Overview

The Silverado 2500 and 3500 pickups underwent redesigns for 2007, and not a whole lot has changed for 2008 except the addition of standard satellite radio, new exterior colors and a new gauge cluster. The Silverado competes with other heavy-duty trucks like the Ford Super Dutys and Dodge Ram Heavy Dutys.

Last year's major changes included exterior restyling, vastly improved interior quality, roomier cabins, higher maximum towing and payload capacities, and improved gas mileage.

The Silverado comes in regular, extended and Crew Cab body styles and offers short, standard and long cargo box lengths; there are eight powertrain combinations, many suspension packages and four trim levels. Of course there's also rear- or four-wheel drive.

2500HD
The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V-8 that produces 353 horsepower and 373 pounds-feet of torque. A 6.6-liter turbo-diesel is optional; it makes 365 hp and 660 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all 2500 models, as are 17-inch wheels on Dually trucks. The 2500 receives the same new colors as the 1500: Dark Cherry Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.

The trucks are offered in regular, extended and Crew Cab configurations, with two cargo box lengths. GM says it has redesigned the tailgate to lessen its mass and make it easier to use and remove.

Both the interior and exterior have been redesigned to make Silverado HDs look different from their milder cousins. Differences include larger door-pull handles, plus a new grille, hood and front fenders.

3500
Silverado 3500 trucks get a 6.0-liter V-8 that produces 353 hp and 373 pounds-feet of torque. A 6.6-liter turbo-diesel is optional; it makes 365 hp and 660 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Dual rear wheels and an 8-foot cargo box are available on 3500 models. The trucks are offered in regular, extended and Crew Cab configurations, with two cargo box lengths. GM says it has redesigned the tailgate to lessen its mass and make it easier to use and remove.

Both the interior and exterior were redesigned last year to make Silverado HD trucks look different from their milder cousins. Differences include larger door-pull handles, plus a new grille, hood and front fenders.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all models. The StabiliTrak electronic stability system is standard on Crew Cabs and optional on extended cabs but not available on regular cabs. In addition to the required airbag complement, side curtain airbags are optional for all three body styles. They deploy along all the side windows in the event of a side impact or a rollover. Chevrolet says the front seat belt pretensioners are designed to cinch the belts in a rear-end collision as well as a frontal impact, intended to prevent occupants from flopping around and being injured.

The Silverado comes with OnStar, with the first year of Safe & Sound service free. This plan includes automatic OnStar notification in the event of a collision, stolen vehicle tracking and remote door unlocking should you lock your keys in the truck.

-Cars.com