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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a light equipment-update year, led by standard Digital Steering Assist on selected LT, LTZ and High Country configurations. It is not a redesign, and its core gas and diesel powertrains carry over.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
3rd-generation Silverado 3500HD (2015-2019), second model year after the 2015 redesign
Chevrolet positioned the Silverado 3500HD as its highest-capacity pickup for demanding towing and payload work. Its identity centers on a strong frame, heavy-duty V8 powertrains, integrated trailer controls, single- and dual-rear-wheel configurations, and practical bed access. The wide cab and trim range also separates it from a purely commercial truck: lower trims focus on job-site durability, while LTZ and High Country add passenger comfort without giving up the truck’s core hauling role.
The Work Truck is the job-focused version, with an integrated trailer brake controller, extending tow mirrors and a CornerStep rear bumper. LT has an 8-inch touchscreen and remote-locking tailgate, while LTZ brings heated leather seating and a rearview camera; High Country tops the range with ventilated leather, navigation, Bose audio and wireless phone charging.
What changed, by category
Structural
Digital Steering Assist became standard on Crew Cab LT, LTZ and High Country trucks, along with diesel Double Cab LT and LTZ trucks. It improves low-speed maneuverability and highway stability; the frame and suspension did not change.
Tech
High Country gained standard wireless phone charging, while LT and LTZ gained a remote-locking tailgate. LT and higher trims also received infotainment updates, though phone compatibility varies by screen and production timing. The LT alarm system changed from standard to optional.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD / Auto, 6-Spd Allison ODvv | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas |
| Horsepower | 301–397 hp | 301–397 hp | 301–397 hp | 301–397 hp |
| Torque | 333–765 lb-ft | 333–765 lb-ft | 333–765 lb-ft | 333–765 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–20000 lb | 13000–15000 lb | 13000–20000 lb | 13000–15000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7–40.9 in | 34.7–40.9 in | 34.7–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The biggest change is Digital Steering Assist on selected LT, LTZ and High Country trucks. It was designed to make the truck easier to maneuver at low speeds and steadier on the highway.
Does every 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have Digital Steering Assist?
No. Digital Steering Assist is standard on Crew Cab LT, LTZ and High Country trucks, plus diesel Double Cab LT and LTZ trucks.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 get new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2016 model carries over the core gas and diesel engines and heavy-duty automatic transmissions from 2015, with no confirmed model-wide powertrain change.
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 redesigned?
No. The redesign arrived for 2015, making 2016 the second model year of that generation. The 2016 updates focus on steering technology and trim-level equipment rather than a new body, frame or suspension.
What trim equipment changed on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
High Country gained wireless phone charging, while LT and LTZ gained a remote-locking tailgate. The LT alarm system also changed from standard to optional, and infotainment updates affected LT and higher trims.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
4.2
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
(360 reviews)
“For someone needing a tow vehicle, putting relatively low miles on it annually, this gas powered truck will certainly prove capable. I dragged a trailer over the Rockies without any problems this summer.”
“The headlights are worst on any vehicle I have ever driven. The projection low beams are a driving hazard. Also the rear view mirror is mounted to low on the windshield. Even with the drivers seat in the lowest position it creates a blind spot that I have to duck to see under.”