2016 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Review

For 2016, the Silverado 3500HD adds an available 7-inch IntelliLink touchscreen interface, while both that interface and the premium 8-inch version receive a faster processor and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Also, a variable-assist steering system debuts on higher-end models, and a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package joins the options list. Other new features include wireless phone charging and a remote locking tailgate.

The imposing 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a fully up-to-date pickup truck with astounding capabilities and a surprisingly refined nature.

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is Chevy's most capable heavy-duty truck, and a full redesign last year made it a top contender in this specialized segment. A handful of new features this year make it even more appealing, such as a Digital Steering Assist system that tailors the amount of power assist to different driving scenarios. Chevrolet has also added an intermediate infotainment option in the form of a 7-inch IntelliLink touchscreen that mirrors the features of last year's premium 8-inch system (which remains available). Moreover, both touchscreens receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for full smartphone integration.

Towing a backhoe is one of many challenges that the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD can dispatch with ease.

Unchanged, happily, is the Silverado 3500HD's endearing driving demeanor. This brute of a truck is unexpectedly docile on the road, providing a relatively smooth and quiet ride. Moreover, it offers a pair of outstanding engines that get the job done and then some, whether you choose the gasoline (or bi-fuel) V8 or the tremendous turbodiesel V8. Throw in a nicely appointed interior and you've got a remarkably well-rounded vehicle, especially by this segment's traditionally utilitarian standards.

In a class where every model is built to move mountains, one can assume the competition is fierce. The heavy hitters keeping the Silverado 3500HD company include the Ford F-350 Super Duty and the Ram 3500. Both of these alternatives offer gasoline and diesel engine options, as well as competitive payload and towing capabilities. With the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500's essential goodness and added equipment, though, it's a more attractive choice than ever for the shopper who needs to do some serious work.

The 2016 Silverado 3500HD's base engine is a 6.0-liter V8 that pumps out 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 makes 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions, though the turbodiesel gets a stouter Allison 1000 transmission.

Buyers can add a bi-fuel option to the 6.0-liter engine, allowing it to run on gasoline or clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG). However, CNG power output drops to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.

All models come standard with rear-wheel drive and have four-wheel drive as an option. Properly equipped, the Silverado 3500HD can haul up to 7,153 pounds and tow up to 23,200 pounds. Although these numbers vary slightly from last year, they merely reflect newly adopted SAE standards and not any updated hardware.

Standard safety features for the Silverado 3500HD include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control (with trailer sway control), front and front-side airbags and side curtain airbags. All trims above WT also come with OnStar (includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation).

Optional safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and the Driver Alert package (parking sensors plus lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert and a safety alert seat).

The 2016 Silverado 3500HD may surprise you with the level of civility it achieves. Compared to the Silverado 1500, there's a bit more road noise from the beefier tires and wind noise from its larger mirrors, but that's splitting hairs considering how quiet and serene the cabin is overall. Even if you opt for the larger diesel engine, the distinctive clatter from under the hood is never obnoxious. Ride quality is respectably refined for such a beast of burden.

The 2016 Silverado 3500HD's optional turbodiesel V8 comes standard with a driver-activated exhaust brake that provides extra engine braking on downhill stretches.

Around turns, the big truck's steering has a light, precise feel, and body roll is decently controlled. Negotiating a multipoint turn can require a lot of wheel work, but the variable Digital Steering Assist system (available on all except WT) can help make such situations easier to navigate. In terms of real-world capabilities, we towed a 17,000-pound horse trailer behind a Silverado 2500HD and were duly impressed, so the beefier 3500HD should have no issue maintaining stability and composure.

The Silverado 3500HD's cabin is much more modern and pleasant than it used to be, thanks to a full redesign in 2015. Materials quality is satisfactory, and the gauge cluster's crisp graphics make it easy to read day or night. Switchgear is generally sized and placed well, while nice large grab handles along the front window pillars help with ingress and egress. The top High Country trim level adds exclusive saddle brown leather and handsome accent stitching atop the dash for a cabin that blurs the line between business and luxury.

Despite its workhorse identity, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD makes for a convincing luxury truck when generously equipped.

The 4.2-inch color information display located between the tachometer and the speedometer is intuitive to navigate, though the WT trim makes do with a monochromatic 3.5-inch display. On the center stack, both the 7-inch and 8-inch MyLink touchscreens include intuitive menu structures and plenty of features.

The seats up front are amply sized, supportive and fairly comfortable. However, the lack of a telescoping steering wheel in the WT trim (it's optional on LT and standard on higher trims) may make it harder for some people to find an ideal driving position. In the four-door crew cab model, passengers need not argue about who sits up front, as the rear cabin seating provides ample space along with solid leg and back support.