2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The Silverado 2500HD is the three-quarter-ton truck in Chevrolet’s lineup, situated between the half-ton Silverado 1500 and the larger, one-ton 3500HD. It's offered in three basic trim levels, each with a multitude of variations in size and features: WT, LT, and LTZ. In terms of the engine and chassis, the trims are almost all identical, with a few options offered for the higher-end LTs and LTZs. The WT is the work truck, and both the interior and exterior are simple and designed for sheer productivity. The LT and LTZ offer more interior features for comfort and luxury. The 2500HD is available with one of three cabin configurations: Regular, Extended Cab, or Crew Cab.

Unlike the more versatile Silverado 1500, the 2500HD is built primarily for working conditions and comes with two engines that prove it. Standard on all trims is a 6.0-liter, 360-hp V8 engine with 380 lb-ft of torque. If that doesn’t provide the pulling power you need, each trim also offers an optional 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel engine that can crank out 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission for the 2500HD is a six-speed automatic with a tow/haul mode, and each trim has the option of rear- or four-wheel drive.

The Silverado 2500HD rides standard on Chevrolet's Z85 suspension, designed for handling and trailer compatibility, with the LT and the LTZ also offering the option of the Z71 off-road package, which adds 36mm shock absorbers, a rear locking differential, and a skid plate package. The trailer weight rating for the Silverado 2500HD is 15,800 lbs, which adds to the payload of 3,924 lbs.

The interior of the WT is fairly spartan, with few frills, where the LT and LTZ come standard with a Bose sound system and Bluetooth capabilities. Interior options include a power six-way driver’s seat, audio controls on the steering wheel, a rearview camera system, power rear window, premium cloth reclining front bucket seats, and a touch-screen navigation system. The LTZ offers a DVD entertainment system in Crew Cab trims.

Standard safety features for the Silverado 2500HD include dual front airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and a paid one-year OnStar subscription.

By Ollie Garrison