Key Specifications — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Truck
Base Price
$44,657–$58,826
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL
Our scoring places the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL at 6.7/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Technology at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $44,657–$58,826, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.1/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and value and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL ranks #495 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $44,657 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $35,138.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$26,250 ($5,250/year at $3.50/gal)
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Silverado 2500HD SL Year Should You Buy?
Across the Silverado 2500HD SL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL reliable?
We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL worth buying?
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #495 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL cost?
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL starts at $44,657 and ranges up to $58,826 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Silverado 2500HD SL years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Silverado 2500HD SL years we've rated are 2016 (6.7/10), 2015 (6.7/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SL
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