The redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup that’s eager to exert its dominance. To use a personification, it flexes.
The audacious, black-out grille looks like the entrance to a mansion. The sheer length of the vehicle, about 20 feet, is jaw-dropping. And the 6-feet, 7-inch height makes you giddy. Sitting in the driver’s seat, you almost feel like you need to chew gum to keep your ears from popping.
Chevy’s heavy-duty work truck craves wide-open spaces. Driving in Chattanooga freeway lanes pinched by road construction is a white-knuckle experience, as your ears brace for scratching noises.
Thankfully, we were able to turn out Silver Ice Metallic tester in after a week of commuter driving without a scratch, but we did a fair about of creeping through parking lots to avoid metal-on-metal contact.
After all, the Siverado 2500 HD is designed as a broad-shouldered work truck. Even though, in real life, people will also use them as family vehicles. In certain trims, the Silverado HD 2500 is capable of pulling 35,000 pounds. That’s almost 18 tons, people.
Locally, Chevy trucks are available at Integrity Chevrolet and Mountain View Chevrolet. Late this week both dealerships had a supply of 2020 Silverado 2500 pickups in digital inventory.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 4WD Custom Crew* Exterior color: Silver Ice Metallic* Interior color: Jet Black* Engine: 6.6-liter, V-8* Horsepower: 401* Transmission: 6-speed automatic* Fuel economy: NA* Local Dealer: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet* Price (as tested): $48,420
Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy / The cabin of the Chevy 2500 truck is open and airy.WHAT IS IT?
The Chevy Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty work truck with a choice of stout engines. Our tester comes equipped with a 6.6-liter, V-8 engine that makes 401 horsepower. There is also an available turbo-diesel engine that makes 445 horsepower. In custom crew cab format, the Silverado 2500 is a five-passenger pickup with impressive rear-seat leg room.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our tester has a reasonable bottom line of $48,420. The base price is $43,600 and the tester includes about $3,475 in options. The destination charge is $1,595. The truck has not yet been given a fuel-economy rating by the government.
WHAT WE LIKED
For all its size, the Silverado 2500 HD is a handsome truck. The sculpted front end looks bold and modern. Built-in steps provide easy access to the elevated bed. Our four-wheel-drive tester features an automatic locking rear differential, which is a plus.
Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy / The Chevy 2500 is over 20 feet long.ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
At this price, push-button start would be nice.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Silverado 2500 is notably nimble for such a big vehicle. You’ll want to be sure to keep the truck centered in multi-lane driving.
BOTTOM LINE
If you need a big, strong truck the Chevy 25000 HD is a good option at a reasonable price.
Online: In the market for a new vehicle? To access hundreds of Mark Kennedy’s Chattanooga Test Drive columns visit www.timesfreepress.com/testdrive.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.
