2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

The 2026 Chevrolet lineup hasn’t changed much. Brightly colored 20-inch metal wheels have replaced the polished 20-inch rollers, and Polar White Tricoat has replaced the Iridescent Pearl paint.

Pros:

• Very good at pulling and hauling.
• Upper-trim levels can enjoy luxurious accommodations.
• The ZR2 and Trail Boss are capable of navigating off-road terrain.

Cons:

• The basic bedroom is used in lower classes.
• Just an entry-level engine that works well.
• Better tools were added to the Silverado 1500.

The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD both come equipped with a standard 6.6-liter V-8 gasoline engine. An optional Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 is also available, delivering 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque—nearly double the torque output of the gas engine at its highest towing capacity. Even so, the gasoline engine delivers strong and dependable performance, generating 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque.

Buyers have the option to select either single or dual rear-wheel axle setups, and both engine choices pair with the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Customers also have the option to select between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The diesel engine is better suited for people who tow or haul frequently, but the gas engine is also suitable. Despite having an electric assist system, the heavy-duty Silverado was still difficult to turn accurately and with sufficient input. Although the large Chevy boasts numerous impressive features that enhance its capabilities, it also delivers a remarkably smooth ride. During our off-road experience with the ZR2 Bison model in California’s Johnson Valley, we were struck not only by its trail performance but also by its on-road comfort.

Several driver-assistance features and technologies are built into every Silverado HD, making towing a trailer easy. An advanced multiview camera system includes a transparent trailer mode, which gives the driver a clear view as if seeing through the trailer. This significantly improves maneuverability in tight spaces like parking lots and enhances safety when merging onto highways while towing. Key safety features include:

• The vehicle features automatic emergency brakes and forward impact warnings.
• The vehicle is equipped with a rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot monitoring systems.
• You can get adaptive speed control.

There are different styles of the heavy-duty Silverado, including a crew cab and a work truck with a removable cab. Each model features a large, user-friendly dashboard with intuitive controls. Built on a longer wheelbase than the previous model, the new Silverado’s crew-cab, short-box configuration provides enhanced space for passengers. Rear-seat occupants also benefit from dedicated climate controls and air vents for added comfort.

While even the top-tier Silverado trims may not rival the material quality and refinement found in the Ram HD, the Silverado’s interior design and features still exceed expectations for a luxury pickup. Features such as heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and more are among the most sought-after options. The Chevy offers ample interior storage, with the largest compartment located in the center console. Some models may also include additional storage behind the rear seats, along with cleverly integrated bins in the backs of the rear seat cushions.

Since vehicles of this size fall outside the EPA’s standard testing range, fuel efficiency comparisons between the Silverado HD and its major competitors rely on real-world data. In our 75 mph highway fuel economy test, the 2024 Silverado 2500 equipped with the Duramax diesel engine averaged 18 miles per gallon.

Chevy’s Google-powered infotainment system works seamlessly across all Silverado HD touchscreen interfaces. It includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features. The screen can be touched, and it also features a volume and tuning knob, as well as a few physical buttons and voice instructions. The infotainment system allows users to save different accounts for each trailer, enabling them to monitor maintenance and even control the trailer remotely through a smartphone app. A wireless charging pad for smartphones and a bigger 13.4-inch tablet come standard on the LT, LTZ, Trail Boss, High Country, and ZR2 grades.

We conducted a test on a 2024 Silverado 2500 equipped with the Duramax diesel engine. For a heavy-duty truck, it performed quite well, taking 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Heavy-duty trucks are rated by their maximum pulling capacity and cargo-carrying capacity. The diesel-powered Silverado HD can handle towing loads of up to 36,000 pounds, whereas the gasoline model is capable of towing a maximum of 17,400 pounds. The highest-performing Silverado 3500HD model features a regular cab and dual rear-wheel drive as standard. It is capable of towing up to 7,442 pounds.

We like the LT trim of the 2500HD the most because it has a crew cab and a wide truck bed. It would come with four-wheel drive and the Z71 Off-Road package, which includes 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a spray-in bedliner, improved handling, and enhanced body security. Consider the Duramax diesel engine if towing is a concern. The Convenience package appears to be a great deal, as it includes a heated steering wheel, LED lights in the cargo bed, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and more.