Like its predecessors, the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has the towing and hauling capacities and build quality to handle plenty of heavy-duty work and has a smooth, car-like ride and a refined interior. It’s an impressive combination, and one that’s hard to pass up if you’re in the market for a rugged full-size work truck.

The Silverado 2500HD changes its standard engine for 2010, upgrading to a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 (a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine is optional). That is the only significant change for this year, although the audio system gets an upgrade (including the addition of a USB port and a DVD option).

The three-quarter-ton 2500HD comes in Work Truck (or WT), LT, and LTZ trim levels. There are three cab styles – regular two-door, four-door Extended cab with rear-access doors (these open to 170 degrees and feature full-drop power windows), and a Crew cab with four full-size, front-hinged doors. All cab types can be ordered with a 40/20/40-split front bench or front bucket seats. The Extended and Crew cabs come with a three-person rear bench. The two-door regular cab comes with the 8-foot cargo bed (the long bed) as its only option, while the Extended and Crew cabs also offer a 6.5-foot short bed option. Interiors for the 2500HD are offered in either Pure Pickup or Luxury Inspired styles.

The standard 6.0-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, and is paired with a six-speed heavy-duty transmission with overdrive. The 6.6-liter, V8 turbodiesel engine cranks out 660 lb-ft of torque and 360 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed hydramatic Allison automatic transmission. The Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 13,000 pounds with an external hitch and up to 16,700 pounds with the in-bed 5th-wheel hitch. Like its towing capacity, the maximum payload varies significantly by trim, but it’s close to 4,000 pounds on the high end.

You won’t be able to whip around corners in a Silverado 2500HD, because it's simply too big and heavy, but otherwise this full-size pickup handles like a much smaller vehicle. The standard V8 provides average acceleration, while the turbodiesel and its whopping 660 lb-ft of torque rocket off the line. Both of the automatic transmission options deliver smooth and timely shifts and rival transmissions in many cars. The Silverado 2500HD is very easy to drive (except when you’re trying to parallel park) with a responsive steering feel, composed ride, and reliable brakes.

The Silverado 2500HD is available with rear-wheel drive or with one of two four-wheel-drive systems. A part-time four-wheel-drive setup is not meant for use on dry pavement, but a full-time system that can be used on dry roads is also available. Four-wheel-drive trims come standard with an automatic locking rear differential for great grip and an upgraded suspension system (twin-tube high-pressure gas-charged shocks, a 36mm front stabilizer bar, and off-road jounce bumpers) for a smoother ride regardless of surface.

Older Silverados were infamous for their low-quality interiors filled with cheap plastics and unattractive, hard surfaces. But this generation boasts an abundance of high-quality materials, soft surfaces, and a stylish design. Don’t misunderstand - the cabin is straightforward and rugged, just like you want in a pickup truck, but it also has a sense of craftsmanship and style, even in Work Truck trims.

Interior features vary widely from trim to trim, but the Silverado does offer many comfort, convenience, and technological options, including Bluetooth, navigation system, rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals, cruise control, automatic climate control, power heated seats with memory, and leather seating appointments.

Due to its high ground clearance, entry and exit can be a chore for even the tallest Silverado 2500HD drivers, but once you get inside the cabin, you will find comfort. There is plenty of room in all directions in the front, whether you have buckets seats or the bench, and both provide adequate support. There is excellent headroom in the rear in both the Extended and Crew cabs, and the seatbacks are angled with comfort in mind. The Crew cab offers considerably more legroom than the Extended cab, but that’s to be expected.

Crash test results for the Silverado 2500HD are not yet available, but standard safety features include dual front airbags, antilock disc brakes, daytime running lamps, a traction control system, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, and a tire pressure monitor.