THERE IS BIG AND THEN THERE IS REALLY BIG, WHEN IT COMES TO PICKUP TRUCKS
Last fall I got to experience the refreshed full-size SUV QX80 from Infiniti and in my review remarked on its overwhelming size.
“Big,” I noted, didn’t seem adequate to describe the bigget SUV in the Infiniti fleet. “Hugh” and “humongous” even came up short, if you will pardon the pun.
More recently, however, I got to experience what “big” in a vehicle really is after spending a week in the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
At nearly 21 feet long and almost 82 inches wide even with the huge side mirrors folded, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD takes up about half an acre of parking space. The massive hood seems to be in one zip code the rear cargo bed in another.
It sits so high, and with no running board, it was like climbing up a mountain to get into my test 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. Getting out was like jumping into a swimming empty of water.
This is a truck is made to be a workhorse. Comparing it to the QX80 (or any SUV) is like matching a Clydesdale against a thoroughbred race horse.
In addition to the LTZ trim already mentioned, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is offered in six trim levels with the Work Truck (or WT for short) serving as the base. The LTZ serves as the basis for this review. Other variants are Custom, LT, ZR2 and High Country.
Adding to the multitude of variations, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is offered with a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab and either a standard or long bed, though not every combination is available with every trim level.
The standard engine is a 6.6-liter V8 running on gasoline, but an optional 6.6-liter turbo V8 really boosts power and working capacity. The Duramax diesel in my test 4WD 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ was rated at 470 horsepower and a whopping 975 pound-feet of torque for a towing capability of over 18,000 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck hitch or 16,000 with a ball hitch.
Either engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HH is available in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
Standard equipment on my test 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ included Chevy’s Premium 3 infotainment features with a 13.5-inch touchscreen display and built-in Google capability, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless open and push-button start, remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power seats, LED fog and daytime running lights, power lock and release tail gate, and step-ups to ease access to the bed (but not the cabin).
An optional safety package added front and rear parking assist, rear cross traffic alert, bed view camera, trailer side blind side alert, and rear cross-traffic alert for $1,245.
The base MSRP of $62500 puts the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ at the high end of the myriad of trims available.
Options on my test 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ included $9,490 for the Duramax diesel engine, $2,565 for the addition of off-roading add-ons in the Trail Boss package, $1,680 for the LTZ Convenience package that added ventilated front seats and Bose premium sound, and $1,050 for the LTZ Convenience II package that added a rear power window and heating capability for the outboard rear seats.
All that ran the final total to $82,390 including the $1,995 destination and delivery fee, which is a pretty big jump from base trim 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ: The size is overwhelming, making for an arduous search for parking spaces in crowded mall lots. With no running board getting in is a chore and exiting puts you at the risk of breaking an ankle. Many desirable features come as options, running up the price.
Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ? Nope. There is a limited market here to begin with, and it doesn’t include me. Someone who wants a large vehicle for hauling or to go off-roading and has a big budget should take a look, however It’s not a good choice for every day transportation.