Quick Spin: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Manufacturer’s website
Chevrolet Canada

Review and photos by Mike Schlee

Large trucks like this 2012 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 2500 Crew Cab 4WD have always seemed to be utilitarian devices to me. These are vehicles possessing greater capabilities than merely providing daily transport and the odd weekend getaway. Although it is a different lifestyle and market that I am not a part of, it feels like overkill to use one of these vehicles as a daily driver if you do not regularly tow or haul large loads. It’s like bringing a butcher’s knife to work to butter your bagel, or bringing the basement chest freezer on the family picnic. But then again, there is the mantra “You never know when you’ll need it.”

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Click image to enlarge

The Chevrolet Silverado HD was last overhauled for the 2007 model year, which doesn’t seem that long ago. In fact, for a pickup that used to not be a long period of time at all. However, times have changed and any vehicle that doesn’t receive significant updates every five years or so gets left behind and the Silverado is ready for a refresh. Good news is that one is on its way, but in the meantime, small enhancements continue to be made to the workhorse of the Chevrolet family.

Last year the 6.6L turbocharged Duramax diesel was refreshed and power jumped to 397 hp while torque increased a staggering 105 lb-ft to 765 lb-ft. Since this truck is designed to tow upwards of 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.), when unloaded the power from all that torque is immense. The Silverado thrusts you into the atmosphere as you hammer the accelerator pedal. Even at triple-digit speeds this hulk just keeps accelerating unnaturally. Take it easy on the gas (diesel?) pedal, though, and the engine remains subdued and light on power until those mighty turbos spool up.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Click image to enlarge

Power is sent through GM’s much-touted six-speed Allison automatic transmission to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case. Being that this truck is motivated by a diesel engine, redline occurs at a low 3,450 rpm, with cruising speeds slotting in at 1,450 rpm for 100 km/h and 1,750 rpm for 120 km/h. Since this is a truck meant for hard work, my test truck had two purposeful engine features; an exhaust brake to assist in towing and a high-idle switch for cold weather conditions.

On the road, the 2500 HD is incredibly quite inside. Unless hard on the accelerator, the diesel engine can barely be heard. I could barely hear the gear I was carrying in my full cargo bed, which included several Muskoka chairs banging around. I did not have a decibel reader, but I would bet this truck approaches luxury car levels of quiet inside. The Silverado’s ride is rough when unloaded, but that should be expected of a heavy duty pickup truck. On the highway, it is not as bouncy as the Ram Power Wagon 2500 I recently drove but that Ram was more of a dedicated off-road truck. I did find that this rig handles well for its size, tracks straight, is predictable in corners, and handles all road surfaces with confidence. The four-wheel disc brakes and 265/70R18 all terrain tires also make it stop with reasonable effort on both hard and loose surfaces.

Sadly, I do not have a spare Bobcat tractor in my backyard or a tandem trailer to tow it on, so at-load test conditions could not evaluated. Nor was I able to max out the 1,227 kg (2,705 lb.) payload of the 1,718 L cargo box. However, I did fill it completely up with outdoor furniture. The convenient tie-down straps ensured everything stayed in place, even at highway speeds. The rear end of the truck sits so high when lightly loaded, though, that even with the EZ-lift tailgate down it was hard for even me to climb in and out of the bed to remove the chairs and benches. Makes Ford’s tailgate step seem not so silly after all.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Click image to enlarge

A big complaint about the Silverado is that the styling is viewed by many as out of date. Although the styling is old, I still find it purposeful and intimating; like a man’s classic black suit that never really goes out of style. My test truck featured the deluxe wide-load mirrors that extend out and fold, but are 100 percent manual. Although they are a reasonable $75 option, in a $72,000 truck they should be power operated.

The interior of the Silverado 2500 HD continues the exterior’s old, bland, and all business themes. The front seats are great, roomy and comfortable and I loved the amount of storage spaces inside; I can see why people appreciate such large vehicles. With the rear seat folded up, quite the large storage area opens up behind the front seats and I was able to transport a futon mattress back there. However, I am not a fan of how much bed space is compromised in this pickup truck in the name of rear passenger space. Sure the truck can easily accommodate five adults in comfort, but it comes at the cost of bed length; not everyone will want to have to upsize to the titanic long bed version of the truck. Maybe this is a sign of the times as people are using these trucks as family vehicles or work crew trucks even when lesser hauling capabilities are needed.

Driving a heavy duty truck will always reminds you of its big truck abilities. Don’t think it will drive like a bigger crossover SUV or an enlarged minivan. Tipping the scales at 3,308 kg, this is a true heavyweight. The fact I returned a 16.8 L/100 km average from a nearly 400 hp engine motivating 3.3 metric tonnes is a testament to diesel technology and modern advances in fuel economy. If you need a serious work truck, then this Silverado is worth a look. Otherwise, it may end up being a little overkill for daily life.

Pricing: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 2500 Crew Cab 4WD

Base price: $55,190
Options: $9,670 (Duramax Diesel), $1,445 (Allison Automatic Transmission), $1,325 (Power Sunroof), $730 (Convenience Package), $565 (Rear Vision Camera), $440 (Off-Road Suspension), $295 (LT265/70R18 All Terrain Tires), $250 (High Idle Switch), $125 (Tailgate Equipment Package), $75 (Deluxe Wide Load Mirrors), $55 (Wiring Provisions for Trailer)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,495
Price as tested: $71,760

Buyer’s Guide:
2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Competitors
2012 Ford F-Series Heavy Duty
2012 GMC Sierra HD
2012 Ram 2500

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)