2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review
The Chevrolet Silverado range is topped off with the massive 3500HD, a truck that's as reliable as they come as proven after being awarded as the most dependable heavy duty pickup for the last three years in a row. It has a lot going for it too, like a class-leading 445 hp with great torque that allows for a maximum towing payload of 23,300 lbs. As with the 2500HD, engines available include the Vortec 6.0-liter V8 and the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8 coupled to the Allison automatic transmission – a tried and trusted combination.
Interior
The almost silent cabin of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD features lots of space, especially in the bigger cab versions. The cabin is triple sealed so that you hardly notice the big capacity diesel lump idling up front, and it adds some stiffening to the feel of things. Seating is comfortable and the available Premium Package makes it even better with a heated power driver's seat, a heated steering wheel and adjustable pedals to make for the most comfortable driving position possible. Finishings are good in all models of the truck, but the Saddle premium leather is the one to have. The controls are in easy reach of the drive, but most don't need to be touched thanks to the multi-function steering wheel. Storage space is premium, but as you'd expect it's better in the double and crew cab than the regular cab.
Driving
The truck at the top of the Silverado range is huge in every way, and even though it tips the scales at over 8000 lbs. it can be an easier drive than expected. The power-assisted steering makes the bulk feel a lot less and that's a good illusion because the truck is close to 22 feet long. An array of on board cameras (mostly optional) that monitor loads, and even when that load is on the bigger side, the 3500HD manages to bring it to a stop thanks to the braking system being assisted by a diesel exhaust brake system. The truck's power is good, and with the right model it can successfully haul a good 20,000 lbs. Even with its bulk, visibility is good from the driver's seat, well for the open road anyway. All in all the drive is pleasant and more refined that you expect.
Performance
Performance isn't really measured in the conventional way, you wouldn't expect the large Silverado 3500HD to break any speed records, but if by performance you mean it to be powerful then it's brilliant. The 3500HD shares the same two engines as found in the middle 2500HD range. On the gasoline side of things we find the Vortec 6.0-liter V8 that produces a pretty healthy 360 hp with a nice and usable 380 lb-ft of torque. On the diesel front the 3500HD features Chevrolet's most powerful engine for a truck to date, the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8 that produces 445 hp with a massive 910 lb-ft of torque. The engines can also run on healthier fuel, the gasoline engine can use E85 and the diesel engine can run on B20.
Equipment and Safety
All models in the Silverado range have a decent amount if tech and spec. To keep the driver connected there are convenience that include an 8-inch color screen that head up the intuitive and user-friendly Chevrolet MyLink system with available navigation. There's also an option for a Bose audio system to make the cabin a concert hall, especially if the rear entertainment package is chosen. You can have heated seats and steering and wireless charging too. The big truck comes with a lane departure warning system as well as a forward collision alert system to keep it safe on the long haul.
Verdict
The biggest and baddest of the Silverados, the 3500HD is as heavy duty as it gets out there. Available in many configurations, different drive wheel options and cab sizes, as well as in dually guise, means the 3500HD can be set up to cater for just about any personal and business scenario. It can be optioned with enough modern things to make it a comfortable daily driver and can also have a host of pure work-related options to make it the vehicle to back up a business. There are big trucks as rivals, but the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD features the most powerful motor in it's class, and that alone is a brilliant selling point that will see many buyers not even consider other options. As with the 2500HD, it looks like this truck's main competition is from its direct family relations.
