Acceleration

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	4.7

Adequate with base 6.0-liter V8, but 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel are noticeably stronger. 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--though 1st is typically used only when hauling heavy loads.

Fuel Economy

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	2.3

On a test 2500 Crew Cab with the Duramax diesel and automatic we averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7. Expect 10 mpg or less with gas V8s. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for gas engines.

Ride Quality

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	4

Trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but not bruising over bumps. Perhaps the best ride among heavy-duty trucks.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
3	3.4

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	4.3

Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine noise intrudes only under full throttle.

Controls

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	6.5

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	8.3

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	4.8

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	4.9

Rear seat in extended cab folds up to create a good amount of storage space, though it lacks some of the features of competitors. Regular-car behind-seat cargo room trails Dodge and Ford.

Value within Class

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
7	7.1

There's a lot to recommend these GM heavy-duty trucks, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and the availability of such features as a rear-seat entertainment system and GM's OnStar system. They are a Best Buy and should top the list of anyone shopping for a heavy-duty pickup.

Total Score

2500HD Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto.	Class Average
51	50.3

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		37
Average Score		50
High Score		60