2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500: What's Changed
Most significant changes: Standard backup camera on pickups with beds, cosmetic changes to higher trim levels, revised graphics and MyLink 7-inch radio standard on the Work Truck trim
Price changes: Increases of $500 to $1,300, depending on configuration
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2017 or 2018? 2018 because more configurations are available
For model-year 2018, the Chevrolet's Silverado 2500/3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks change little, while the all-new light-duty 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 continues on its course to hit dealer lots in the fall. And although we have seen several , big changes for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 aren't expected until .
So for now, the 2018 Silverado HDs will continue with their aging standard 360-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 mated to the Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission and the available 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 mated to the Allison six-speed automatic, just as their GMC Sierra 2500/3500 twins do. All offer independent front suspension and heavy-duty rear axles and leaf springs on both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. A locking rear differential is standard across the lineup, but a hitch receiver is optional on lower trim levels.
The Silverado 2500/3500 comes in four primary trim levels — WT, LT, LTZ and High Country — with various subtrims and special editions, including All Star, Midnight, Custom Sport, Alaskan and Texas, with the latter offered only in Texas and adjoining states.
Buyers get a choice of regular, double and crew cabs, with regular cabs and duallies equipped with the 8-foot bed only.
Need to haul or tow? Here's what these beasts can do. When equipped with the gas V-8, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,410 pounds (4WD regular cab) and a maximum conventional towing capacity of 14,500 pounds (2WD or 4WD regular cab). When equipped with the diesel V-8, the Silverado 2500 has a max payload of 3,204 pounds (2WD regular cab) and a max conventional towing capacity of 14,500 pounds (2WD or 4WD regular cab).When the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is equipped with the gas V-8, it can haul a max of 7,153 pounds (2WD regular-cab dually) and bumper tow a max of 14,500 (2WD regular cab, 4.10 axle). When running on diesel, the Silverado 3500 can haul a max of 7,153 pounds (2WD regular-cab dually) and bumper tow a max of 20,000 pounds (4WD regular- or double-cab dually).
Both HDs are available in nine exterior colors (three are new), but two colors are restricted by trim or cab style; interior color choices are black or tan.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, the 2500 scored four stars overall, four for the frontal crash, five for the side crash and three for the rollover in all cab configurations. Most models above the WT trim can be equipped with forward collision and lane departure warnings, and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hot spot (subscription required after trial period).
Here's the full list of updates and changes to the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500:
- Cajun Red Tintcoat, Havana Metallic and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (late availability on crew cabs only)
- Tire pressure monitor with tire fill alert
- Backup camera standard on all models with pickup box
- New grille mesh design on High Country and Z71
- Revised Z71 and 4X4 graphics
- MyLink 7-inch radio system standard on WT model
Manufacturer images
