The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and paired with a 4WD automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2015 to 2019, this configuration occupied a sweet spot in the Silverado 2500HD lineup, offering a balance of capability, comfort, and affordability for buyers needing serious towing and hauling capacity. It was part of the third generation of the K2XX platform, a complete redesign focused on improving strength, refinement, and efficiency compared to its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 2500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V8 (360 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 360 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 515 Nm @ 4200 rpm, 379.84 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 6000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Vortec L96 |
| Engine displacement | 5965 cm3, 364.01 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 101.6 mm, 4 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm, 3.62 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l, 6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt |
| Coolant | 16.1 l, 17.01 US qt | 14.17 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 2963 kg, 6532.3 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4309 kg, 9499.72 lbs. |
| Max load | 1346 kg, 2967.42 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1728 l, 61.02 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l, 35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5897 kg, 13000.66 lbs. |
| Length | 6083 mm, 239.49 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm, 80.51 in. |
| Height | 1987 mm, 78.23 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3904 mm, 153.7 in. |
| Front track | 1748 mm, 68.82 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm, 67.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 208 mm, 8.19 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.7 m, 51.51 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 350×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 245/75 R17; 265/70 R17; 265/70 R18; 265/60 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18; 8.5J x 20 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission was a mainstay of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck offerings. Positioned as a mid-range option, it slotted between the base 6.6L Duramax diesel and the more powerful gasoline options. This configuration was aimed at buyers who needed substantial towing and payload capacity but didn’t necessarily require the higher cost and complexity of a diesel engine. The K2XX platform, introduced with the 2015 model year, brought significant improvements in ride quality, interior space, and overall refinement to the Silverado HD lineup.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 2500HD variant lies the Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 engine. This engine is a member of Chevrolet’s small-block V8 family, known for its durability and relatively simple design. It features a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, with two valves per cylinder operated by an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain. Variable valve timing (VVT) was incorporated to improve fuel efficiency and low-end torque. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produces 360 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 515 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. This transmission was designed to handle the high torque output of the V8 engine and provide smooth, reliable shifting. The transmission features electronically controlled shifting and a tow/haul mode that optimizes shift points for towing and hauling heavy loads. The 4WD system utilizes an electronically controlled transfer case, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.0L V8/automatic combination in the Silverado 2500HD delivers a robust driving experience. While not as fuel-efficient as some of the smaller engine options, it provides ample power for everyday driving and demanding tasks. Acceleration is brisk, and the transmission shifts smoothly and predictably. The tow/haul mode is particularly effective when towing, holding lower gears for longer to provide more engine braking and improved control. Compared to the diesel variants, this configuration is noticeably quieter and smoother, but lacks the diesel’s immense low-end torque. Compared to the smaller 5.3L V8, the 6.0L offers a significant power boost, making it a more capable choice for heavy-duty applications.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 2500HD was available in a variety of trim levels, including WT (Work Truck), LS, LT, and High Country. The 6.0L V8/automatic configuration was offered on most trims, typically starting with the LS trim and extending up to the LT. Standard features on the LS trim included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trims like the LT added features such as cloth or leather upholstery, a more advanced audio system, heated front seats, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included a navigation system, a sunroof, and a premium Bose audio system.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 2500HD features a fully boxed frame for increased strength and rigidity. The front suspension consists of an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbone control arms, while the rear suspension utilizes a traditional leaf spring design. This combination provides a comfortable ride and excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard. The rear brakes are slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes. The steering system is a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing a solid and predictable steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 6.0L V8-equipped Silverado 2500HD received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that its fuel economy was not as good as some of its competitors. Compared to the Duramax diesel, the 6.0L V8 offered a lower purchase price and simpler maintenance requirements, but lacked the diesel’s superior towing capacity and fuel efficiency. Compared to Ford’s Super Duty trucks and Ram’s heavy-duty offerings, the Silverado 2500HD was considered to be competitive in terms of capability and features.
Legacy
The Vortec L96 6.0L V8 engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant. While not without its potential issues (such as Active Fuel Management system problems in some years), it is generally considered to be a robust engine that can provide many years of service with proper maintenance. In the used car market, Silverado 2500HD models equipped with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission remain popular choices for buyers seeking a capable and affordable heavy-duty truck. Their relative simplicity and lower maintenance costs compared to diesel models make them an attractive option for those who don’t require the ultimate in towing and hauling performance.
