Summary
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 sits atop the brand's lineup of full-size pickups. The biggest and strongest of the family, this truck offers a choice of powerful V8 engines in both gasoline and diesel forms. Modern versions of the Silverado 3500 cover a wide range of uses, from a straightforward workhorse to a luxurious family hauler. Being a full-size truck, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 requires frequent trips to the pumps. However, all generations offer a variety of bed and cab lengths, ensuring you find the right blend of convenience and comfort.
Safety
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is made to tow big loads, making it an inherently sturdy vehicle. Every generation of the truck has featured an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard, which modulates the brakes during hard stops for safer, more controlled stopping power. Early models such as the original 1998 trucks featured just two airbags, while current models increase the count to six. Stability control was optional on earlier models but became standard starting in 2008. As of 2015, optional safety equipment on most trims includes: Front collision alert and rearview camera Hill Descent Control, which maintains a slow, steady speed down extreme grades Teen Driver mode, which locks most driver aid systems to always-on.
Interior
Depending on the trim level, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500's interior can cover anything from workhorse plastics and vinyls to luxurious leather and wood: The base Work Truck or WT trims use cloth seats, with leather surfaces common on most other trim levels, like the LTZ and High Country. This is true of the steering wheel, too—all models except for the base trims feature leather. One feature that has remained constant across the board is standard air-conditioning.
Technology
Thanks to its position at the top of the lineup, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has traditionally included plenty of tech for its time. Models from 2007 and earlier featured six-disc CD players with optional DVD integration. The 2011 model introduced a large, easy-to-use centre console infotainment screens—it's now up to 8 inches in the latest trucks. Other tech features on the 2019 models include:
- 4G LTE Hotspot, so you can connect to the internet on the go—optional on the WT trim
- Rear entertainment system with 9.2-inch screen and DVD/Blu-Ray integration, available on upper trims
Space
The amount of space you'll find inside—and out—on the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 depends on which body configuration you select. The 2019 generation offers a massive 2,003 mm of bed space in its shortest style, stretching to an ATV-swallowing 2,483 mm in the long box. In crew cab form, you'll find plenty of space for you and up to five passengers, with almost identical measurements for head, leg, and hip room in both rows.
Comfort
The standard gas-powered V8 is powerful, but those looking for even more should opt for the 6.6 L Duramax turbo diesel engine. Thanks to its turbocharger, the Duramax offers plenty of low-down grunt, though it is surprisingly quiet on the highway. Some drivers report the ride can be quite harsh when the bed is empty, however, so make sure to test drive the truck to decide for yourself.
