2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Those stacked vertical headlights are tied together by a beefy barbell bearing the Chevrolet name. Higher trims either add or subtract chrome, but none alter the engine cooling-focused grille shape. From the side and rear, the HD is massive but more conventional. 

Cabin trim fails to make much of an impact, however. Big knobs and buttons work well with gloves, reminding us that function takes priority here. Even High Country versions make little memorable impression, aside from their use of warm hues and upgraded leather upholstery.

For about $3,000, Chevy can equip a two-speed transfer case for four-wheel drive on either single or dual rear-wheel versions. 

How fast is the Silverado 2500HD?

Acceleration may not be as critical for a big truck such as the Silverado HD, but these haulers can feel remarkably light on their feet. Critically, though, they offer effortless towing.

The standard 6.6-liter gas-fueled V-8 sends 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which we think could use an additional cog or two for towing. With a regular two-door cab, the 2500 HD can lug as much as 17,370 pounds with a fifth-wheel mount installed in its bed.

That’s undeniably impressive, but the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 is better yet with its 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. You read that right. The Allison 10-speed automatic gearbox does an admirable job handling all that power, and the 3500 diesel dually has a tow rating of 36,000 lb.

The gas V-8 comes standard, but the Duramax diesel is available on 2500 and 3500 trucks, with the latter offering improved payload capacity and the option of a dual rear-wheel setup for extra-heavy loads.

Highway stability impresses, though these trucks make their prodigious heft and girth known as soon as you enter a corner. All that weight does help deliver a relatively comfortable ride quality, though.

For passengers, the enormous doors reveal a spacious cabin with room for up to six, though front-row bucket seats separated by a center console are commonly fitted to higher-end versions. Rear-seat riders have a lounge-like amount of leg room, and the rear bench folds up for hauling big items in weathertight comfort.

These trucks are so big, in fact, that the NHTSA doesn’t see fit to crash test them. Thus, we don’t assign a rating. 

Optional tech includes automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts, active lane control, automatic high beams.

Base Work Trucks live up to their names. Sure, there’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity, but that’s about it. For users seeking easy-clean vinyl seats and rubber floors, these trucks are perfect.

Custom versions toss in a few more niceties, while LTs start to feel more like farm and family haulers. 

The comparatively decadent LTZ is our choice for long-distance use due to its array of leather heated seats, upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, and power tailgate. Additional options include a 15-inch head-up display, a sunroof, wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless phone charging, and plenty of special edition trim levels should you need your Silverado HD to stand out at a crowded rodeo. 

Up to eight available cameras provide 15 views when trailering, simplifying it for experienced haulers and encouraging rookies. There’s even a bed hitch guidance system for attaching a fifth-wheel trailer.

How much is a fully loaded 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD?

A highly-optioned Silverado HD High Country can run $80,000 with diesel power, dual rear wheels, four-wheel drive, and a few other niceties such as cooled front seats, power running boards, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Certainly turbodiesel models with the long legs provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission will use the least fuel, perhaps as much as 20 mpg without a load. A big 36-gallon fuel tank will outlast just about any bladder on the highway, too.