2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a seriously powerful heavy-duty pickup with a refined demeanor.
3.5 star edmunds overall rating
author
by Cameron Rogers
Edmunds Editor

A new diesel engine and its air intake system lead the changes to the immensely capable 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Its towing abilities far surpass those of its Silverado 1500 sibling, yet the 2500HD is easy to drive on an everyday basis, with a reasonably comfortable ride and quiet cabin.

There's no doubt that when it comes to hauling and towing equipment and trailers, nothing beats a pickup in terms of overall versatility. But what happens when your needs exceed the capabilities of a standard full-size truck? There's only one thing to do: Step up to a heavy-duty workhorse such as the Silverado 2500HD.

Like its baby brother, the standard Silverado 1500, the Silverado 2500HD comes in a variety of cab and bed styles and offers a choice of engines. But there's no budget-friendly V6; only a V8 can give the 2500HD's strengthened backbone the power necessary to move mountains. There's a gasoline engine for normal heavy lifting, but if traversing mountain roads or pulling seriously heavy loads with a fifth-wheel hitch is in your future, you might want to upgrade to the revised turbodiesel. It boasts 445 horsepower and an Olympian 910 pound-feet of torque that'll shrug off anything you throw at it. Ford and Ram also make robust pickups for extreme towing duties, but we think the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is certainly worth a look.

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what's new

The optional diesel-powered V8 engine has been redesigned and offers more power than before (445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque versus 2016's 397 hp and 765 lb-ft). There's also a new air intake and hood design associated with the diesel engine. Finally, Chevy has given the 2500HD a new digital steering assist feature (standard on many double- and crew-cab models) that it says makes it easier to maneuver around parking lots and improves stability at high speeds.

we recommend

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, and it includes the MyLink touchscreen interface. It's worth adding the LT Convenience package because it: a) doesn't cost very much; and b) adds some useful convenience features, including a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, which we think is necessary for finding a comfortable driving position
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trim levels & features

As its name suggests, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck that has increased payload and towing capabilities compared to the Silverado 1500. It's available in four trims: Work Truck (WT), LT, LTZ and High Country. Unsurprisingly, the WT is aimed squarely at those looking to keep the 2500HD a workhorse at the job site. The LT is the minimum if you want your family to be comfortable, while the LTZ adds luxuries such as leather seating and dual-zone climate control. The High Country adds an upscale flair with ventilated front seats and navigation.

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is offered in regular-cab, double-cab and crew-cab body styles with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. The regular cab is available only with a long bed (8.2 feet), while the double-cab and crew-cab models offer either a standard bed (6.5 feet) or a long bed. If you're looking for a truck with a dual rear axle ("dually"), you'll want to check out the beefed-up Silverado 3500HD.

All models come standard with a 6.0-liter V8 (360 horsepower, 380 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic. The optional turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) is paired to a more robust Allison 1000 six-speed. Buyers can add a bi-fuel option to the 6.0-liter engine, allowing it to run on gasoline or clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG).

Standard equipment for the regular-cab WT trim includes chrome bumpers, 17-inch steel wheels, an auto-locking rear differential, rubberized floors, vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, a driver information display, power door locks, manual crank windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 4.2-inch central display and a four-speaker audio system. The double- and crew-cab WT models get six speakers as standard, as well as power windows.

Optional on the WT is a MyLink 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice controls, satellite radio, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone app integration. The six-speaker audio system replaces the four-speaker system on regular-cab models.

The LT trim adds those optional infotainment features plus an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a remote-locking EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate, remote locking and unlocking, full power accessories, a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, an upgraded driver information display, HD radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Above the LT, the LTZ trim includes 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, foglights, power-folding mirrors, a power-sliding rear window with defogger, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 110-volt household-style power point, and a seven-pin wiring harness with a trailer brake controller.

At the top of the ladder, the High Country comes with 20-inch wheels, side-assist steps, cargo box tie-downs, a spray-in bedliner, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and a Bose audio system. Also included is the Driver Alert package, which includes some useful driver safety aids.

Some features on the upper trims can be added to the lower trims as options. Other extras, depending on trim, include the 4WD-only Z71 off-road package, tow mirrors, a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, a hard or soft tonneau cover, and gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch preparation.

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trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab Long Bed (turbo 6.6L V8 diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 8-foot-2-inch bed).

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5.0

Driving

4.0 / 5.0

Acceleration4.5 / 5.0
Braking2.0 / 5.0
Steering3.0 / 5.0
Handling3.5 / 5.0
Drivability3.5 / 5.0

Comfort

3.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort3.5 / 5.0
Ride comfort2.5 / 5.0
Noise & vibration3.0 / 5.0
Climate control4.0 / 5.0

Interior

3.5 / 5.0

Ease of use4.0 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out3.5 / 5.0
Driving position4.0 / 5.0
Roominess4.0 / 5.0
Visibility2.5 / 5.0
Quality3.0 / 5.0

Utility

3.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage5.0 / 5.0
Cargo space4.0 / 5.0

Technology

2.5 / 5.0

Audio & navigation3.0 / 5.0
Smartphone integration2.5 / 5.0
Voice control2.5 / 5.0

Driving

edmunds rating
The updated 6.6-liter diesel V8 gives the Silverado 2500HD big towing numbers and impressive acceleration. Steering and braking are less awe-inspiring but objectively this truck performs well by most standards that matter to truck buyers.

Acceleration

edmunds rating
The 6.6-liter diesel makes massive torque and more than sufficient power, which give it a surge of acceleration off the line. In our testing, it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds. In-town acceleration is more reserved, but there's still plenty of power to get this thing up to freeway speed.

Braking

edmunds rating
There isn't much confidence to be had in these brakes. Under hard braking, the pedal can go all the way to the floor. Braking distances are long, but in traffic they seem to work well enough if you leave some distance. You just don't feel very connected to the action.

Steering

edmunds rating
The steering is well-weighted and provides stability when cruising straight, but it's hard to judge what the tires are doing around turns. The low steering ratio adds stability when towing but results in busy hands when parking or making U-turns.

Handling

edmunds rating
The big surprise is how well this gargantuan vehicle takes turns. There's minimal body roll around corners unless you're going way too fast. In parking lots and tight spaces, it maneuvers well enough considering its size.

Drivability

edmunds rating
If you live in a city, drivability will be low with any 2500 series pickup truck. Otherwise, the diesel's low-end torque and abundant features make for a pretty approachable truck.

Off-road

edmunds rating
Our test vehicle had the off-road Z71 package (which is a great deal for the price) and serious ground clearance. You won't be taking this on any tight trails, but it will conquer your average dirt road.

Comfort

edmunds rating
Despite the harsh ride from a very stiff and bouncy suspension, the Silverado HD is relatively comfortable. Put a big load back there and you'll have a road-trip-ready vehicle. But day-to-day comfort suffers, so you might want a 1500 if you don't need the 2500's extra towing capacity.

Seat comfort

edmunds rating
You'll find big, well-bolstered and comfortable seats no matter which seating position you're in. The seats are wide with sufficient contours to hold you in place, and they provide great road-trip comfort.

Ride comfort

edmunds rating
This truck bounces, shimmies, shakes and jumps over the slightest road imperfections. That's forgivable in the 3500 class, but this 2500 should be a bit better. Load it up with a heavy payload or a big trailer, though, and the ride quality is significantly better.

Noise & vibration

edmunds rating
While road noise is subdued, there is quite a bit of wind noise from the Silverado's square front end and big mirrors. The diesel engine rumbles a bit, but it isn't particularly grating or abrasive while cruising on the highway.

Climate control

edmunds rating
Big knobs and easy-to-read layouts are a plus. The air-conditioning blows cold. The split-operation for the heated seats is a neat feature — you can heat your sore back without cooking your butt as well. The vents are vertically mounted, which isn't ideal, but they're easy to direct.

Interior

edmunds rating
While it might not be the most luxurious vehicle in the class, this Silverado HD has a totally livable interior. The overall design is dated, but materials quality is sufficient.

Ease of use

edmunds rating
The 2500HD's controls are easy to use with large, legible buttons and quick touchscreen response times.

Getting in/getting out

edmunds rating
A grab handle and side steps make it easier to get in and out of the Silverado HD, but there is still some climbing involved. Still, it isn't any harder than usual in the HD truck class.

Driving position

edmunds rating
Adjustable pedals, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and a generally good view over the hood combine for an excellent driving position. You've got a commanding view of the road regardless of how you position the seat.

Roominess

edmunds rating
Call all your NBA-player friends and have them stretch out. You can be tall, wide or both and still fit with no problem in this truck. It's big on the outside; therefore, there's lots of space for five people on the inside.

Visibility

edmunds rating
All of the Silverado's roof pillars are wide and thick and obstruct your view. The big towing mirrors and the rearview camera help the situation, but knowing where the corners of the truck are is tough.

Quality

edmunds rating
Body panels and interior pieces are well put together. We didn't notice any rattling, shaking or malfunctioning during our test. Interior materials aren't the nicest in the class, but they certainly suffice for such a utility-focused vehicle.

Utility

edmunds rating
The 2500HD can tow and haul massive loads, and it has abundant interior storage. However, offerings from Ford and Ram outclass it in a couple key categories.

Small-item storage

edmunds rating
Massive pockets everywhere. A giant center console, a split-open glovebox, multiple cup holders in each door, both front and back. If you're looking for more small-item storage, the only place you'll find it is in the Ram equivalent which has small, in-floor cooler boxes in the rear seat.

Cargo space

edmunds rating
Mirroring its rivals, the Silverado 2500HD is available with a standard bed (6 feet 6 inches) and a long bed (8 feet 1 inch). Our test truck had the long bed, which allows for a massive amount of cargo space. The rear seats fold up for big interior storage as well.

Child safety seat accommodation

edmunds rating
The 2500 can fit three car seats in the back without much fuss. There are two sets of easily accessible lower latch anchors and three shelf anchors that are a bit harder to reach. But this truck's sheer altitude makes it less than desirable unless lifting kids is your workout program.

Towing

edmunds rating
The 6.6-liter turbodiesel has massive torque and power, but the Silverado's towing capacities are a bit lower than key rivals. The max trailer weight behind the Chevy 2500HD is 14,500 pounds; it can tow 18,100 pounds with a fifth-wheel trailer.

Hauling

edmunds rating
All full-size truck beds are similar sized. This one can be accessed by corner bed-steps built into the rear bumper corners. Payload maxes out at 3,204 pounds — lower than the class leaders, but only by a few hundred pounds.

Technology

edmunds rating
Using Chevy's MyLink interface is pretty simple upfront for the most part, but we had several usability issues with our test vehicle. Finicky voice controls and subpar device integration made for a frustrating user experience.

Audio & navigation

edmunds rating
Menu logic on the Chevy MyLink system is easy to understand, but not the most elegant in the class. Touchscreen responses are slower than class leaders. We like the look of the optional 8-inch touchscreen, but it doesn't stand out much from rival systems.

Smartphone integration

edmunds rating
Our experience with smartphone devices was poor, with many dropped connections over the course of the test. When it worked, we generally like the interface, but even then it takes quite a bit of time to load music. Best to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Voice control

edmunds rating
Multiple attempts to use the Silverado's built-in voice controls fell short, with a success rate of about 50 percent. It was easier to use the physical knobs and touchscreen controls. That said, Siri and Google Voice can be accessed if you've paired your smartphone by holding the talk button longer.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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