If you’re in the market for a new truck, the 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD has, no doubt, caught your eye. It is among the top trucks out there and for good reason. The designers at Chevrolet have been tinkering around with major improvements that make the new Silverado a good work truck, that’s easy on the eyes, and a nice family vehicle.
What’s New for The 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
New color options, including Havana Metallic, Iridescent Pearl, and Cajun Red Tintcoat, coupled with changes to the grilles and side decals make for an updated look all around. While not the flashiest truck out there, the automakers have also added cool features like rearview camera and MyLink Radio, among others.
Inside, Chevrolet has work conveniences like lots of interior storage, a large number of power plugs, and large dials. Basically, they’ve married a truck that can function on the job site and a night on the town without much compromise.
Why it’s Nearly Perfect.
Options
Whether you need a hauler or a family vehicle, there is probably an option for you out there with this truck. You can choose between a Work Truck (WT), LT, LTZ, and High Country trim. The LT is pretty ideal for a family vehicle while the WT makes a great hauler. It all depends on what you are in the market for, but chances are there is a trim that will fit your needs.
Rearview Camera
The rearview camera is now standard on all 2018 Chevy Silverado models regardless of the trim you choose. For a behemoth truck like the 2500HD, this is a major plus. The addition makes backing up and parking a lot safer, especially with little kids around. Because of the style on this truck, seeing around the massive body can be a bit of a chore (more on that later), but the addition of this camera will put drivers at ease.
Towing and Hauling
That’s what this truck was ultimately made for, and it does it well. This one is a true workhorse with a max towing capacity of 21,100 pounds with the GCWR 4.10 rear axle.
Excellent Quality
The 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is made of the right stuff. It’s made from high-quality materials eliminating rattling and bumpy rides, which can be present in a truck this size. The interior strikes the right balance between work vehicle and comfort but doesn’t contain much flash.
Quiet Ride
The ride in the Silverado is smooth and quiet. It seems that GM went the extra mile when designing comfort into this model.
Quick Acceleration
This one is surprising considering how smooth and quite the ride can be in the Silverado. The optional 6.6-L V8 engine can get the truck from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
Diesel Engine Option
This big guy comes with an optional 6.6-L V8 turbodiesel engine that is perfect for towing and hauling. In fact, if that’s the main reason for buying a new Chevy truck, you won’t regret the powerful engine. It generates 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque; when you pair that with a six-speed automatic transmission, it’s unstoppable.
Safety
The NHTSA gave the 2018 Silverado 2500HD a four-star overall rating. The Driver Alert package adds lane departure warning, forward collision warning, the Safety Alert Seat, and parking sensors.
Also, GM recently developed the Tire Fill Alert feature, which should be included under safety for a big truck like this one. This system will raise visual and audible alarms when you are trying to refill the air in a deflated tire. Knowing how much air to put in those big tires is vital for the safety and performance of the 2018 Silverado 2500HD.
The Issues with The 2018 Chevy Silverado HD
Driver Visibility
The 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is a goliath of a machine, making some of the driver viewing angles awkward at times. This truck has roof pillars that can limit the driver’s view of the corners of the truck. The rearview and side mirrors do help compensate, and the rearview camera is a big help. In fact, without the addition of the rearview camera, getting this truck into and out of some spaces would be quite the feat.
Steering
Moving a big truck like this can require a bit of elbow grease. Driving is a breeze, but turns can be tricky to first-time drivers of a large truck. It’s still doable, but an insecure driver may wonder just “what the heck” tires are doing during tight turns.
Braking
This truck has a long stopping distance. Emergency braking can mean pushing the pedal all the way to the floor. Drivers who like to tailgate (which is unsafe in all circumstances) will have to learn to back off while driving this truck.
Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD offers two engines with differing fuel economy results. The standard 6.0-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. Official fuel economy ratings aren’t available because the EPA doesn’t rate vehicles as big as the Silverado. According to most reports, drivers get around 8-12 miles per gallon in the city and 14-17 mpg on the highway. Obviously, this is all depending on the truck’s load.
It Could be What You’re Looking For
This is workhorse with a lot of great things going for it. It’s durable, inside and out, and has just the right amount of style you’d expect in a 2018 vehicle, without compromising the fact that it can be easily used on the worksite without regret. The 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD can run anywhere from $35,255-$75,000 depending on the options you choose.
