2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD Towing Capacity & Engine Guide for Toronto Drivers

Choosing the right heavy-duty truck means understanding what's under the hood and what you can haul behind it. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD offer two distinct powertrains and a wide range of configurations, each designed for specific towing and payload demands. From moving construction equipment across Ontario to towing a fifth-wheel trailer to cottage country, matching your truck to your workload makes all the difference.

This guide breaks down the engine options, towing capacities, and configuration choices available on the 2026 Silverado HD lineup, helping you identify which setup delivers the capability you need.

Engine Options: Gas vs. Diesel

Both the 2500HD and 3500HD come standard with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine, with an available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel upgrade across all trims. Each engine is paired exclusively with the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery and precise control under load.

6.6L V8 Gas Engine

The standard gasoline engine delivers 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. Built with a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, this naturally aspirated V8 uses direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to balance power output with fuel efficiency. The engine runs on regular gasoline or E85 FlexFuel, offering flexibility at the pump.

This engine uses a 3.73 rear axle ratio and is designed for drivers who prioritize lower upfront costs and straightforward maintenance. It handles conventional towing up to 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) on 2500HD Crew Cab Long Bed models and up to 8,527 kg (18,800 lbs) on 3500HD configurations.

6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel

The available Duramax diesel engine produces 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged V8 features a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, and a 16.0:1 compression ratio, using common-rail direct fuel injection to maximize efficiency and low-end torque delivery.

Paired with a 3.42 rear axle ratio, the Duramax significantly increases towing capacity. On 2500HD models equipped with the Max Towing Package, conventional towing reaches 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs). The 3500HD Dual Rear Wheel configuration with the Max Towing Package achieves a maximum fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity of 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs)—the highest rating in the Silverado HD lineup.

The diesel engine is the better choice for drivers who regularly haul heavy loads, prioritize torque over horsepower, or cover high annual mileage with fuel efficiency offsetting the higher initial cost.

Towing Capacity Breakdown

Towing capacity varies significantly based on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, rear wheel configuration, and engine choice. Below is a detailed look at how these factors influence maximum conventional and fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing ratings.

2500HD Towing Capacity

The Max Towing Package (NHT) is available on diesel-equipped 2500HD models and includes upgraded suspension components originally designed for the 3500HD, significantly increasing towing capacity.

3500HD Towing Capacity

The 3500HD Dual Rear Wheel configuration provides the highest towing and payload ratings. Single Rear Wheel models offer improved manoeuvrability and a narrower overall width, making them better suited for urban driving or lighter towing applications.

Payload Capacity by Configuration

Payload capacity—the maximum weight the truck can carry in the bed and cab—varies by configuration. Higher payload ratings are found on Regular Cab models due to their lighter curb weight, while Dual Rear Wheel configurations offer the highest overall capacity.

2500HD Payload Highlights:

• Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD (Gas): 1,705 kg (3,759 lbs)
• Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD (Gas): 1,598 kg (3,523 lbs)
• Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD (Diesel): 1,622 kg (3,576 lbs)

3500HD Payload Highlights:

• Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD SRW (Gas): 2,078 kg (4,583 lbs)
• Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW (Gas): 3,270 kg (7,290 lbs)
• Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD DRW (Diesel): 3,740 kg (8,246 lbs)

The 3500HD DRW configuration with the diesel engine offers the highest payload capacity in the lineup, making it the preferred choice for drivers who regularly carry heavy equipment or materials in the bed while towing.

Allison 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

Every 2026 Silverado HD comes equipped with the Allison 10L1000 10-speed automatic transmission. This heavy-duty transmission features a wide gear ratio spread, with first gear at 4.54:1 and tenth gear at 0.63:1, providing strong low-end pulling power and efficient highway cruising.

The Allison transmission is designed specifically for commercial and heavy-duty applications, offering:

• Smooth, precise shifts under load
• Electronic shift control with manual mode
• Integrated power take-off (PTO) capability on select models
• Proven durability in high-stress towing environments

The transmission's broad ratio range allows the diesel engine to operate in its optimal torque band more often, improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine strain during extended towing.

Choosing the Right Configuration

Selecting the correct Silverado HD configuration depends on your specific hauling and towing requirements. Consider these factors:

Choose the 2500HD if:

• Your conventional towing needs stay below 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)
• You prefer a lower GVWR for licensing or insurance purposes
• You prioritize ride comfort over maximum capability

Choose the 3500HD if:

• You regularly tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers exceeding 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)
• You need maximum payload capacity for equipment or materials
• You require the highest available towing rating (up to 16,329 kg with NHT)

Choose the Gas Engine if:

• Your towing needs stay below 7,257 kg (16,000 lbs) conventional
• You prefer lower upfront costs and simpler maintenance
• You drive primarily unloaded or with lighter payloads

Choose the Duramax Diesel if:

• You regularly tow at or near maximum capacity
• You cover high annual mileage (diesel fuel efficiency improves long-term cost)
• You need maximum torque for steep grades or heavy loads

Choose Dual Rear Wheels if:

• You need payload capacity exceeding 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs)
• You tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers over 11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
• Stability under heavy loads is a priority

Visit Humberview Chevrolet Buick GMC in Toronto

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup offers the power, durability, and configuration flexibility to handle serious work across Ontario, from construction sites in Toronto to long-haul towing across the province.

Visit Humberview Chevrolet Buick GMC in Toronto to explore the full range of 2500HD and 3500HD configurations. Our team can help you identify the right combination of cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and engine to match your specific towing and payload requirements. Book your test drive today and discover which Silverado HD is built for your workload.