GM has been on a roll. This month they have already unveiled their full-size SUVs and the 6.2-liter powered trucks. Today, we have the updated 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD pickups.
The front end is the obvious visual cue for the updated 2015 HD trucks. The partially blacked out headlights make the upper grill appear much wider and adds a needed differentiator between the HD and the light-duty Silverados. The front bumper has a large opening and provides more air flow than before to the Duramax turbo intercooler or the radiators for the 6.0-liter gas V8. The profile does not look much different, but inlaid door design is now new and matches the doors on the new 2014 light duties. This design change reduces road noise and helps with aerodynamics.
When it comes to the drivetrain, Chevrolet went for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Under the hood, you will find the same 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine, as well as the tried and true 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbo-diesel. The 6-speed Allison transmission also returns for duty. The horsepower and torque rating are identical across the board. The 2500HD 6.0-liter Vortec is rated at: 360 hp and 380 lb-ft and can be ordered with CNG fuel capability. The Duramax is still at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. (Note: I expected the 6.0L Vortec to be replaced by the new 6.2L EcoTec3, but no dice.) The rear end ratios are the same as well.
Nonetheless, Chevrolet significantly raised the maximum payload and towing ratings for the 2500 HD line as you see below. The 3500 HD line sees smaller increases in payload and 5th wheel towing capability. This chassis looks to be maxed out. And the ultimate 23,200 lbs towing rating fall far short from the 30,000 lbs number that Ram 3500 HD claims. We want to evaluate this using our Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.
| 2014 Silverado 2500 HD | 2015 Silverado 2500 HD | |
| Max Payload | 3,670 lbs | 4,306 lbs |
| Conventional Max Tow | 13,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| 5th Wheel Max Tow | 14,700 lbs | 17,900 lbs |
| 2014 Silverado 3500 HD | 2015 Silverado 3500 HD | |
| Max Payload | 7,222 lbs | 7,374 lbs |
| Conventional Max Tow | 16,000 lbs | 19,600 lbs |
| 5th Wheel Max Tow | 23,100 lbs | 23,200 lbs |
The interior of the new 2015 HD trucks gets a major upgrade to the same level as in the 2014 light duties. The instrument and control design is improved, there is the big center screen, and the material quality is improved throughout on the higher end models. We have not yet tested a basic work-truck version, so we cannot comment on the interior updates there.
GM also added the slew of latest safety and trailering technologies. The new pickups can be optioned to have lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front and rear park assist. 2500 HD get standard side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags (it’s an option on the 3500 HD). All trucks now come standard with StabiliTrak and Trailer Sway Control. The new cruise control system includes Auto Grade braking and Diesel Exhaust Braking features to make towing easier than before.
Check out the TFLtruck reveal video of the 2015 Silverado HD and Sierra HD:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
