 km
Roadside Assist 3yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

Overall Rating    

90/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
AWD/Towing Capability* 9 (4WD 9/5 Towing 5/5)
Technology/connectivity 9
Value for Money 9

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Dimensions

Silverado 2500 HD
Overall Length 6387 mm
Wheelbase 4036 mm
Width 2263 mm
Height 2039 mm
Wheels 20 inch Painted
Tyres LT275/65R20 126/123S
Max ground clearance Up to 251mm
Wading Depth TBC
Approach 28.5 degrees
Rampover 19.0 degrees
Departure angle 23.6 degrees
Turning Circle KTK 16.1m
Tub Length 2089 mm
Tub width 1814 mm
Tub width arches 1317 mm
Tub Depth 533 mm
Kerb Weight 3762 kg
Payload (kg) 1386 kg NB2 classification
GVM (kg) 5148 kg NB2 Classification
Towing Capacity (braked) 4500kg 70 mm tow ball
Tow Ball rating 450kg 70 mm tow ball
GCM 12474 kg NB2 classification
Front Axle rating 2540 kg
Rear Axle Rating 2994 kg
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