Introduction

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD returns for a final model year before it's replaced with a new truck in the 2020 model year. It's still an excellent heavy-duty truck that's worth consideration, especially for its energetic engines and impressive capability.

A new Tribute Edition (actually an option package) bedecked with a number of unique visual elements has joined the lineup for the 2019 model year. Otherwise, the Silverado 2500HD and its heavier-duty 3500HD compatriot are little changed.

Heavy-duty Silverados come in three-quarter-ton (2500HD) and full-ton (3500 HD) configurations. Four trim levels are offered: WT (Work Truck), LT, LTZ, and High Country.

Either a gasoline or diesel V-8 may be installed. Silverado HDs come in three cab types: two-door Regular, four-door Double Cab, or four-door Crew Cab. Cargo beds may be short (6-foot-6) or long (8-foot). Only 3500HD models can have a dual-rear-wheel (duallie) setup. 

Chevrolet's standard 6.0-liter V-8 engine develops 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, mating with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Payload capacity reaches past 3,500 pounds.

The turbodiesel option is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 that makes a strong 445 horsepower, but conjures up a whopping 910 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to tow more than 18,000 pounds, in some configurations. Optional for specific models, the turbodiesel engine adds more than $9,000 to the truck's price.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on most versions; four-wheel drive is optional.

The NHTSA has given the 2019 Silverado 2500HD four stars overall in its crash-test, five stars for side-impact, and a three-star rating for frontal-impact and for rollover prevention (a calculated figure, not based upon testing). The IIHS has not crashed a Silverado HD.

LT and LTZ models can have optional forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, plus a rear-seat reminder to check for children in the back seat. Those warning systems are standard on High Country trucks. Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors are not available.. 

Lineup

Prices do not include a $1,495 destination charge.

Regular Cab Work Truck ($38,100 with four-wheel drive) has a 133.6-inch wheelbase and comes with a three-place bench seat, vinyl upholstery, blacked-out trim, 17-inch steel wheels, power locks/windows, and 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Double Cab 144.2-inch Work Truck ($40,300 with four-wheel drive) rides a 144.2-inch wheelbase and adds a three-place back seat with half-doors.

LT Double Cab 144.2-inch ($45,700 with four-wheel drive) includes 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, LED headlights, 8.0-inch touchscreen, and cloth seat upholstery.

Double Cab 158.1-inch Work Truck ($37,600 with rear-wheel drive, $40,500 with four-wheel drive) is equipped similar to Regular Cab Work Truck.

LT Double Cab 158.1-inch ($42,500 with RWD, $45,900 with 4WD) is equipped similar to Double Cab V-8, on longer wheelbase, with durable cloth seats.

Crew Cab 153.7-inch Work Truck ($38,400 with RWD, $41,300 with 4WD) is equipped similar to Work Trucks above, but with four conventional doors and full back seat.

Crew Cab 167.7-inch Work Truck ($38,600 with RWD, $41,500 with 4WD) is similar to Work Truck above, on longer wheelbase.

LT Crew Cab 153.7-inch ($43,700 with RWD, $47,000 with 4WD) is equipped similar to LT models above.

LT Crew Cab 167.7-inch ($43,900 with RWD, $47,200 with 4WD) is similar to LT above, on longer wheelbase.

LTZ Crew Cab 153.7-inch L(($49,500 with RWD, $52,700 with 4WD) gets heated leather front seats, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated trailer brake controller, 110-volt power outlet, power-sliding rear window, 18-inch alloy wheels, and chrome body trim.

LTZ Crew Cab 167.7-inch ($49,700 with RWD, $52,900 with 4WD) is similar to LTZ above, on longer wheelbase.

High Country Crew Cab 153.7-inch ($55,900 with RWD, $59,000 with 4WD) includes a power up/down tailgate, assist steps, Bose audio, heated/cooled front seats, front/rear parking sensors, spray-in bedliner, and 20-inch wheels. The High Country comes only in short-bed Crew Cab configuration.

A Z71 package on midlevel trucks adds off-road equipment, including tougher shock absorbers, a front stabilizer bar, and underbody shielding.

The new Tribute Edition package on Z71-equipped trucks adds unique flag-themed trim elements and chrome lower skid plate detailing.. 

Walkaround

Blocky and business-like in profile, the Silverado HD conveys a rugged, rough-and-ready stance. Comparable in essence to a cowpoke wearing a well-cut suit, it radiates rural toughness, yet is overflowing with chrome trim ? even in basic Work Truck form.

A sizable upright grille exudes presence along with a touch of class. In range-topping High Country trim, body-color bumpers and chrome running boards exhibit the strongest amount of visual coherence.. 

Interior

Utilitarian qualities take precedence in the Silverado HD's cabin, which doesn't quite match the intriguing appeal of heavy-duty pickups produced by Ford and Ram.

Regular-cab trucks can accommodate either two or three occupants, depending on the bench-seat style. Double Cab models contain short rear bench seats that can seat adults, at least for short jaunts. Crew Cab versions give back-seat riders more than 40 inches of legroom.

Dashboards get right down to business, with large dials and controls that are suitable for use by gloved hands. Chevrolet includes an excellent infotainment system, along with an abundance of storage cubbies.. 

Driving Impression

Retention of a traditional leaf-spring rear suspension ensures simplicity and durability in the Silverado 2500HD, but sometimes delivers a rumbly ride, especially when the cargo bed is empty or holds little.

For a truck, the Silverado HD handles fine, even with its rugged suspension setup. Massive in dimensions, the Silverado HD drives like a true biggie, including pronounced body roll in curves and corners. Steering might best be described as leisurely or easygoing.

On the other hand, deft handling is seldom a primary concern among buyers of heavy-duty trucks. On turbodiesel models, electronic steering assist helps overcome the big pickup's considerable heft during low-speed maneuvers.

Despite the massive torque output from the optional (expensive) turbodiesel engine, for most drivers a Silverado HD functions best with the gasoline V-8. Admittedly, the diesel delivers good power at start-off. Yet, the 6.0-liter gas V-8 provides plenty of energy and muscle. Unless the gasoline-powered Silverado HD is pulling a trailer or heavily loaded with cargo, that V-8 is adequately brisk.

Heavy-duty trucks are exempted from EPA ratings, so no fuel-economy estimates are available.. 

Summary

Having recently redesigned the standard (1500) Silverado, the carryover 2019 Chevy Silverado HD series might be subject to some tempting discounts. It still sports impressive capability with either engine, which is what matters most.

 

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report..