I’m a huge fan of huge trucks, so I happily shoulder the task of spending time with behemoths like the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Trail Boss, even if there isn’t much new to talk about. After a major refresh last year, the Silverado HD carries forward with the same sheetmetal, screens, and Duramax diesel might — because a truck like this is all about getting the job done right.
What’s new for 2025?
The one big update worth mentioning this year is a new Trail Boss package, adding some attitude on top of the off-road-oriented Z71 package. Mechanically, it’s largely the same as the existing Z71, with Rancho shocks, a mild lift, and skid plates. Visually, the Trail Boss package tones down the Silverado’s chromed-up mug from our last High Country tester with murdered-out black bumpers, grille, badging, and chunky 18-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires. Bright red extraction hooks add a little visual pop against our tester’s subdued new Lakeshore Blue metallic paint, which helps the gruff rig look more handsome than hell-raiser.
Interior impressions
Inside, this Silverado 2500 tester is the mid-range LT trim, landing in a practical middle ground with a healthy but not-decadent feature set. With both Convenience packages, the Heating package, and Safety package added, it’s a well-equipped cabin that gives you most of what matters, including a power driver’s seat, heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, remote start, and countless USB ports and power outlets. There’s no massage seats, wood trim, or pretense of faux-fancy — just big, usable buttons, durable materials, and clean design.
Speaking of which, one of my colleagues exclaimed this is the best-looking implementation of Chevy’s new infotainment layout he’s seen yet, at which point I reminded him the Silverado HD is still on the old layout. [Well, I’m not the truck guy. Sue me. —Ed.] All that to say, it’s still a uniquely attractive dashboard layout, comprised of a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment and a separate, nicely framed 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. It runs Google-powered software, but not the full Android Automotive system from the newer models.
The interface remains easy to navigate, and blends native voice controls with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. But it tends to hang up a little bit sometimes, especially when loading the built-in navigation. Physical controls are present for essential functions, and I still find it funny the column-mounted shifter is carefully positioned to make the volume knob invisible in drive. Ah, classic GM, where the right hand isn’t talking to the left. Other than that, it’s a well-thought-out and practical space.
What’s under the hood?
Power comes from GM’s 6.6-litre Duramax diesel V8. It’s a familiar beast with 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque on tap, and still paired to the outstanding 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. This is one of the best powertrain combinations in any heavy-duty truck, full stop. There’s no drama to how it behaves — it’s just a fat, smooth swell of torque that starts just off idle and holds steady through the midrange. Whether you’re hauling, towing, or just trying to beat a yellow light, the Silverado responds confidently and cleanly.
Towing capacity with this particular configuration comes in at 20,000 pounds — a gooseneck bumps it to 21,600 pounds — and payload is just shy of 3,800 pounds. But what’s more important is how easy the Silverado makes using that capacity, as last year’s enhancements, like surround view cameras with a birds-eye view of the trailer hitch, as well as blind spot monitoring that extends to your trailer, makes hauling a cinch.
How does the Silverado HD drive?
It’s also impressively quiet. This engine barely sounds like a diesel unless you’re really into the throttle, and even then it’s more muffled hum than big rig rattle. Around town, it’s easy to forget what kind of powerplant is under the hood until you glance at the fuel economy. I averaged 16.9 L/100 kilometres over a week of mixed use, which is pretty astonishing next to a comparable gasser.
What’s even more astonishing is the way the Silverado drives. It still rides like a truck, but the independent front suspension pays serious dividends, especially over its solid-axle compatriots from Ford and Ram. It handles better than either of its main rivals, with less front-end bobble and more precise steering, and the Silverado feels far more maneuverable in tight spots. The turning circle is surprisingly tight for something this large, and the light steering is consistent and predictable.
Final thoughts
At just over $100,000 as-tested, it’s not cheap, but the Silverado HD keeps delivering everything you’d reasonably want in an actually serious work truck with a little flair. It tows like a champ, drives with surprising civility, and looks the part. There are flashier options in the GM lineup and fancier cabins in rival trucks, but the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Trail Boss gets the job done with competence, composure — and looks just a little bit tougher while doing so.
