2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Performance

The 401-hp base gasoline engine gives the Chevy a class-leading torque output of 464 lb-ft and impressive towing figures of 17,370 lbs, but it's the changes to the current-generation truck's chassis and joints that have finally allow it to compete with segment leaders. The standard powertrain can push the Silverado 2500HD around town relatively easy, but acceleration tapers off very quickly, so don't expect to get up to speed in a rush.

The available V8 diesel engine is still the stronger of the two options, developing a whopping 910 lb-ft. Coupled with the structural changes to the latest generation, this allows the Chevy to tow up to 18,510 lbs of weight in a gooseneck configuration. This is still shy of the Ram 2500's 20,000 lbs. Much like the gasoline engine, though, the Duramax powertrain doesn't offer impressive acceleration figures. But that's not what you buy a heavy-duty pick-up for. Rear-wheel-drive is standard on every model, save for the High Country, which gets the optional all-wheel drivetrain as standard.

Under the hood of every Silverado 2500HD is a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine, mated to a six-speed heavy-duty automatic gearbox. The powertrain kicks out 401 hp and 464 lb-ft and sends it to the rear wheels as standard, although all-wheel drive can be optioned on every trim. The only other heavy-duty truck that can beat Chevy's impressive torque without resorting to a diesel upgrade is the Ford 7.3-liter with 475 lb-ft. But while the gas-powered Silverado can certainly pull its weight around town, even when fully-laden, it won't do so quickly. Passing on the highway should only be attempted when truly necessary.

Unchanged from last year, the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine still develops 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque and drives through a ten-speed Allison automatic transmission. Even with this much torque on tap, you shouldn't expect the pick-up to get you around overly quickly.

As a heavy-duty vehicle, the Silverado isn't designed to get particularly impressive mileage figures. The power to haul and tow heavy weights comes at a considerable cost. While the EPA has not rated the truck due to its niche nature, some real-world results have been reported. Drivers claim that the standard gasoline engine is capable of achieving a combined fuel economy of 12 mpg, while the stronger, but more efficient, Duramax diesel engine can achieve a combined figure of 15 mpg. This is on par with similar heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-250 and Ram 2500. The gasoline tank size is standard across the range, but the diesel tank varies depending on body configuration. The maximum size of both is 36 gallons, giving the truck a maximum range of around 540 miles.