2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
There are four trim levels: WT, LS, LT and LTZ. The popular Z71 off-road model comes with upgraded shocks, skid plates and special badging. Most V-8 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models manage more than 10,500 pounds with an enhanced trailering package. The Silverado doesn't offer fancy luxury packages, but rather provides an outstanding foundation to tackle tough chores.
For truck buyers who need to tow more than 20,000 pounds, there are the 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty versions of the Silverado that are available with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine.
The Silverado Hybrid is a half-ton pickup that achieves better overall fuel economy than a gas-powered Silverado, but it can still pull a 6,100-pound trailer. Available exclusively in the crew-cab body style, the Silverado Hybrid is expected to use one-quarter less gas than a regular Silverado. It's covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
The new White Diamond Edition is offered on LT and LTZ trims. These trucks are distinguished by a White Diamond Tricoat exterior color matched with chrome mirror caps and door handles. The LTZ adds a Z60 high-performance suspension, 20-inch chrome wheels, touring tires, a chrome exhaust tip and chrome tow hooks.
To mark the 45th anniversary of Chevrolet's first Custom Sport Truck Package, the 2012 Silverado is available with a modern-day version of the package that includes a 5.3-liter V-8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, a heavy-duty trailering feature, 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome accents and door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a USB port.
- Wide rear-door opening on extended-cab models to load passengers, cargo
- Available 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
- Available EZ Lift tailgate
- Available fog lamps
- Available power sunroof
- Standard air conditioning
- Standard AM/FM stereo; CD stereo available
- Standard tilt steering wheel; available steering-wheel audio controls
- Available power-sliding rear window
- Available integrated trailer brake controls
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with iron block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 305 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 335 pounds-feet of torque (gas), 348 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
- Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block and two valves per cylinder that makes 417 pounds-feet of torque
- Four- or six-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel antilock brakes
- Traction control
- Available OnStar alerts authorities after a crash
- Trailer-sway control and hill start assist
- Available rear parking sensors
For the 2500HD and 3500HD, buyers can choose a 6.0-liter gas V-8 engine or a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 engine. With a 36-gallon fuel tank and the diesel engine, the heavy-duty Silverado can travel up to 680 miles, according to Chevrolet. An available smart exhaust brake provides greater control on downward grades and reduced brake pad wear.
Newly available features include a navigation radio with a built-in hard drive, heated and cooled seats for LTZ trims, and a Z71 Off-Road Appearance Package. The Z71 package includes a body-colored grille surround with chrome mesh inserts, body-colored bumpers and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. Additional features include:
- Regular, extended or crew-cab body styles
- Rear- or four-wheel drive
- Standard or long bed
- Fully boxed high-strength-steel frame
- Available dealer-installed Wi-Fi system brings internet access to the Silverado
- Trailer-sway control and hill start assist