2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Pros vs Cons

If you are in the market for a vehicle with strong hauling and towing capabilities, then the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD might be just the truck for you. Chevy has made some tweaks to this year's model and is amping it up to compete with Ford and RAM. This truck has many configurations, so you can customize it to fit your needs. Despite a few drawbacks, the 3500HD 2WD puts in a good performance for its class.

What's New for 2018?

New for 2018 are two new exterior colors, which replace three outgoing hues. New grille meshes and side decals have been added. A rearview camera is now standard on all Silverados. Also, Chevy has eliminated the AM/FM radio in favor of a standard 4.2-inch and optional 7-inch touchscreen display with the MyLink infotainment system installed. Tire Fill Alert is now available for single-rear-wheel models and is part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring system.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – The Pros

1. Strong Towing and Hauling Abilities

Although it gets bested by a few competitors, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD has strong towing and hauling capabilities. The payload maxes out at just over 7,100 pounds, and lugging heavy furniture in the back of the truck is easy when you don't have your fifth wheel in tow.

2. Tire Fill Alert

Tire Fill alert comes as part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring system. When you are outside of the truck filling up a deflated tire, the system issues visual and auditory warnings that let you know when the tire is reaching its psi.

3. The Diesel Engine is Powerful

The best part of driving a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD is the optional (and highly recommended) 6,6-L V8 turbocharged diesel engine. Nicely paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain is capable of producing 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque.

4. Great Build Quality

Chevy is known for producing trucks with strong build qualities. Inside and out, the 3500HD looks like it is made of durable and top-notch materials. Mechanically, parts are pretty sound and do not seem prone to quick wear-and-tear.

5. Swift Acceleration

For being such a massive truck, you would not expect it to get up and moving very fast. However, the Silverado 3500HD can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds thanks to the optional diesel engine, which puts out one of the best speeds in its class. In fact, this bests some smaller trucks, SUVs, and even some sedans.

6. Secure Braking Capabilities

Braking on the 3500HD 2WD feels secure and inspires driver confidence. Although the pedal can get pushed all the way down to the floor, the vehicle makes panic stops in a safe distance of 132 feet. Overall, you can expect a lot of consistency from these brakes.

7. Fluid Handling

Handling on the 3500HD 2WD is rather impressive given its size. There is actually minimal body roll, and turns can be made with relative ease when you aren't towing a fifth wheel. The truck can handle tight city streets and parking lots, even though it isn't ideal for an urban setting.

8. Climate Control Works Extremely Well

Up front, the driver and passenger get to enjoy split heating on the seats. The air conditioning works well at ventilating the entire cabin and has knobs that are extremely easy to use. Overall, the set-up is very user-friendly and creates optimal comfort.

9. Easy to Find a Good Driving Position

Drivers of any size can get behind the wheel and quickly find a good driving position. The seat is highly adjustable, and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to get into position. You can also get the optional adjustable pedals to increase your ability to find the perfect driving position.

10. Plenty of Cargo Space

Of course, there is plenty of cargo space to be found on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD. The standard bed size is 6 feet and 6 inches, and the long bed gives a generous 8 feet and 1 inch. Space can be maximized inside the vehicle by folding the rear seats.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – The Cons

1. The Firm Ride Quality

The ride quality on the 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD 2WD is quite firm due to the suspension being so stiff. This is most noticeable when you aren't hauling anything around, but once the vehicle is bearing a bit more weight, it isn't such a huge problem.

2. The Firm Seats

On the inside, the seats are pretty firm, especially in the rear. Up front, the seats are well-bolstered enough to provide comfort. However, coupled with the stiff ride quality, the rear seat passengers will be doubly uncomfortable when taking a long ride.

3. Massive Blind Spots

Due to the truck's massive size and large roof pillars, the blind spots are bigger than most drivers would probably like them to be. ALthough the towing mirrors and rearview camera help, it is difficult to know for sure exactly where the corners of the truck are while you're driving.

4. MyLink Can Be Finicky

MyLink is user-friendly when it is working properly. However, it has a tendency to drop connections and takes a while to load music. Also, some of the voice controls don't work well.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD vs. 2018 Ford F-350

The 2018 Ford F-350 is a powerhouse performer with its optional diesel engine and a long list of standard technology and safety features. However, some options are incredibly expensive, and this vehicle doesn't fit into some parking spaces very well.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD vs. 2018 RAM 3500

At the top of the pack for 2018 is the RAM 3500, which has an engine that generates a whopping 930 lb-ft of torque. Also, the ride quality is quiet and comfortable. Its acceleration, however, lags behind the Silverado by over 1.5 seconds.

Conclusion

While the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2WD has a few drawbacks, this truck is a strong competitor in its class. It offers a sizeable towing and hauling capacity and inspires confidence in the driver with its predictable braking, smooth handling, and swift acceleration. In general, it is a fun vehicle to drive and works well on-the-job or for chauffeuring your family around.