The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2015 to 2019, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the Silverado 2500HD lineup, offering a balance of capability, comfort, and affordability. It was positioned as a workhorse for those needing substantial towing and payload capacity, but also desiring the convenience of a crew cab and automatic transmission for daily driving. This generation, designated K2XX, marked a substantial 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) 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 | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.9 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 | 2831 kg, 6241.29 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4309 kg, 9499.72 lbs. |
| Max load | 1478 kg, 3258.43 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 | 1988 mm, 78.27 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) | 213 mm, 8.39 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.7 m, 51.51 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 2500 HD variant lies the Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 engine. This engine is a member of Chevrolet’s well-regarded Vortec family, known for its robust construction and ample low-end torque. The L96 utilizes a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, contributing to its durability. It features a 9.6:1 compression ratio and employs multi-port fuel injection for precise fuel delivery. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, while a more traditional design, is known for its simplicity and reliability. Variable valve timing (VVT) was incorporated to optimize performance and fuel efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. The engine produces 360 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 515 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. This torque output is crucial for heavy towing and hauling. The engine is mated to a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission was specifically tuned for heavy-duty applications, featuring reinforced components to handle the high torque loads.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission combination delivers a driving experience focused on capability rather than outright speed. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving, but the truck truly shines when put to work. The automatic transmission provides seamless shifts, making towing and hauling less strenuous. The gear ratios are optimized for maximizing torque at lower speeds, allowing the truck to confidently pull heavy loads. Compared to the available Duramax diesel engine, the 6.0L V8 offers less torque but is significantly more affordable and lighter. Compared to the 6.0L with a manual transmission, the automatic provides greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic, but may result in a slight reduction in fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 2500 HD III Crew Cab with the 6.0L V8 typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as LT and LTZ, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and advanced safety features. Optional extras included a trailer brake controller, a rearview camera, and various appearance packages. The Crew Cab configuration offered spacious seating for five passengers, making it a comfortable option for both work and family use.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX chassis is a fully boxed frame designed for exceptional strength and rigidity. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design, optimized for carrying heavy loads. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The rear brakes are slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes. Steering is accomplished via a cone worm with recirculation balls system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 6.0L V8-equipped Silverado 2500 HD was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its strong towing capacity, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price point. Fuel economy, however, was a common criticism, as the large V8 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient. Compared to the diesel-powered Silverado 2500 HD, the 6.0L V8 offered a lower initial cost but higher operating costs due to fuel consumption. Reliability was generally good, with the Vortec L96 engine proving to be a durable and dependable powerplant.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission remains a popular choice in the used truck market. The Vortec L96 engine is known for its longevity and relatively simple maintenance requirements. While not as fuel-efficient as newer trucks, it offers a compelling combination of capability, comfort, and affordability. These trucks are often sought after by those needing a reliable workhorse for towing and hauling, and continue to provide years of dependable service.
