2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

For general consumers, we recommend skipping the base Work Truck trim due to its skimpy list of creature comforts, though obviously it's called "work truck" for a reason and will undoubtedly appeal to business owners and contractors. The 2500's LT trim level is a better starting point...

The six-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth, but the upshift from first to second gear can be abrupt. And it's smart, letting the massive amount of torque do the work instead of downshifting. Throttle pedal action is supple, and brakes are never touchy.

This is a fantastic turbodiesel engine. It has smooth power delivery at all times and seems to comes on instantly. In our prior testing of the less powerful version, we achieved a 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.6 seconds, a remarkable time for a heavy-duty pickup. This year's could be quicker still.

The pedal action is pretty linear, but at times the slightly spongy pedal makes it feel that the brakes aren't all that strong. The 60-to-0 mph panic-stop distance of 135 feet is decent but not exceptional. At times the exhaust brake isn't effective.

The digital steering assist system (standard on LT and above double-cab models with the diesel engine and all LT and above crew cabs) improves high-speed responsiveness and stability and low-speed maneuverability.

Handling is aided by precise steering and well-controlled body roll through corners. The suspension reacts pretty well to midcorner bumps. Of note, the diesel stays in its powerband with no need for manual shifting on mountain twisties.

The six-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth, but the upshift from first to second gear can be abrupt. And it's smart, letting the massive amount of torque do the work instead of downshifting. Throttle pedal action is supple, and brakes are never touchy.

Our test truck had the Z71 off-road package, which includes Rancho shocks, underbody shields, hill descent control and doorsill plates. Four-wheel drive is required for this package and features a low-range transfer case.

Overall, Chevy did a good job improving the everyday aspects of the 2500HD. The seats aren't quite as comfy as those in the Ram, though they are still quite nice. It also doesn't have the Ram's smooth-riding coil-spring rear suspension. But we were impressed with how quiet the cabin is.

Despite thick padding, the front seats aren't all that plush, and the seatbacks in particular are on the hard side. The rear seat cushions feel softer than the front ones and envelop you more. The rear seatback is at a nice angle for all-day riding.

Considering the 2500HD was designed with towing and hauling in mind, it's a decent-riding truck. It does exhibit jiggling on concrete freeways (typical for a large truck of its capabilities), and big bumps upset it. But overall it's pretty livable considering its leaf-spring rear suspension.

This is an impressively quiet truck. A minor amount of diesel clatter is ever-present, especially when cold and at low speeds, but it's never obnoxious. There's hardly any wind noise, and the big truck tires don't sound like big truck tires.

The 2500HD is roomy inside and solidly built. We love the damped tailgate's action, as well as the integrated bumper step.

The instrument panel has a configurable screen that displays a wealth of information, from transmission fluid temperature to off-road status. Buttons and knobs are generously sized and intuitive.

As with pretty much any heavy-duty truck, the Silverado sits high. It's a definite step up to get in, but entry is made easier thanks to the optional running boards and the standard grab handles at each door.

The crew cab affords an enormous amount of headroom and plenty of space to stretch out sideways. It would be nice, though, if there was a dead pedal where the driver's left foot could rest. There's tons of rear headroom with excellent foot space underneath the front seats.

The front pillars are narrow, which promotes good forward visibility. The pillar behind the driver (and the grab handle) restricts the driver's lane-change view, but otherwise this is an airy cabin with tall side windows. The rearview mirror and side mirrors could be larger.

The quality of many interior materials, from the seat upholstery to the door trim, is impressive. Assembly quality appears to be right near the top of the class.

The 2017 2500HD's cabin has plenty of spaces to store items, from the deep front and center armrest bins to the many cupholders throughout. The rear seats fold up easily for underseat storage. The conventional tow rating of 14,500 pounds is immense but less than that of a similar F-250.

Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system was improved in 2016 with faster processors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The navigation display similarly impresses with easy address input and readable graphics.