2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review: Starting To Feel The Pressure

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is only three years old, but it will be getting a refresh next year, which means the current model will be old news soon. Many a review of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has criticized its plasticky interior, and it seems Chevy is finally taking the hint, as this is set to change, with other improvements in the pipeline too. There is still much to recommend, though, with many body configurations available and two good powertrains - a 401-horsepower gas V8 and a 445-hp turbo-diesel V8. Towing ability is not class-leading but still very good, and the available trailering tech is excellent. It's tough going against the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD's competitors, though, with the Ram 3500 being more comfortable and upmarket and the Ford F-350 Super Duty leading the class on diesel output and towing ability. Does the current Slverado still cut the mustard, or should you wait for the update?

What's the Price of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD?

The new Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD pickup truck's price starts at $42,700 for the Regular Cab Work Truck with 2WD and the 6.6-liter gas V8. This is a huge increase of nearly $6k over last year's base trim. The base LT configuration is also a Regular Cab with a similar mechanical configuration and it will cost you $46,900. The cheapest LTZ has a Crew Cab in 2WD with the gas engine for $58,300. The most expensive trim is the High Country and its base configuration is a Crew Cab with the short bed and standard 4WD for $70,700.

These are the MSRPs and do not include the destination fee of $1,895. Adding dual rear wheels to the 2WD WT costs $1,200, and adding 4WD costs $2,800. Upgrading to the diesel engine adds between $9,750 and $11,990, depending on trim.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Handling and Driving Impressions

Out on the road, a few things immediately become apparent. The Chevy Silverado 3500HD has a reassuring sense of stability about it and forges ahead with nary a concern for crosswinds. Still, the ride quality is choppy when unladed, and steering the beast leaves you in no doubt about its size. Performance is perfectly acceptable for such a big truck, but the base 401-horsepower 6.6-liter gas V8 is a bit underwhelming with its six-speed automatic transmission once you've experienced the 445-hp 6.6-liter turbodiesel with its ten-speed Allison automatic and vast 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel shrugs off any load and deftly whips through the ratios as it drags whatever you've hooked to the rear up mountain and down dale. It makes the gas version feel a bit like hard work. Even though it's not a requirement in a work truck, the feelsome hydraulic power steering is a welcome bonus and is light for around-town maneuvering. It also offers decent feel and feedback, even if it is very slow-geared, like most HD trucks.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD A Good Truck?

The Silverado 3500HD does everything you'd expect of a heavy-duty truck and in terms of trailering tech, it's right at the top of the class, even if it lacks outright towing ability. That said, it has a few flaws and, while adequate, the gas V8 powertrain is one of them. It still uses an old-school six-speed automatic transmission, and although the powerful turbo-diesel and its ten-speed transmission are effortless, the powertrains still trail the Godzilla-powered gas and Cummins-powered diesel F-350s, all with ten-speed transmissions. Even if its outright abilities are sufficient for your needs, the low-grade interior will bother you, and many will see this as its biggest flaw next to far plusher rivals such as the Ram HD. Taking into account the huge price increases this year, we'd rather wait for the improved 2024 Silverado HD or opt for a rival.

What 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Model Should I Buy?

There isn't a best trim in the lineup, seeing as HD trucks are usually pragmatic purchases with a certain job in mind and not lifestyle vehicles. For maximum towing ability, the Regular Cab WT or LT are the ones to go for and although they lack features, most of the important items can be added via packages. If it must double as family transport, you really can't go any lower than LTZ Crew Cab for a semblance of comfort and maximum passenger space, and it comes with desirable features such as LED headlights, power-adjustable leather front seats, dual-zone climate control, updated infotainment with wireless smartphone mirroring, and more advanced standard trailering tech. You only really need to add a few driver assists to make it perfectly liveable.