Since I started writing for the automotive industry, I’ve gotten to know the Chevy Silverado quite well. We might as well be on a first-name basis at this point. From analyzing specs, features, trims, and everything else in between, I’ve had the opportunity to delve deep into the capabilities that make Chevy’s flagship product as excellent as it is.
Today is no exception, as I’m tasked with helping drivers choose the ideal powertrain for the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD from its third and fourth generation. The 2500 HD is the high-end of heavy-duty, and towing, performance, and payload are the items drivers and tradespeople seek. We’ll examine the different engine options from these two generations in particular so you can evaluate which one can bestow you with the power and performance necessary to accomplish those arduous tasks you encounter regularly. Getting behind the wheel of a used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD for sale might be your goal, but it’s mine to give you the details you want.
2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
The 2015 model year officially launched the third generation of the Silverado 2500 HD, so it’s the best place to start. A consistent factor with the HD variations of the Silverado has been the availability of two powertrains, one powered by conventional gasoline and the other by diesel fuel.
The base engine for the 2500 HD was a 6.0L V8, which propelled the vehicle forward with 360 hp and generated 380 lb-ft of torque. The engine was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine would be part of the Silverado 2500 for the entirety of the third generation. A maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs and a payload of 3,583 lbs are specifications that are still exceptional by modern standards.
The 2015 Silverado 2500 could also be equipped with a. 6.6L Duramax V8. GM has played an intricate role in the renaissance of the diesel engine, and their Duramax engines are masterclasses in capability and performance. With 397 hp and the ability to generate an impressive 765 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax allowed for exceptional towing prowess. A 2015 Silverado with a Duramax could pull 17,900 lbs when properly equipped.
2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
The 2017 Silverado 2500, while still part of the vehicle’s third generation, underwent a significant change regarding its diesel powertrain. The optional engine was still a 6.6L V8, but the hp was increased to 445, and it now could generate an astonishing 910 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed Allison transmission, and the conventional towing capacity of 14,500 lbs was now on par with both powertrains. The Duramax excelled at the fifth wheel and gooseneck towing applications, as it could now pull 18,100 lbs. Payload had also increased by a considerable amount as well, as 3,559 lbs was now the maximum.
2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
For the sake of the ongoing legacy of the Silverado 2500, 2020 marked the beginning of the fourth generation, and Chevy brought the big guns to equip their heavy-duty dynamo with the very best. There were still two domineering eight-cylinder engines that allowed drivers to accomplish the impossible, and, thanks to the dedication to quality and prowess on display by the bow-tie brand, they were more potent than ever.
The standard engine, as it had been for previous years, was a gasoline-powered V8. The 6.6L engine belted out an impressive 401 hp and could generate 464 lb-ft of torque with minimal effort. The base engine’s conventional towing capability improved substantially, with the 2500 HD now pulling up to 14,500 lbs and pulling over 17,000 lbs during fifth wheel and gooseneck applications. Payload capacity also substantially increased, with 2WD models now holding over 3,900 lbs.
The 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine returned triumphantly and was now equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission. 445 hp and the capacity to generate 910 lb-ft of torque were still specifications from which the previous generation of the Silverado 2500 had benefited, and its towing capabilities were now among some of the most impressive. While the diesel engine’s payload capability was less than the gas engine, over 3,700 lbs is still admirable. The Duramax’s towing increased significantly, making 18,500 lbs available when properly equipped, and fifth wheel and gooseneck applications had further increased to 18,500 lbs.
2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
The 2024 model year saw the Silverado 2500 get a styling refresh and a performance increase on its diesel powertrain, as the 6.6L Duramax now pushed out an impeccable 975 lb-ft of torque. The ten-speed automatic transmission that had been standard with the diesel engine in the past was now paired with the gasoline-fueled V8. An off-road-ready version of the 2500 HD, the ZR2, was also available.
The gasoline engine’s towing capabilities had made notable improvements. It could now tow up to 16,000 lbs in conventional towing and 18,700 lbs in applications that involved a goose-neck or fifth wheel. The Duramax’s elevated specs in lb-ft of torque made its towing capabilities even more impressive than in previous years. Its conventional tow rating now stood at 20,000 lbs, and its fifth wheel and gooseneck capabilities also dramatically increased to 22,430 lbs. The payload that both engines now offered also increased by a substantial amount, with the Duramax holding 3,615 lbs and the gasoline-powered V8 now able to hold 3,689 lbs.
A Plethora of Performance and Strength Is at Your Disposal
The pickup truck has evolved significantly since it first rolled off the assembly lines over a century ago. While new variations have been designed for high performance, off-roading, and even luxury, the vehicle’s original intent and application of transporting materials remains one of its most essential functions. The Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is remarkable for its prowess and performance. As we’ve seen today with the third and fourth generations of the vehicle in question, there’s a whole mountain of arduous tasks that can be accomplished with minimal effort.
Shopping for a used Silverado 2500 might be your most crucial choice in the upcoming year. Suppose you want to employ a reliable and efficient workhorse for your company or a job site. In that case, the towing and payload applications will undoubtedly be put to good use in terms of productivity and accomplishment.
If the towing and payload tasks you have to accomplish are geared more towards recreation, such as camping and other outdoor activities, you’ll have the best engines in the business and a discernable level of oversight to ensure safe travels. Chevy is continually improving its technology, which allows for safe towing and enhanced visibility.
Depending on how much you need to tow, purchasing a used Silverado 2500 can help you achieve your goals and deadlines and save money on up-front costs and monthly insurance premiums. Less is more, and with two unique powertrains to choose from, your workload will be more manageable, and you’ll get much more done in less time. That’s the power of Chevy, and you can find this dedication in any of its more recent pre-owned heavy-duty models.
