2009 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Review

Changes are light for the 2009 Chevy Silverado 3500HD. A trim level is dropped, while a trio of equipment packages debut. Bluetooth, real-time traffic for the navigation system and a rearview camera are also added to the options list.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has all the heavy-duty work truck capabilities required in this pickup class, but its refined cabin, comfy ride and reassuring handling make it a top choice.

A 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD pickup, often in the dually body style, is a highly specialized tool. This is a mighty workhorse for those whose towing and hauling needs are so heavy that even a 2500 just won't cut it. Of the four 3500-series trucks on the market, the Silverado and its GMC twin are arguably the most appealing. These GM big boys provide superior vehicle control and top-notch interior quality to go along with the type of prolific towing and hauling capabilities one expects from such a heavy-duty truck.

Changes are light for the 2009 Silverado 3500HD, with only a few trim and equipment updates for the new model year. The rest of the truck remains unchanged from its total overhaul two years ago that debuted new styling, a dramatically improved interior, better vehicle control and handling, a more powerful engine lineup, a stronger frame and resulting higher payload and towing capacities -- 5,307 pounds and 16,500 pounds (with a fifth-wheel hitch), respectively. This is a truck that'll get the job done while keeping you and your passengers comfortable.

Whether you opt for the Silverado HD or its GMC Sierra twin, you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty pickups. Competitors are few. The Ram 3500 offers similar ride comfort and towing capacity, but its interior isn't as nice, and as an aging model that's about to be replaced, it lacks overall refinement. The Ford F-350 is the Silverado's closest competitor, but the GM pair offers a bit more hauling and towing capability and arguably a better interior (particularly with the Silverado LTZ). However, Ford offers the F-450, the only pickup that surpasses the 1-ton threshold and therefore the only choice for those who need to tow a truly massive 24,500 pounds. As long as you're well under that lofty requirement, we think the Silverado 3500 is a good bet.

The standard engine in the Chevy Silverado 2500 is a 6.0-liter gasoline-fueled V8 making 353 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Optional is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 (dubbed Duramax), which boasts 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. It gets a different six-speed automatic and is the go-to choice if you require a burly tow vehicle (it should also get better fuel economy). When properly equipped, the Silverado 3500 with Duramax can haul 5,300 pounds and tow 16,500 pounds (with a fifth-wheel trailer).

Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, with four-wheel drive optional. While the Work Truck 4WD gets a traditional floor-mounted transfer case, the two other trim levels available on the Silverado 4WD get Autotrac, a knob-controlled electric transfer case that also features an automatic setting that engages 4WD when wheel slippage is detected. All but 2WD regular-cab models can have single or dual rear wheels.

Antilock disc brakes are standard, though stability control, front side and side curtain airbags are not available on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. A Safety package that includes power-adjustable pedals and rear park assist is optional. A rear parking camera is also available.

Compared with the heavy-duty trucks from Ford and Dodge, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 distinguishes itself with well-weighted steering that provides the driver with a greater sense of vehicle control. This is a particular benefit on tight country roads.

Although a heavy-duty pickup and its taut rear suspension will never offer a Cadillac ride, the 3500 is reasonably comfortable over long distances -- but it certainly helps to have it hitched up to something heavy. Both engines are strong, but if you can swing the price premium, the hefty performance and reasonable fuel economy of the Duramax diesel make it a very tempting choice.

The Silverado 3500HD features two different interior designs depending on your trim level. The Work Truck and the LT feature a more utilitarian, trucklike dash design with an open lower center portion to accommodate the standard three-person front bench (a center console is added with the optional bucket seats). The LTZ gets the same design as GM's large, top-trim-level SUVs, which lends the cabin a classier feel, thanks to the wood and metallic accents. With either design you get very straightforward controls within relatively easy reach, although the available dual-zone climate-control buttons are small and difficult to operate with gloves.

The seats are quite comfy, although some may find the pedals placed too far apart and the tilt-only steering wheel located too close to the dash. Space in the crew cab's backseat is very generous, while most average-size adults should find the extended cab acceptable. A welcome addition for 2009 is the rearview camera, which not only helps when parking the behemoth 3500 but also makes hitching up a trailer infinitely easier.