2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Pros vs Cons

When it comes to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, there are so many different configurations that it might take you a while to decide which one is the perfect fit for your unique needs. This truck is a work horse, sure, but it can also be just as functional as a daily driver, provided that it is laden with some sort of load.

While the 2019 line-up is down by two cab configurations from last model year, there are still so many options to choose from that it will have your head spinning. No matter what you choose to go with, you are guaranteed to get top-notch towing and hauling capabilities, a good ride quality when the vehicle is laden, and controls that make the vehicle user-friendly.

What's New for 2019?

Fans of the Chevy Silverado might notice that a few things are missing from the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD line-up. This model year, Chevy saw fit to remove both the Short-bed Double Cab and the Regular-cab from the Silverado line.

Other than these two obvious omissions and a few Editions that have been added in, nearly everything from the 2018 line-up carries over to the remaining Silverado models.

Buyers should take note that a major re-design will be taking place for the 2020 model year.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – The Pros

1. Its Towing Capabilities

With a base towing capacity of 13,000 pounds and conventional maximum towing capacity of 14,500 pounds (18,100 pounds if you have a fifth wheel), the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD hovers near the top of its class for towing. The DuraMax 6.6-L turbodiesel engine is ideal for high towing capacities with its 910 lb-ft of torque that can be mustered from just 1,600 rpm. Even if you cannot afford the extra $9,395 for this engine, the standard 6.0-L V8 is nothing to scoff at, as it can help pull that 14,500 pounds with no problem.

2. The Hauling Capabilities

It should come as no surprise that the Chevy Silverado 2500HD is quite the hauler. With a payload capacity of up to 3,435 pounds, the 2500HD is capable of toting quite a bit of weight in the bed. Accessing the bed of the truck is made easy with the Smart Steps that are built into both corners of the rear bumper. This makes loading and unloading much easier and more efficient.

3. The Diesel Engine

If you can swing the cost, the 6.6-L turbodiesel engine is a must-have. Matched with an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, this powerful engine is able to generate 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. This much power is more than sufficient for getting the hefty 2500HD up and running on the highway. With the turbodiesel equipped, the Silverado's fuel economy is a best-in-class 19 mpg on the highway, beating out top competitors like the GMC Sierra and Ford F-250.

4. A Quiet Ride Quality

Make no mistake - the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can make for a rough ride when unladen due to its stiff suspension. However, when this vehicle is bogged down with a heavy load, the 2500HD loses that uncomfortable bounce. It is also a fairly quiet ride, as no road noise and only minimal wind noise make their way into the muted cabin. Even the turbodiesel engine, which you would expect to have a bit more growl, does not get obnoxious when you take the truck up to speed on the highway.

5. A Solid Build

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is undoubtedly built to Chevy's standards. Inside, the materials match the level of quality drivers have come to expect from Chevy. Nothing screams 'luxury', but the materials also do not seem to be cheaply-made. The body of the Silverado is made from a mixture of materials that allow it to be more lightweight while also maintaining standards for strength and quality.

6. Accelerates Quickly On the Highway

Equip the 6.6-L turbodiesel engine and watch how fast your speedometer rises while you take the Silverado 2500HD up to speed on the highway. This heavy duty truck can go from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.7 seconds, which is swift and spunky for this class.

7. The Tribute Edition

Want to show your patriotism? This model year, Chevy rolled out the Tribute Edition on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The Tribute Edition gets you some cool Z71 decals, an American flag slapped across the side, and the Z71 off-roading package. It is exclusively available on the LTZ trim and is worth the additional cost if you are keen on off-roading and want that American flag paint option.

8. All Controls Are Easy to Use

Not all trucks in this segment offer such a user-friendly array of controls. Everything that you will find in the cabin of the Silverado 2500HD is well-labeled, smartly placed, and all-around easy to use. The climate control system, for example, has huge knobs and layouts that are incredibly simple to navigate. The touchscreen interface itself is quick to respond and only involves a short learning curve.

9. A Spacious Cabin

Make no mistake, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a full-sized truck, and its cabin reflects this with its immense amount of space. The 2500HD can comfortably seat five adults of any size. Yes, even people taller than 6' can easily fit their heads, shoulders, hips, and legs into any spot inside of the Silverado's cozy cabin.

10. Plenty of Small Item Storage Areas

Need a spot to stash your cell phone or tablet? The Chevy Silverado 2500HD has plenty of small item storage spaces that are strategically placed throughout the cabin. There are cup-holders everywhere you look, including on all four doors. The center bin up front is absolutely massive, and the door pockets are huge as well. The split-open glove-box is also quite roomy.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – The Cons

1. Ride Gets Rough On Jagged Pavement

The biggest qualm to be had with the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is one that is more common for the vehicles in the 3500HD's class - the rough ride quality when unladen. The ride especially suffers when going over loose or jagged stretches of paved roadways. If you want a more mellow ride, you will have to weigh the vehicle down with a good-sized load. For being a 2500, the ride quality should be better.

2. Limited Availability of the Telescoping Steering Column

Having a steering column that is tilt and telescoping adds an extra level of adjustability (and, therefore, comfort) for the driver. On the 2500HD, you have to spend more money to get this feature, as the LTZ and High Country trims have it as a standard feature and the LT has it as an add-on. Given how many automakers are now adding a tilt and telescoping steering column as standard, it would make sense for Chevy to do the same on the Silverado.

3. Tiny Standard Mirrors

The mirrors that come standard on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD are a bit too small for such a large-scale truck. While the bigger towing mirrors lend to better rear visibility, the standard mirrors do not give much rear visibility at all. Mirrors on a truck this size need to be larger in order for the driver to feel secure regarding what is happening behind the truck and not have to rely solely on the rear-view camera for insight.

4. Diminished Outward Visibility

In addition to those small standard side mirrors, visibility on the 2500HD is further hindered by the thick roof pillars in both the front and rear of the vehicle. On a full-sized truck, you need to know where exactly its corners are, and you simply just do not get this on the Silverado. Be prepared to consistently use driver aids. Thankfully, a rear-view camera comes as a standard feature, and there is a Driver Alert package that has parking sensors for the front and rear.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs. 2019 Ram 2500

A major competitor for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the new 2019 Ram 2500. The Ram offers a powerful diesel engine option that delivers 350 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, which can be upped to 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque when the 6-speed automatic transmission is equipped. Additionally, the Ram 2500 offers a comfortable ride quality, strong off-roading capabilities on the Power Wagon trim level, and a well-designed cabin. However, the 2500 suffers from height issues that cause there to be quite a few blind-spots around the vehicle that must be navigated with the standard blind-spot monitoring system.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs. 2019 Ford F-250

Another major rival for the model year is the 2019 Ford F-250. This truck has an optional V8 diesel engine that provides a massive amount of power. Also, the lightweight body lends to a more aerodynamic design that helps make the vehicle more efficient. Of course, it, too, is a solid work horse that has high payload and towing capacities. On the downside, the F-250 can get pretty expensive with all of the optional features that are tempting to add on.

Conclusion

There is no doubt to be had that the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is one of the top trucks in its segment for the model year. With its numerous configurations, well-designed interior space, and well-rounded driving performance (especially on the diesel engine), there are a lot of reasons why consumers will want to buy the Silverado 2500HD.

However, they would do well to keep in mind the fact that visibility is much more limited on a truck this size than it is on smaller vehicles, so relying on driver aids is becoming commonplace for drivers. Still, when you load this vehicle down with a good sized payload or tow a trailer, you will get an enjoyable ride quality that negates a lot of the negatives.