2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is available in 3 body styles, regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Available trims are the base Work Truck, LT and LTZ. Buyers can select from a conventional single-rear-wheel (SRW) or dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configuration and the regular as well as extended cab are only available with an 8’ long bed. Crew cabs can come with standard 6.5’ bed lengths (only with SRW). The Silverado 3500HD is powered with a standard 6.0 liter gasoline V8 engine producing 360hp and 380lb-ft of torque, with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 6.6 liter V8 turbo-diesel that produces 387hp with 765lb-ft of torque ideal for those who tow/haul on a regular basis. Properly equipped the Silverado 3500HD can haul up to 6,355lbs and tow up to 17,000lbs with standard hitch, 21,700 with a 5th wheel connection. Even the basic Work Trucks comes equipped with a plethora of standard convenience features like trip computer, AC, cruise control and more. Higher trims offer further convenience upgrades.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Drivers who need serious towing and hauling capabilities should strongly consider the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD as it’s a top contender in a relatively small arena of competitors. Truck drivers have a multitude of options to customize their truck from rugged workhorse to highly capable luxury mobile office to seamlessly go from job site to a business meeting.
What’s New For 2012:
In 2012 the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD received a few minor changes, including hard-drive based navigational system, Z71 Off-Road appearance package for the Z71 suspension option and heated/ventilated front seats.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power and Associates rated the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD an initial overall quality rating of 3 out of 5 in its initial quality study with a solid 4 for features/accessories mechanical quality, body and interior design quality and features and accessories design quality.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Silverado 3500HD comes equipped standard with stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and hill-start control/trailer sway control as standard. Side curtain and airbags are available as options, as are power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+Impressive towing and hauling capabilities
+Powerful engine & torque
+Quiet, refined ride
-Tilt steering column close to dash
-Gas and brakes far apart to accommodate work shoes/boots
-Smallish buttons on higher trims center stack
Head-To-Head Competition:
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a starting price that is thousands of dollars less than the RAM 3500HDP, though is several thousand higher than the Ford F-150. The Silverado 3500 offers a V8 producing 322hp compared to the F-150 with a V6 generating 302hp; the RAM 3500HD offers an inline 6 that generates 350hp. The Silverado 3500HD has the larger gas tank of 36 gallons, compared to the F-150 with a 26 gallon tank and the RAM 3500HD with its 35 gallon tank. All three offer a basic warranty of 3years/36,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
“Still, if you put an emphasis on interior style or refinement, you may want to look at the Ram or even the Ford F-150. On the other hand, if capability takes precedent, the Silverado will not disappoint” – Automobile Magazine
“The steering isn’t too light but rather nicely weighted for a big truck. It’s quite precise, too, with a semblance of life on center—something of a rarity in the HD-truck segment.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
