2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Overall, reviewers feel that the Silverado HD’s interior is acceptable, but say that the interior seems dated compared with more recently updated competitors from Ford and Ram. Plus, the Silverado’s top-of-the-line LTZ trim can’t match rivals’ premium offerings, like the Ram Laramie Longhorn or the Ford King Ranch. Still, testers find most features easy to use, and say that the optional navigation system is intuitive.

• "Cabin materials are solid and sturdy overall, though there is plenty of hard plastic. Ambiance ascends from bare-bones functional in the WT trim level to upscale passenger-car pleasant in the LTZ.” -- Consumer Guide
• "While functionality is roughly equal, the other guys - most notably Ford - have moved ahead on the cabin environment.” -- Popular Mechanics
• "It's nice, but still plain. It was last overhauled in 2007 and feels like it.” -- Cars.com
• "If there’s any criticism to be leveled at the interior, it’s fit and finish.” -- AutoGuide.com

Seating

Reviewers don’t have much to say about the Silverado HD’s seats, but those who mention them say they’re comfortable. Extended cab models’ rear seats are smaller than those found in crew cabs, so reviewers say that if you plan to have adults in the back row of your truck, you should opt for the larger cab. Leatherette seats are standard on the base 2500HD WT, with a no-cost option to choose cloth-covered seats instead. One reviewer notes that the lack of a telescoping steering wheel may make it difficult for some drivers to find a comfortable position.

• "Beyond the quiet, the crew cab was exactly that - with second-row seat room big enough to accommodate three adults in comfort.” -- Autoblog
• "Both (front-seat) headroom and legroom are expansive. Bench and bucket seats are both long-haul comfortable.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The front seats are supportive and comfortable, though some drivers might find the driving position a bit awkward because of the tilt-only steering wheel (it's too close to the dash) and gas and brake pedals that are far apart in order to accommodate work boots. … The extended cab's rear fold-up seats are acceptable in terms of comfort but more suited for children.” -- Edmunds

Interior Features

The Chevy Silverado HD is equipped similarly as other heavy-duty work trucks, so its base trim is pretty sparse. Reviewers note that the optional navigation system is particularly intuitive and easy to use. Standard features include air conditioning, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an AM/FM radio. Some common features like an auxiliary input jack, power windows and a power driver’s seat are not available on the base 2500HD WT trim. However, this is typical in a class where many consumers are more concerned with what’s under the hood than what’s in the cabin.

LT trims come standard with features like power windows, a CD player and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Upgrading to top-of-the-line LTZ trims adds dual-zone climate control, a premium sound system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and leather upholstery. One reviewer comments that the buttons on the LTZ trim’s dash can be too small to be easy to use. Most test drivers note that the Silverado HD LTZ can’t match the levels of luxury seen in the Ford Super Duty King Ranch or Ram Laramie Longhorn trims, and that all Silverado models are beginning to look dated, with cabin build quality that can’t compare.

• "Gauges are clearly marked and well-lit. Controls are straightforward and most are within easy reach. The available navigation system is intuitive and simple to use.” -- Consumer Guide
• "To be clear, GM offers virtually all the same equipment as the other two big trucks -- navigation, Bluetooth, leather seating, and upgraded stereos are all on the options list, but the material qualities and fit and finish are lacking in comparison.” -- Automobile Magazine
• "Interior: Good. Well laid out but starting to look dated when compared with the competition.” -- Cars.com
• "We're also not particularly fond of the small and fiddly buttons on the higher trim's center stack.” -- Edmunds
• "Those who like a little more upscale flair in their trucks might find the 2012 Chevy Silverado HD's styling and interior decor somewhat on the conservative side. A Ram Longhorn or Ford F-350 King Ranch might be more to your liking.” -- Kelley Blue Book

Cargo

The Chevy Silverado HD trucks have lots of room in the cabin to stow small items like binders and electronics that can’t go in the truck bed. Chevrolet has not released interior cargo capacity numbers, but the rear seats in extended and crew cabs fold up to create a flat load floor. As with any truck, if you know you’ll want to store or transport a lot of cargo in the cab, you’ll be better off with an extended or crew cab model, since regular cab HD Silverados don’t offer much space behind the seats.

• "Small-items storage is ample overall and varies somewhat by model and equipment. Some have dual gloveboxes and dual door-mounted cupholders. Bucket-seat Silverados have gigantic center-console bin; bench-seat models have handy partitioned console storage in the fold-down center backrest. Rear seat-bottom cushions fold up for additional cargo versatility.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The 2012 Chevy Silverado HD truck's interior is peppered with storage compartments of varying sizes, including a big center armrest/console with a flip-up lid on bucket seat-equipped trims. Bench-seat models have a folding center section with storage and built-in cupholders.” -- Kelley Blue Book