2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500: What's Changed
By G.R. Whale
Most significant changes: Standard backup camera, some cosmetic changes and graphics, and MyLink standard on WT
Prices change: Increases of $500 to $1,000 depending on configuration
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2017 or 2018? 2018 because more configurations are available
Chevrolet's Silverado 2500/3500 pickup trucks change little for model-year 2018. Both the Silverado HDs and their GMC Sierra HD twins will continue to offer 6.6-liter diesel engines with the highest horsepower rating in their class. They also still offer independent front suspensions, heavy-duty rear axles and leaf springs on two- and four-wheel models.
Silverado HDs come in four primary trim levels — WT, LT, LTZ and High Country — with special editions based on packaging or geography, including All Star, Midnight, Custom Sport, Alaskan and Texas editions, with the latter offered in Texas and adjoining states.
The Silverado offers regular- and crew-cab configurations along with a double cab other competitors don't offer. Regular cabs and duallies come with 8-foot beds only. Maximum payload capacity (7,153 pounds) and bumper towing (23,300 pounds) should handle all pickup duties, and while nine colors are available, two are restricted by trim or cab style and the interior will be black or tan.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, all cab configurations of the Silverado 2500 scored four stars overall out of five, four in the frontal crash test, five in side crash test and three for the rollover. The Driver Alert Package that's available on LT and LTZ models and standard on High Country models includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning, safety alert seat, and parking assist. OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hot spot is available.
Silverado HDs come standard with an aging 360-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission; a 445-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with an Allison six-speed automatic is optional.. A locking differential is optional or included in some packages, as is a receiver hitch.
Here's the full list of updates and changes to the 2018 Silverado HD:
- Cajun Red Tintcoat, Havana Metallic and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (crew cabs only) color choices
- Tire pressure monitor now has tire fill alert for single-rear-wheel models with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 pounds
- Rear-vision camera is standard on all models with cargo box
- New grille mesh design on High Country and Z71
- Revised Z71 and 4X4 graphics
- MyLink 7-inch audio system now standard on WT model[JB3]
Manufacturer images; Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
Comments
So, nothing changed but the price. Got it. This goes along with the recent GM presentation to shareholders showing how they have lagged behind Ford when tracking the actual selling price, and they vowed to change that trend. That's good to know for truck buyers when they are increasing selling prices without adding anything to the trucks.
Consider the increase in the cost of production for everything from complying with always-increasing regulations to the higher cost of materials and overhead, direct costs, and maintaining/updating property, plant and equipment. Then ask yourself if prices should stay the same. Mine haven't, I have had to charge 8% more for labor starting last year and expect it to increase. Materials have increased alsoacross the board.
This truck looks a thousand times better than the Tundra clone GM is going to kill Chevy off with.
Marginal at best. Also nobody has talking about the incremental gas/diesel cost increases over the last 6 months. Gas is nearing 3/gallon here in the NE and diesel is at 3.49, that number is up over .50cents since summer. If it keeps going up things like these trucks will once again suffer in sales.
-CT
You should buy a 2018 rather than a 2017 because "more configurations are available." Really? That's the only thing better about the 2018? That is pretty sad, given that the 2017 is not a very good truck.
@ Dale
They are bringing out a new 2019 model, so a lot of their money is invested in that. 2020 will be when the new HD comes out---I would think. They made a few changes standard. Granted they don't have all the tech that Ford offers, but that is just more stuff to go wrong!!! Many of these customers want a truck that is reliable and does truck duties at its BEST!!! The Duramax and Allison tranny have proven that over and over again.
I love the interior center stack! Its so easy to navigate and reaching all the buttons is easy. This looks a lot better than GM's new design. The new interior center stack almost looks cheaper.
TNT, what tech are you referring too, geez and I thought you were a GM fan. The new engine tech that GM has out, is very techy and to your own point, lots of things to go wrong with that, but somehow you missed that one. You fan boys are very confusing at times. I do agree, however, the old boring dash above is nicer and user friendly compared to the mash of the new model.
-CT
I know a insurance guy who drives a humongous SD. Other than throwing the occasional deer carcass in the bed, it's just to haul the gas tank shaped like a toolbox around. Is that a disguise?
Most people that actually need one of these for business have a nice tax deduction this time of year. So the higher the cost, the more the write-off.
When F-series drivers look in their rearview and see those hood scoops, they know they are about to get passed. LOL!
GMSRGREAT, thats like saying, when GM owners look in those side mirrors, they know they copied them off the Ford truck.
-CT
"Both the Silverado HDs and their GMC Sierra HD twins will continue to offer 6.6-liter diesel engines with the highest horsepower rating in their class"
I just looked up the specs for 2018 and Ford beats GM trucks by 5hp and 25 lb-ft of torque so this is either a blatant lie or GM considers Ford to be in a class of their own.
Mark, it is your job to know these things and not allow lies to get into articles that you publish. If you feel that what you published is true please show some data to back it up. If you are skeptical of the published numbers dyno testing would be great but should be referred to.
An aging 6.0......... I've got two of those pulling trailers in our fleet and have never had a complaint or problem......let them keep aging if that's an issue!
That is pretty sad, given that the 2017 is not a very good truck.
Posted by: dale | Jan 30, 2018 10:02:25 AM
Interesting considering it out-performs the other trucks in it's class in most measurables related to towing/hauling. The diesel setup is class leading.
You must not like any of these trucks in these classes.
An aging 6.0......... I've got two of those pulling trailers in our fleet and have never had a complaint or problem......let them keep aging if that's an issue!
Posted by: Old GM Guy | Jan 30, 2018 11:44:32 AM
They are definitely bulletproof.
I think it could use a refresh, or at least a higher output gas engine as an upgrade. I was shopping for a Denali 2500 and was considering the gas engine over the diesel based on what I would use it for. Kind of turned off that the 2500 Denali gets the 6.0/6 speed at 360 HP and the 1500 Denali gets the 420 Hp 6.2/8 speed, soon to be 10. Gearing is obviously configurable up to 4.10 on the HD, but other than needing the capacities to tow/haul, might as well get the 1/2 ton. That they need to fix.
"An aging 6.0......... I've got two of those pulling trailers in our fleet and have never had a complaint or problem......let them keep aging if that's an issue!
Posted by: Old GM Guy"
I feel like the same could be said for all three brands and that picking on GM was a little unfair. I also feel that all three would benefit from some modernization that would improve both power and fuel economy. Maybe the EPA is going to have to start rating these trucks for fuel economy to prompt some improvements. It could just be that none of the manufacturers wants to give people a reason not to drop the extra $8K for a diesel.
@ CT
Look inside each truck. Ford has a ton more tech than GM...geeezz
Weak on the crash rating for what this costs.
Still cant get on board with common sense DEF tank/fill management (guess that will REQUIRE a total overhaul).
Just a minor tech refinement this year.
Looking forward to them getting modern... if they ever do.
@ CT
I do like GM very much, but they are lacking some tech compared to Ford. I am being honest. Some of the tech Ford offers over GM is useless in my opinion, bc it takes the driver out of the equation and its eyes off the road instead of on it. Too much of this tech is making people rely on it, instead of their instincts!
@ Walt
Ford just upped the HP and TQ to claim overall #1, bc that's what they always do!! Doesn't matter though, bc we have all seen the Duramax beats it!!! That's a FACT
@Walt
I think you are exactly right! Put the old gas burner on the "back burner" and go after the money with the diesel.
They could have upped the power on the 6.0 long ago but why cut into diesel sales?
I was wonder how closely related the 6.0 is to the old 366 cu inch motor that was found in the Kodiak back in the "70's and "80's.
@andrwerken
Yes, they could use some attention but @Walt makes a great point why they are overlooked.
TNT- taking the driver out of the equation? Please explain. Just because you have gadgets and extra cameras, does not mean you do not have a choice. You could buy a different trim level and not have all those things. even if you do have those things, you still are ultimately the one responsible for anything you do behind the wheel. If you take your eyes off the road and run into somebody, good luck explaining to the court that the truck made you do it.
-CT
@ CT
Some people do take things for granted is what I am saying!! They think since they have this tech, they don't have to look twice, or keep eyes constantly on the road.
Are you in the arguing mood today or what??
@ CT
Some people do take things for granted is what I am saying!! They think since they have this tech, they don't have to look twice, or keep eyes constantly on the road.
Are you in the arguing mood today or what??
"Too much of this tech is making people rely on it, instead of their instincts!
Posted by: TNTGMC"
Personally I find that automatic wipers, automatic high/low beam, autodimming rearview mirror, auto climate control and satellite radio help me to stay focused on driving and staying aware of what is on the road around me instead of messing with all that stuff at 70mph.
That is pretty sad, given that the 2017 is not a very good truck.
Posted by: dale | Jan 30, 2018 10:02:25 AM
You have a very delusional view of the world. The 2017 GM HD's put more power to the ground, rode better, braked better, and pulled better than the 2017 Superduty. And as long as they have the Allison transmission, it has the best transmission in the business.
I will be buying a 2500 diesel soon. Been looking at these and the Rams. Both are great trucks. Still trying to compare Apple's to apples for final pricing. If they end up the same price? I will pick the duramax/ Alison. That combo feels so strong compared to the Cummins. The Cummins didn't feel weak by any means. I would be happy with either one. I don't like the Ford's unproven diesel with fake "best in class" numbers. And man that front end is so ugly, I couldn't stand looking at it... my god it's even uglier up close. But the interior was nice.
The guys on here saying negative things, obviously never drove or pulled with one.
@ Walt
You call that tech?? That's been around for years. I'm talking about the front Collison, side collison monitors, lane departure, and even back up camera which is very nice...u find yourself..my self included relying on them instead of checking twice!! That's what I'm saying!!
Plus all that stuff can go out...meaning money u spend to fix.
I was looking to purchase a new truck so thought I would take a look at the GM trucks also. I just cannot get over terrible the undercarriage looks on these trucks. The frame and cross-members hang down so far, not too mention the DEF tank hanging on the passenger side - YIKES. You can hide some of that with nerf bars but it doesn't mean the problem is gone.
I am worried about the ground clearance if I do any off-roading...
This has been the winning truck in all tests for years now, why change it now.
I will agree the Duramax Allison combo pulls harder than my 2016 Cummins. My next HD work truck will be a Gm Duramax. I love the new GM 2019 body style. Absolutely tough and aggressive looking.
TNT, not all into arguing, just looking at things differently thats all.
-CT
"@ Walt
You call that tech?? That's been around for years. I'm talking about the front Collison, side collison monitors, lane departure, and even back up camera which is very nice...u find yourself..my self included relying on them instead of checking twice!! That's what I'm saying!!
Plus all that stuff can go out...meaning money u spend to fix."
I don't use the side monitors or lane keeping and the backup camera in most of my vehicles is disabled when not in reverse. However, I did enable the backup camera in my motorhome which is very useful as a the only way to see directly behind me and it is high enough that I can tell if a trailer is safely past a vehicle in an adjacent lane that I am trying to get into. It also lets me know that the trailer is still there since it is hard to tell otherwise. I keep that one on all the time but did re-locate the monitor to be closer to my line of sight.
Everyone complaining about the old engine and 6-speed is pissing into the wind. Ford and Ram both use HD 6-speeds as well, so it's not like GM is getting left behind. The commercial market is always going to dictate the capabilities and reliability needs of these trucks. And even if one of the Big 3 trucks gets more gears, it will take a while for the other two to get it, and it will probably only be an 8-speed and not a 10 right out of the gate. The commercial market wants capability, features, and reliability to move forward at the same time.
I personally don't think an HD truck from any manufacturer needs more than 6 gears. The constant shifting ALL the time that my 8 spd does in town and God knows how much the Fords 10 spd shifts, causes great concern. I have recently been shifting it into manual mode and selecting the gears myself, bc the tranny constantly shifting from 1st to 5th, back to 3rd, up to 4th while driving in town is hard on the transmission. Being able to select the gear and keep it in that gear is very beneficial. Alittle harder on gas mileage bc of RPMs left at higher range, but I could care less in town! Plus, I don't have that annoying 2nd gear clunk we GM and I would guess Ford guys often get while driving in town.
Plus, I don't have that annoying 2nd gear clunk we GM and I would guess Ford guys often get while driving in town.
Posted by: TNTGMC | Jan 31, 2018 1:18:50 PM
Take it back to the dealer and complain about it. Make sure it has the latest programming for the transmission.
It has all programming...still does it once in a while..
Tune it. EFI Live can make any vehicle better than stock.
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