2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD: Video Road Test and Truck Review

Though the exterior received only a mild refresh, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is nevertheless a noticeably different truck. This model year brings the optional addition of the rugged 6.6L Duramax diesel, purportedly capable of producing 397 horsepower and 767 lb-ft of torque. Thanks chiefly to the new Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission to which it is mated, Chevy also claims the new diesel can achieve 0-60mph in under 9 seconds. Maintaining that emphasis on speed, the Duramax further requires only 3 seconds to sufficiently "warm up" in temperatures as low as -20F. Other engine options include a modestly tweaked 360 horsepower, 380 lb-ft of torque 6.0L V8, coupled with Chevy's 6L90 six-speed automatic. Regardless of powerplant configuration, all Silverado 2500HD models come with Chevy's new exhaust brake system, engineered to use back-pressure to lessen the burden of deceleration traditionally placed on the braking system and transmission. 

There are only two trim levels available, WT and LT, which include a plethora of configuration options such as front- or four-wheel-drive,  a choice of regular, extended, or crew cab, and buyer’s preference of either short, standard, or long bed. Both trim levels also boast StabiliTrak electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and auxiliary power outlets as standard features. Slightly more luxuriously appointed, the LT trimline also affords buyers the minimum feature of OnStar, including its full line of accommodations like remote door unlock, remote start, crisis assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, emergency services, automatic crash response, etc.

Pricing begins at $28,800 for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD WT and climbs to a starter price of $45, 385 for the 4WD LTZ (though options like the 6.6L Duramax can push the price tag well over $50k). All prices include 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited, 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain, and 6 years/100,000 rust warranties.  5 years/100,000 miles of complimentary enrollment in the roadside assistance program is also included.  

Trucks similar to the Silverado 2500HD are the Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500.

Learn more about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.