2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado HD gets bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera system, and an antiskid system. Also available is a new version of OnStar which gives directions to the navigation system, and standard XM Satellite Radio, which gives traffic information to the navigation system.

Silverado HD is the heavy-duty version of Chevrolet's full-size Silverado 1500. GMC's Sierra HD models differ mainly in front-end appearance.

Silverado HDs offer 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 series in WT (Work Truck), LT, and luxury LTZ trim. Interiors come in "Pure Pickup" and "Luxury Inspired" designs. Cab styles are a 2-door regular, a 4-door extended cab with rear access doors, and a crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. Rear doors on extendeds now open to 170 degrees and include full-drop power windows. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and crew cab include a three-person rear bench with a flip-up cushion that's now split 60/40. The regular cab comes only with an 8-foot "long" cargo bed. The extended and crew cab also offer a 6.5-foot "short" bed. The long bed is standard when equipped with optional dual rear wheels. All models come with standard XM Satellite Radio, and a power-adjustable driver seat on bench-seat-equipped regular cab models.

HDs are available with either a standard 353-hp 6.0-liter V8, or a biodiesel-capable turbodiesel 365-hp 6.6-liter V8. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available. Buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or one of two 4-wheel-drive systems with low-range gearing: a basic setup that is not designed for dry pavement, and an all-surface 4-wheel-drive system. An automatic locking rear differential is standard, as is a modified suspension.

Available safety features include ABS, an integrated trailer-brake controller, and dual front airbags. Every HD has a tire-pressure monitoring system and GM OnStar assistance.

Optional equipment includes an off-road package with an uprated suspension and chassis skid plates, rear-obstacle detection, a remote starting system, power-adjustable pedals, and power-sliding rear window (except regular cabs). Also available is an "EZ Lift" tailgate assist feature and bed-wall cargo rails with sliding anchorages for various accessories. Among other options are a swing-out bed extender, heated front seats, a touch-screen navigation system, and rear DVD entertainment.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 each add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2009.