Introduction
The Silverado 2500HD is available in WT (Work Truck), LT and LTZ trims in extended cab, crew cab and regular cab (except LTZ). The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. Versions are available with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 for added torque. Rear wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional – part-time on WT and full-time on other models. Regular cabs have an 8-foot bed, and other models have either a 6-and-a-half foot bed or an 8-foot long bed.
The WT comes standard with a vinyl floor covering, heavy-duty transmission oil cooler, 17-inch wheels, front split bench seat, tilt steering wheel, electronic stability control and air conditioning. The LT adds power windows, locks with remote keyless entry, power mirrors, privacy glass, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LTZ is the plush model and is loaded with things like power leather seats, front console, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Ford F-350 was redesigned more recently and has a powerful diesel engine and offers car-like features, but isn't quite as capable. The similar GMC Sierra shares all of the positive attributes of the Silverado with slightly more aggressive styling, but typically costs a little more than the equivalent Silverado. The Ram 3500 has a plush interior and strong diesel engine but also can be pricey and not as capable. The Toyota Tundra doesn't offer a heavy-duty version, but the 5.6-liter V8 is supremely powerful and strong.
It may be in a small class, but the Silverado 2500HD holds up because of its usefulness and wide variety of trim and equipment options. It boasts strong powertrain and transmission options that are essential to people who buy a big truck to haul or tow things. And the uplevel LTZ trim is reasonably luxurious. For those reasons, the Silverado deserves a hard look.
Which Style To Buy?
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT
The LT adds more amenities to make the Silverado less like a government work truck, without hindering its capabilities. With the same powertrain and cab options as the WT, the LT adds features such as OnStar telematics and crash detection, privacy glass, power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored exterior trim, SiriusXM satellite radio and cloth upholstery. A Bose Premium audio system, Autotrac four-wheel drive system, Allison transmission, Duramax turbodiesel, Bluetooth and 18 and 20-inch wheels are also available.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ
For truck buyers looking to go straight from the fields to the country club, the LTZ tries to be a machine to take everywhere. The top trim of the Silverado 2500HD line comes as either an extended cab or crew cab, with standard front heated leather seats, front center console, auto-locking rear differential, Bluetooth, OnStar Directions & Connections, heavy-duty trailer package, power-folding outside mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, 6-way power driver's seat, Bose audio system and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include 20-inch wheels, touchscreen navigation system, Autotrac four-wheel drive system and the Duramax and Allison options.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
The entry-level WT is intended for people who want all of the capabilities of a heavy-duty truck without much garnish. So the WT gets things like a vinyl floor covering, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, a split front bench seat, four-speaker radio, cruise control and stability control. The 6.0-liter V8 is standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 6.6-liter turbodiesel and Allison heavy-duty transmission are optional, as is a part-time four-wheel drive system. Power mirrors, OnStar, CD player and a trailering package are also available.
Best Alternatives
2013 Ford F-350
More refined interior that offers better in-car technology, but not quite as capable
2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Similar to Silverado, but some equivalent models cost more
2012 RAM 3500
Plush interior with strong diesel option, but can be expensive
2013 Toyota Tundra
Powerful V8 engine with good capabilities, but isn't a heavy-duty truck