Editor’s note: If you’re looking for information on a newer Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, we’ve published an updated review: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review.
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a serious work truck for pickup shoppers who have serious work needs. It can tow, haul and carry more stuff than nearly any other pickup on the market, which means it’s probably not the best choice for shoppers interested in a pickup they can use to drive around town and carry the occasional heavy item from the home improvement store.
If that sounds like you, consider a light-duty Silverado 1500. But if you’re looking for a heavy-duty pickup that’s right at home on a job site, the Silverado 2500HD is a good choice — a fact that’s especially true after a full redesign for the 2015 model year. Offering new equipment, a new interior and a totally new look, the latest Silverado 2500HD boasts a fresh take on one of the most capable pickup trucks on the market, from the bare-bones Work Truck to the upscale LTZ. See the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models for sale near you
What’s New for 2015?
The Silverado 2500HD is fully redesigned for the 2015 model year. While engines carry over from last year, the truck offers entirely new styling, an updated interior, a long list of new features and a new double-cab model with rear-hinged rear doors.
What We Like
Highly capable; impressive towing and hauling capabilities; huge engines; new interior offers class-leading equipment and passenger space
What We Don’t
Doesn’t offer manual transmission like RAM HD does; no major engine updates with the new design; RAM’s self-leveling suspension is compelling
How Much?
$31,100-$49,200
Fuel Economy
Just like last year, the 2015 Silverado 2500HD offers two engines. The pickup’s standard powerplant is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Drivers who want more pulling power can opt for the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, which makes a little more power (397 horses) and an almost unbelievable 765 lb-ft of torque. Official fuel economy ratings aren’t available because the Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t rate vehicles as big as the Silverado, but most drivers get around 12 miles per gallon in the city and 17 mpg in highway driving.
Standard Features & Options
There are many different body styles, trim levels and configurations of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Drivers can choose from regular cabs and crew cabs, along with a new-for-2015 extended cab. There are regular and long beds, gas or diesel engines and 2- or 4-wheel drive.
When it comes to trim levels, the Silverado 2500HD offers three: the base-level Work Truck, the mid-level LT and a high-end LTZ.
The Work Truck ($31,100) is designed for basic job-site transportation, and as such, it doesn’t offer much. There’s an AM/FM stereo with an auxiliary port (but no CD player), vinyl seating, air conditioning and little else. It’s so basic that items most drivers take for granted, such as keyless entry and power mirrors, aren’t even standard.
Next up is the LT ($35,800), which includes a much more generous list of standard equipment. There are power mirrors, for example, and tinted glass. Silverado 2500HD LT models also include alloy wheels, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, a CD player, OnStar and satellite radio.
Topping the line is the LTZ ($43,500), which adds luxuries such as an automatic locking rear differential, fog lights, power folding mirrors, larger alloy wheels, chrome trim, a larger center touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a reversing camera.
When it comes to options, the Silverado 2500HD offers the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, power adjustable pedals, rear park assist, a heavy-duty trailer package and 4-wheel drive. Several safety features are also newly available for the 2015 model year, including forward-collision alert and a lane-departure warning system that vibrates the driver’s seat if the truck starts to drift from its lane.
Safety
All 2015 Silverado 2500HD models include side airbags, side-curtain airbags, StabiliTrak electronic traction and stability control, daytime running lights and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional features include a backup camera, park assist and upgrades such as forward-collision alert and a lane-departure warning system.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the Silverado 2500HD since its redesign. Earlier models earned average ratings, but we expect the updated truck to perform better, given its brand-new construction from the ground up.
Behind the Wheel
There aren’t any surprises behind the wheel of the Silverado 2500HD. Yes, it’s fully redesigned for the 2015 model year with a new look and a handsome new cabin that makes a huge improvement over the old one, but any heavy-duty Silverado is still a big pickup truck. That means light steering, huge dimensions and a king-of-the-road driving position. In the Silverado’s case, it also means a surprisingly quiet ride: We’re impressed with just how well the pickup manages to cancel out road noise, wind noise and even the churning of the pickup’s optional diesel engine.
Inside the cabin, we’re impressed by the new dashboard, which brings a touch of modernity to the heavy-duty-truck world, a segment that’s usually the last to gain any of the latest features and equipment. We’re also impressed by the rear-seat room, especially in crew-cab models. While we don’t recommend it for city drivers, the Silverado 2500HD could easily be used as family transportation. In fact, it’s just as adept at offering a comfortable ride to passengers as it is on the job site, where it can tow and haul better than nearly any pickup on the market.
Other Cars to Consider
GMC Sierra 2500HD — The highly similar Sierra 2500HD is worth a look, especially if you prefer the GMC’s slightly revised styling. Even if you don’t, check out the Sierra to see if you can get a better deal.
RAM 2500HD — The heavy-duty RAM offers impressive capabilities, especially given its self-leveling suspension, available manual transmission and its optional torquey 6.7-liter engine. But the RAM’s cabin can’t touch the interior in the latest heavy-duty Silverado.
Ford F-250 — Now outclassed by RAM and Chevrolet, the F-250 is due for a redesign of its own. It’s still highly capable, though, and its older design may mean that a discount is more likely.
AutoTrader’s Advice
There are too many trim levels and configurations to pick a Silverado 2500HD model that stands out above the rest. Instead, we suggest choosing the pickup that best suits your needs. For example, shoppers looking to tow large trailers will want the 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine. Drivers who need to cart around the whole family will want a crew cab. And those who want luxury will want a high-end LTZ model. If it were us choosing a Silverado 2500HD, we’d opt for the diesel because it’s just so capable, and we’d skip the base-level Work Truck model, since its sparse options might make it hard to sell. But the Silverado’s wide range of configurations means there’s something for everyone. Find a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD for sale
I wanted something that gave me better fuel mileage and more power for mountain towing. I traded up from a GMC 2500HD with 6.0 to a Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.6 diesel. Best decision I ever made.
I own a 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I will never own another GM product or buy from Apple valley Chevy in martinsburg wv again.
Why do you regret your purchase?