GM is continuing the new product assault with the updated 2015 heavy duty truck line. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Z71 stand two inches taller than its light-duty 1500-series cousin and look more masculine as it should be.
When it comes to the drivetrain, Chevrolet went with 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 ratings 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. The rear end axle 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 falls far short of 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 a large 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 a 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.
Take a look at this Everything You Ever Wanted to Know video on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD with a Z71 package.
