2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Road Test
2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD ▼
- MSRP: $26,245 - $43,270
- Invoice: $24,277 - $40,025
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Our road test for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD help you decide if a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Adequate with either V8 and light loads, but turbodiesel gets the nod for towing and heavy hauling thanks to its massive 660 lb-ft of torque. Smooth, alert automatic transmissions rival those in many cars. Their tow/haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. GM claims best-in-class towing capacities at up to 13,000 lb with external hitch, 16,700 with in-bed "5th-wheel" hitch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2.9 |
No chance to measure yet, but test results for previous models suggest overall averages of 14-16 mpg for turbodiesel versions, 10-12 mpg for gas models. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for the gas V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Still tops for comfort among heavy-duty trucks. As usual, rippled surfaces and large bumps cause some jiggle and tail hop with light bed loads, but ride is otherwise composed, absorbent in any model.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Surprisingly pleasant, easy to drive except when maneuvering in tight spaces. Hefty size and weight limit cornering speed, as does expected big-truck body lean, but excellent straightline stability. Brakes furnish stable, relatively short stops with fine pedal feel. Optional trailer-brake controller is a safety plus for towing.
QUIETNESS
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Highway wind noise impressively low for tall, blocky big rigs. Tire thrum modest except on coarsest pavement. Engines intrude only under full throttle. Smooth, refined turbodiesel V8 has virtually no detectable diesel clatter or smoke.
CONTROLS
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Clear, legible gauges, but wiper switch still on turn-signal stalk, which some testers dislike. Pure Pickup interior puts audio and climate controls high on dashboard. Luxury version mounts them lower, but still within easy reach. Optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on steering wheel.
DETAILS
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Cabin materials and assembly are worthy of some cars. Even the basic Work Truck trim has a quality look and feel, despite abundant hard plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Ample adult room. Bucket and bench seats are both comfortable, but don't provide much side support. Newly available power-adjustable pedals are a boon for shorter drivers. High step-up makes entry and exit a chore for almost everyone.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Bulky center console with front bucket seats limits foot space for rear-center passenger. Headroom generous. Seatbacks comfortably angled. Legroom ample in crew cabs, tight in extendeds with the front seat more than halfway back. Wide-opening rear doors help offset high step-in in extendeds, but can be tough to close by a seated passenger.
CARGO ROOM
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5.6 |
Regular cab competitive with Ford and Dodge for behind-seat room. Extendeds and crews match or beat most rivals for in-cab cargo space, and the exclusive split flip-up seat allows carrying bulky items and one or two rear passengers. Ample small-items storage includes large bins and underseat cubbies front and rear, plus big door pockets and, with Pure Pickup interior, a second dashboard glovebox. Available bed-wall rails mount dividers and other add-ons to secure and organize cargo.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
GM's newest big rigs retain the many assets of previous models while improving on performance, refinement, cabin comfort, and build quality. The result is an appealing blend of car-like civility and work-truck brawn, bolstered by numerous class-exclusive features such as all-surface 4WD. In all, a must-see for anyone shopping heavy-duty pickups.
Total Score
| 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, short bed | 2500HD Ext., 2WD, gas, long bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, short bed | 2500HD Crew, 4WD, diesel, long bed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 67 | 69 | 70 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 66
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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