“It's to high off the ground and step if a to close to the floor of the cab making it also very hard to use.”
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is that Teen Driver became standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign, with the engines, transmissions, frame, and overall layout carrying over.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2015-2019 Silverado HD generation, late-cycle year after the 2017 front-end refresh.
Chevrolet positions the Silverado 3500 HD as its heavy-duty pickup for buyers who need serious towing and payload strength without moving up to a full commercial chassis cab. Its core appeal is broad capability: multiple cab styles, single- or dual-rear-wheel layouts, gas or diesel power, and trims ranging from basic jobsite duty to a premium Crew Cab. Compared with lighter pickups, it is built first for hard work, large trailers, and heavy loads.
The 2018 Silverado 3500 spans the basic, job-focused Work Truck, the better-equipped LT and LTZ, and the luxury-focused High Country. The Work Truck has a 7-inch touchscreen and easy-clean vinyl flooring, while LTZ adds leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats. High Country stands out with navigation, Bose audio, wireless charging, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The natural-gas powertrain was dropped from the High Country. No broader engine or transmission update was made.
Safety
Teen Driver became standard across the lineup. The Work Truck also gained a standard rearview camera.
Tech
The Work Truck gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth, replacing equipment that had been optional.
Styling
The High Country received revised grille mesh detailing. The rest of the exterior carried over without a broader redesign.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD / Automatic, 6-Spd Allison w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD / Automatic, 6-Spd Allison w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 301–445 hp | 301–445 hp | 301–445 hp | 360–445 hp |
| Torque | 333–910 lb-ft | 333–910 lb-ft | 333–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–15000 lb | 13000–15000 lb | 13000–15000 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 | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2018 Silverado 3500 was not redesigned; its engines, transmissions, frame, and overall layout carried over from 2017. The updates focused on safety, Work Truck technology, and High Country grille detailing.
What changed on the 2018 Silverado 3500 compared with the 2017 model?
The main change was standard Teen Driver across every trim. The Work Truck also gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and rearview camera, while the High Country received revised grille mesh and lost its natural-gas powertrain option.
What became standard on the 2018 Silverado 3500 Work Truck?
A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera became standard on the 2018 Work Truck. Teen Driver also became standard, giving the base trim a meaningful equipment update over 2017.
Did the 2018 Silverado 3500 get new engines or transmissions?
No broad engine or transmission update arrived for 2018. However, the natural-gas powertrain was no longer offered on the High Country trim.
What changed on the 2018 Silverado 3500 High Country?
The 2018 High Country received revised grille mesh and standard Teen Driver. Its natural-gas powertrain option was dropped, while its luxury equipment still included navigation, Bose audio, wireless charging, and heated and ventilated front seats.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
4.1
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
(207 reviews)
“When I am towing my fifth wheel in the mountains, I love to look in my rear view mirrors and watch the Fords and Dodges struggling up hill.”
“Great vehicle for towing/hauling/carrying stuff with great fuel mileage and all the conveniences I need.”