New 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Vehicle Overview
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks are built on a more robust version of General Motor's full-size pickup truck platform. The heavy-duty trucks share the same mechanicals, but are differentiated with unique interiors and front-end styling. Both can have a powertrain that consists of a Duramax diesel engine and an Allison transmission, which continues to draw rave reviews.

There are some configuration differences between the light-duty Silverado 1500 and its big brothers. The regular cab version comes only with an 8-foot long bed, while the 2500HD extended cab is available with both the 6.5-foot standard bed and the long bed. The crew cab is also limited to just the long bed. All 3500HD models have long beds and can be ordered with dual rear wheels or single rear wheels. All 2500HD models are SRW. All models are available in two- or four-wheel-drive.

A 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine is standard on all models. The popular 6.6-liter Duramax diesel and six-speed Allison transmission are optional. GM says the 2500HD and 3500HD can tow up to 13,000 pounds with the diesel engine and a conventional hitch. Maximum towing capacity with a fifth-wheel hitch mounted in the cargo box is 16,700 pounds. Payload varies between 2,331 pounds and 5,309 pounds, depending on the model.

New for 2009
The only noticeable changes are in consumer electronics. OnStar now comes with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download. Bluetooth has also been added, and the XM Satellite Radio has been enhanced with a NavTraffic feature. Finally, those with visibility concerns will welcome the availability of a rearview camera system.

Exterior
The Silverado 1500's features are emboldened for the heavy-duty models. This includes specific grilles, headlamps, hoods and front fenders that are a little more muscular than the half-ton model's. The cargo boxes on 3500HD dually models are made of steel, including the hydroformed sheet metal outer fenders that give the truck extra strength and a more integrated appearance. An EZ Lift tailgate, rail system with adjustable tie-downs and moonroof on extended and crew cabs are available.  The dual-port grille is wider and taller than 1500 model's and the 3500HD dually has side, roof marker lights with chrome bumpers for all models. 

Interior
GM's efforts to improve its interiors have paid off with the Silverado's spacious cab. Materials have a softer touch, gaps are tighter and the surfaces are flush. The LTZ draws inspiration from the Tahoe/Suburban and is targeted toward luxury owners, while other trims appeal to the working owner. While GM doesn't have as many different interior packages as Ford, its choices are distinct enough to meet the needs of most buyers.

Because owners of heavy-duty trucks are on the road for long stretches, the LTZ is particularly inviting, with its leather seating and standard Bose sound system. Some luxury owners like the idea of captain's chairs in the rear of crew cabs, but that's about the only omission we can find in this nicely appointed interior.   Interior features include: stadium-style seating in second row, double glove box on work interiors, single on LTZ, easy-to-read, LED-lit analog gauges, and power windows on extended cab doors that roll down completely.  Power rear window on extended and crew cabs, rear-seat entertainment system and power-adjustable foot pedals are available.
 
Under the Hood
There are a couple of engine options on the heavy-duty Silverado.  A 360-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 with 380 pounds-feet of torque, iron block/aluminum cylinder head and two valves per cylinder is mated to six-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission.  A 365-hp, 6.6-liter diesel V-8 with 660 pounds-feet of torque, iron block/aluminum cylinder head and four valves per cylinder is mated to six-speed Allison automatic transmission.
 
Safety
An electronic stability system is standard only on select versions of the 2500HD.  Antilock brakes, dual fron airbags are standard on all models, while a tire-pressure-monitoring system is standard on SRW models.  Ultrasonic rear parking assist and OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation is standard.