If you are in the market for a heavy-duty pickup truck with massive maximum towing and hauling capabilities, the 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is likely already on your radar. Here at Jim Ellis Chevrolet, we have seen all the great things the new Silverado 2500 HD has to offer, and we’re excited to share it with you. From a powerful performance from its standard 6.6L V8 gas-powered engine (or the optional turbo-diesel V8) to its inclusion of many helpful safety features, the Silverado 2500 HD has something for everyone.
There are also multiple configurations and trim levels available that can meet the unique needs of an array of truck buyers. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to take you through the Silverado HD lineup, answer any questions you may have, and help you narrow down a few great options that meet your unique driving needs. So, what is there to know about the Silverado 2500 HD in its 2023 model line-up? Here are some of those highlights to note before you come in to experience this truck for yourself.
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The 2023 Silverado 2500 HD has two engine options: the standard 6.6L V8 gas engine or the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. The gas V8 produces an impressive 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-diesel V8 offers 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque and is matched with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine also comes with a winter grille cover, an engine block heated, and an exhaust brake.
Another performance feature that might attract you to the 2023 Silverado 2500 HD is the automatic locking rear differential. This means that the differential will lock the rear wheels to add traction when the system detects a difference in the wheel speed. A decrease in wheel speed of 100 rpm will be picked up by the Eaton Locker. Digital Variable Steering Assist is available on certain Silverado 2500 HD trim levels and detects factors, such as road conditions and speed, and adjusts steering speed accordingly. This is utilized to decrease the occurrence of driver fatigue.
2WD and 4WD are both available on the 2023 Silverado 2500 HD line-up. Opting for 4WD gives this truck Hill Descent Control, which you can activate by pushing a button below the instrument panel. It does not put extra pressure on the brake pedal but gives you more control by using anti-lock braking. The result is a smoother performance when driving down steep inclines.
Another performance-oriented feature of this truck is the available two-speed transfer case with push button controls on the 4x4 models. Its purpose is to give you a better off-roading experience and lets you engage a single low-gear ratio, which results in more available torque. It can also enhance your crawl speed when needed in Low Range mode. 2WD High is used for most on-road and highway driving scenarios, while 4WD High is left for slick surfaces where more traction is required. If you’re in the mud or sand, 4WD Low will deliver maximum torque to all four wheels. You can leave it in Auto mode, which automatically engages 4WD until the truck regains enough traction. When the vehicle needs to be towed, you can leave it in Neutral.
The interior of the 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD blends practicality with comfort in a way that pickup truck owners expect from their vehicles. On the LTZ and High Country trim levels, you can bask in the plush 10-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar support and tilting seat cushion. The front passenger seat on those trims is also 10-way power-adjustable. You can also get these seats in the LT trim if you add the Convenience package.
Speaking of the Convenience package, there is more to it than just the power front seats. This package includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a heating function on the front outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. Remote Start, Keyless Open and Start, and LED cargo bed lighting are part of this package as well.
Many upholstery options are available on the 2500 HD, and what you choose will depend on what looks and feels the most appealing. The LTZ, for example, is outfitted with perforated leather-appointed trim on the front outboard seats. The WT (Work Truck) comes with standard vinyl seat trimming. You can pick from the color and material you want on your truck’s seats, catering to your unique aesthetic.
For your audio needs, you can choose from the base two-speaker sound system (which comes in the Regular Cab) or opt for the six-speaker sound system that accompanies the Double Cab and Crew Cab models. You can access your music and other forms of entertainment via the standard 7-inch touchscreen display powered by the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. Upgrading to the LT trim increases the touchscreen’s size to 8 inches, and on the High Country trim, you get Navigation integrated into this system.
Chevy takes safety seriously and does not skimp on the safety features included on the Silverado 2500 HD. Hitch Guidance is a particularly handy feature since it shows you a guideline on the rearview camera to help align your trailer when you’ve flipped the truck into reverse. When driving, you can use Hitch Guidance to quickly check your trailer in the rearview camera. Hitch Guidance can optionally come with Hitch View, which automatically applies the truck’s electric parking brake when you shift to Park.
Every trim level comes with a feature called Teen Driver. If you wish to encourage better driving with your teenage driver, you can use the truck’s key fob to customize certain vehicle settings. Some features can be limited this way, while others can automatically be turned on when the vehicle starts to keep young drivers safer on the road. These configurations control a variety of vehicle features, like max volume level and speed. If you wish to check how your teen driver is doing, an in-vehicle report card breaks performance down into helpful analytics.
Another handy available feature is the HD Surround Vision system. This utilizes multiple camera angles to show you an overhead view of everything immediately surrounding the 2500 HD. It can work at slower speeds and assist in avoiding a collision with nearby objects. The camera display lets you select several views, including two Trailer Camera positions.
Both of these features are available on some 2500 HD trim levels. Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert can assist you in avoiding lane-change crashes by providing visual alerts from the side mirrors when another vehicle is quickly moving into your side blind zone. Lane Departure Warning lets you know if you are accidentally straying outside your intended driving lane, prompting you to take corrective action. If the system thinks you are intentionally departing your lane or if you are using your turn indicator, the alarm will not be activated.
It is impossible to talk about the 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD without mentioning its maximum towing and hauling capacities. The Silverado 2500 HD has a standard Trailering Package that includes a 2.5-inch receiver, and a 2-inch insert, not to mention the 7-pin wiring connector and Hitch Guidance system. Vertical trailering mirrors are standard across the lineup. StabiliTrak with Electronic Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul mode, Hill Start Assist, and Auto Grade Braking are also included on the robust list of standard towing/hauling features.
Cargo bed rail height is an optional feature that allows you to create more clearance for gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. Accessing the front of the truck bed is made easier with the integrated bed steps, and the driver-side door jamb houses a Trailering Information Label that gives you pertinent information, including towing capacities.
There is an Advanced Trailering package that gives you an in-vehicle/smartphone app to help customize trailer dynamics. It also lets you view pre-departure checklists, create and sync your trailer profiles, and use the Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep tabs on how full your tires are at the moment.
The max towing and payload capacities vary depending on which configuration you buy. The Standard Bed 2WD Crew Cab offers 14,500 lbs in maximum conventional towing capacity and up to 18,500 lbs max in gooseneck/fifth wheel towing. A Long Bed 2WD Crew Cab comes with up to 18,500 lbs in max conventional towing and 18,500 lbs in gooseneck/fifth wheel towing. Depending on your engine configuration, you can carry a payload of up to 3,979 lbs.