Which Engine Is Best on the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD for Columbus, OH Towing Needs?

Chevrolet of Bucyrus – Which Engine Is Best on the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD for Columbus, OH Towing Needs?

Choosing the right engine for your heavy-duty truck is the key to confident towing, whether you manage job sites during the week or haul a camper beyond the city on weekends. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD gives you two well-matched choices—the standard 6.6L gas V8 and the available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8—each paired to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Your best pick depends on trailer weight, towing frequency, and the kind of roads you drive most around Columbus and the surrounding region.

Both engines make smart use of the Allison 10-speed. The gas V8’s 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque feel responsive in mixed driving, and the transmission’s close ratios help it stay planted in the powerband for stout acceleration and relaxed cruising. If your towing is occasional and typically within mid-weight territory, the gas V8 is an excellent everyday performer with straightforward ownership. For frequent or heavy towing, the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8—470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque—delivers commanding low-end pull and steady highway manners under load. It also contributes to towing efficiency with strong torque at low RPM, which helps settle the truck and trailer on grades and reduces downshifts when passing or merging.

Beyond power, consider how you tow. The Silverado HD’s available 14-camera trailer system, including Transparent Trailer View, is a difference-maker in traffic, on ramps, and during tight maneuvers. If your routes include downtown deliveries, suburban construction sites, or crowded boat ramps, the ability to virtually “see through” the trailer adds day-to-day confidence and reduces stress. Coupled with available driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, the truck’s tech stack supports your awareness on long hauls.

To dial in your choice, match the engine to the trailer. If your largest trailer is a tandem-axle utility or a mid-size camper, and you tow a few times per month, the gas V8 is likely perfect. If you routinely pull heavier equipment, a large travel trailer, or a loaded car hauler—especially over rolling highways—the Duramax diesel is the savvy upgrade. Remember, the Silverado HD lineup is rated to tow up to 36,000 pounds when properly configured, and the diesel’s torque helps you tap into that capability with finesse.

Set your budget around capability rather than simply peak numbers. The diesel’s strengths shine with frequent towing, long distances, and varied terrain. The gas V8 rewards mixed use, occasional towing, and shorter runs. Regardless of engine, spend time configuring the cab, bed, and drivetrain. Crew Cab models offer excellent passenger space and storage, and 4WD provides traction for job sites and seasonal conditions. If you carry gear daily, choose the bed length that best fits your cargo and parking situation.

Finally, test the tech. Use the 13.4-inch diagonal color touchscreen to set up trailer profiles, try Transparent Trailer View in a safe lot, and pair your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. See how easily you can move from navigation to camera views, then to hands-free calling, all without breaking focus. That workflow matters just as much as torque when you are towing near city traffic or transitioning to the interstate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the gas V8 or the Duramax diesel tow better in stop-and-go traffic?

In low-speed, stop-and-go conditions, both engines work well. The diesel’s low-RPM torque offers a calmer, more controlled feel when launching with heavier trailers, while the gas V8 remains responsive for lighter loads and shorter trips.

How do the camera systems help in city driving?

With up to 14 available camera views, including Transparent Trailer View, the system helps you virtually see behind the trailer and check angles along the sides and hitch. It reduces blind spots, making lane changes, merges, and tight turns more predictable.

Is 4WD necessary for towing around Columbus, OH?

Not required, but often beneficial. 4WD adds traction for job sites, gravel, snow, and boat ramps. If your routes include rough approaches or seasonal conditions, 4WD is a smart investment.

Which trims include the 13.4-inch touchscreen?

LT, LTZ, Trail Boss, High Country, and ZR2 models come standard with the 13.4-inch diagonal color touchscreen with Google built in. All models include a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When you are ready to choose, drive both powertrains with a trailer that reflects your real-world loads. One will feel right based on how you start, stop, merge, and maneuver in your daily routes. For guidance, Chevrolet of Bucyrus is happy to help you compare configurations and tailor a truck to your exact needs, serving Galion, Columbus, and Ashland with knowledgeable heavy-duty insight.

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