Acceleration

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	3.9

Adequate with base 6.0-liter V8, but new 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are noticeably stronger and the most powerful gas/diesel engines in the class--a competitive advantage for those who frequently haul heavy loads. Six-speed manual transmission standard with 8.1 V8 and turbodiesel has 1st gear positioned in and down from normal pattern, leaving 2nd where 1st is normally located--which takes getting used to.

Fuel Economy

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	2

On a test 2500 Crew Cab with the new Duramax diesel and automatic we averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7.

Ride Quality

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	3.2

Trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but not bruising over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	3

Too big and ponderous to be sporty, but there's little body lean in turns. Brakes suffer a somewhat spongy feel, but stop the truck with little fanfare.

Quietness

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
2	3.5

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. GM's diesel engine is a bit quieter than Ford's--and far quieter than Dodge's--but still intrudes almost all the time.

Controls

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	6

Clear gauges, convenient controls--except for the wiper switch, which is awkwardly combined with the turn signal lever.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
9	7.7

Plenty of room, with comfortable seats. Ample seat travel even in regular cabs. High step-up, so entry/exit a chore.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	3.7

With sufficient leg space and a nicely reclined seatback, extended cabs offer best-in-class room and comfort, with true three-adult seating. Crew cabs have even more space, rivaling Ford's version. In all, high step-up hinders entry/exit.

Cargo Room

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	4.1

Rear seat in extended cab folds up to create a good amount of storage space, though it lacks some of the features of competitors. Behind-seat room in regular cab beats Ford, trails Dodge.

Value within Class

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	7.5

There's a lot to recommend these GM heavy-duty trucks, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and availability of all-surface 4WD and features such as GM's OnStar system. They should top your list.

Total Score

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
51	44.6

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		31
Average Score		44
High Score		63