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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab

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Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab

Overview

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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks are Chevrolet's line of heavy-duty pickups meant for hauling big loads and other applications where power is the priority. Like its GMC twins the Sierra 2500 HD/3500 HD and heavy-duty rivals from Ford and Ram, the Silverado HD comes in a variety of trims, from just-the-basics to versions with leather interiors and premium sound systems. Also like its rivals, the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD can be had with a gasoline or diesel engine, the latter of which has exceptional – but not class-leading – towing capacity. For 2013, a bi-fuel system is available on the 2500 HD that can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas, the latter of which has the potential to provide cost savings depending on where fuel prices go.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've been a longtime Chevy Silverado HD fan and it's time to trade in your old rig, the features in the 2013 model should help you remain loyal. For those looking to potentially save fuel costs, the compressed natural gas option may make the Silverado 2500 HD more tempting.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Even the most powerful Silverado HD won't grant you bragging rights when it comes to towing ability and torque. In the never-ending quest for "best in class" for those stats, the leader (at least for 2013) is the Ram 3500 with its 30,000-pound max trailering capacity and 850 lb-ft of torque.

How It Ranks

#7

out of 19

Horsepower

#15

out of 15

5-Year Cost

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Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

A bi-fuel system is available on 2500 HD models with the 6.0-liter engine and extended cab. With it, the truck can run on regular gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). Also, the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel engine is now available on 3500 HD chassis cab models.

Driving the Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions After testing several Silverado HD trucks with gasoline and diesel engines, long and short beds, and in various trim levels, we found all exhibited a firm suspension, good steering ability,...

and a fairly compliant ride. We are particularly fond of versions with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 under the hood that boasts 397 horsepower and a stout 765 lb-ft of torque. When pulling a 10,000-pound trailer, the 2500 HD had no qualms whatsoever. The 3500 HD model with that engine can pull 18,000 pounds in conventional towing, and 23,100 in fifth-wheel setups. The diesel engine is a bit loud, but once inside the passenger compartment much of the noise is mitigated.

Favorite Features

SMART EXHAUST BRAKE
This feature on diesel models works by progressively restricting the engine's exhaust, depending on speed and grade of descent, to help slow the truck using compression braking.

BI-FUEL SYSTEM
Available on 2500 HD extended-cab models as an $11,000 option, this system enables the Silverado to run on traditional gasoline or compressed natural gas. The CNG tank takes up some bed space near the front, but can potentially save you money by using the alternative fuel.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Details

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Chevy Silverado HD's interior varies widely depending on what trim and cab configuration you choose. A base WT model with regular cab, for example, seats three on a vinyl bench and has few frills, not even power windows. It's made to be exactly what its initials stand for: a work truck. Extended-cab models, meanwhile, expand passenger count to six with a rear bench. Crew cabs are also configured to seat six or, with individual front seats, five. Foremen, meanwhile, can appreciate the premium, leather-lined accommodations of LTZ models. When properly equipped, the Silverado HD can serve as a rolling office thanks to multiple power outlets and the option of becoming a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Exterior

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab photo

The 2013 Silverado HD comes in two flavors: the 2500 and 3500, representing 3/4-ton and 1-ton models. Though each shares the boxy overall element of the Silverado 1500, these heavy-duty versions are even bolder with a larger chrome grille and a raised power-dome hood. The even-heavier-duty 3500 models can be had as a dualie with a pair of dual rear wheels. If you plan to park your Silverado HD in the garage, make sure it can fit. Even with a regular cab, at 225 inches, the Silverado HD is more than two feet longer than the Chevy Impala full-size sedan. Crew-cab versions with a long box, meanwhile, measure 259.1 inches, or over 21 feet in length.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In base WT form, Silverado HD models won't exactly baste you in luxury. These are work trucks through and through, and part of that work will be cranking your own windows unless you pay for the option or upgrade. However, the base models are equipped with a powerful V8, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, air conditioning, cruise control, an AM/FM stereo, and a heavy-duty handling/trailering suspension package. LT trims add features such as power windows/doors, a CD player and premium cloth seating. Top-line LTZ models come with steering-wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, Bose premium sound, leather seats and a heavy-duty locking rear differential. All 3500 HD models get the locking differential and heavy-duty trailering equipment.

Optional Equipment

All trims of the 2013 Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD can be had with the more powerful Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine, as well as 4-wheel drive in place of the standard rear-wheel drive. Other options vary by trim, and range from power windows and door locks in base models to a rearview camera and heated and cooled leather seats in top trims. Creature-comfort options include a touch-screen navigation system and premium audio, while work-related add-ons include an EZ-Lift tailgate, snow-plow prep package and dual 125-amp alternators. 2500 HD models with the 6.0-liter V8 and extended cab can be equipped with a bi-fuel system that enables the engine to run on gasoline or compressed natural gas.

Under the Hood

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab Engine photo

Two engines are available on 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD models: a 6.0-liter gasoline V8 that's flex-fuel capable, or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that can run on B20 biodiesel fuel. For 2013, the gasoline engine can be modified as a factory option to also run on compressed natural gas (doing so lowers power output). In addition to offering much more power than the gasoline engine, the diesel offers an exhaust braking feature to help slow the truck on descents. To reduce emissions, the diesel engine uses a urea-based fluid in a 5.3-gallon tank that needs to be replaced every 5,000 miles. Both engines are linked to 6-speed automatic transmissions, with a heavy-duty Allison 1000 available for the diesel. The EPA does not rate the fuel economy on heavy-duty trucks such as the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD.

6.0-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8
397 horsepower @ 3,000 rpm
765 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD with regular cab has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at just over $30,000. Load up a 4-wheel-drive 3500 HD with a diesel engine (a roughly $7,000 option alone) and all the trimmings, and you can double that price beyond the $60,000 mark. The Chevy's starting price is in line with those of heavy-duty truck rivals from Ford and Ram. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2013 Silverado HD. The Silverado HD's resale value runs right in line with the Ford F-Series Super Duty and Ram 2500/3500, with residuals varying a bit depending on trim level and cab configuration. In general, diesel models have a slightly higher resale value vs. those with gasoline engines.

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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 349 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.0/10

Never seen such poor mpg

By mikey (MI) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "pulls a 10,000 lb 5th wheel great!"

Cons: "Can,t pass a gas station 7 1/2 to 8 mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"21,000 only get 7 to 8 mpg pulling and 11 to 12 empty!! Rattles on bumpy rds. Been driving chevey trucks for 37 years never been so disappointed.Never considered another brand before this truck. DO NOT BUY A 6.0 CHEVY TRUCK."

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Very happy with truck.

By MX264 (WV) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Pleanty of Power; Great Reliability"

Cons: "Little bit stiff of a ride but its a 3/4 ton truck"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Truck has been very reliable; Duramax motor and Allison trans. has plenty of towing power. I averaged around 16-17 mpg highway miles. Overall, I'm happy with the truck. According to Kelley Blue Book it has really held its value."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Junk, wouldn't buy it again!

By Ed H (AL) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Horrible dealer service. Transmission is on frtiz. Dealer keeps saying they can fix the truck, but nothing they do works. I tell them to just give me a transmission or a new truck, but they now tell me my transmission is working just fine."

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Pretty decent truck.

By cowboy (OK) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Runs great."

Cons: "Bad mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I've recently bought a 2011 chevy 2500hd z71 4x4 extended cab gas engine. When I bought this truck it had approximately 68000 miles on it, it now has around 72000 miles on it. This truck gets approximately 15 mpg on the high side empty and 10 mpg pulling my 3 horse slant gooseneck. It pulls great the exhaust braking is useful. I would be very happy with this truck if I could get better mileage while towing. I'm afraid that if it doesn't get better mileage I will go to Dodge."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Amazing Truck with great towing capabilities!!

By Dubya (OH) on Tuesday, March 05, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: traded it in on a new 2013 model - My approximate mileage is 40,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "6.6 liter Diesel, Allison transmission, Powerful"

Cons: "DEF fuel, low mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a 2007 2500 HD Crew Cab Diesel and towed my 33ft fifth wheel camper with ease. I loved it so much i just traded it in for a 2013 2500 HD Crew Cab Diesel last week. Don't get me wrong, it was painful to let "Big Red" go but the resale value was so good that when i went to the dealer for a minor recall notice, they made me an offer i couldn't refuse. I never had a single problem with my 2007 Diesel and if i can offer any advice to someone researching for a new truck, it would be to get the Diesel and the Allison Transmission if you can afford it. I tow my 5th wheel camper like it's not even behind me. The Allison transmission is amazing!! Don't get me wrong, the Duramax Diesel engine is no slouch either. Will i miss, "Big Red", who in herself was still just a baby with just over 40,000 miles on her? Absolutely! The fact that "Big Blue" now sits in my driveway makes it a lot easier to handle though. Time will tell if the 2013 model will hold up as well as my 2007 but i was so impressed with "Big Red" that i have no doubt this new truck will function just as well. One slight negative is this silly DEF fuel you have to add every 7,000 miles to a separate 10 gallon tank."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I would not buy a 2500 HD again

By Bill (NY) on Saturday, January 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "pulls just a little better that my 1/2 ton truck"

Cons: "Brakes down , very bad fuel mileage with 373 gears"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Today the truck was towed as it would not start. Being Sat I can not get it fixed as the dealership closes at 1.00pm on Sat. Fuel mileage is very bad. For new truck and the best getting 15 MPG is very bad and that is driving very carefull. If I hook my bass boat on you are looking at 10 MPG. Overall a very high price for the truck and the tires where junk that came on it."

6 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 349 reviews