Following the facelifted Ford F-Series Super Duty, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD receives a number of updates whilst Chevy and Ford do their best to dominate the market. The large Chevy trucks received large updates in 2015, however in this competitive segment, it is not an option to stand still.
The appearance of the 2016 Silverado HD is pretty much the same as the 2015 model which was redesigned to fit in with styling cues from the light-duty Silverado 1500. Below the sculptured exterior, a number of tech upgrades are given to the 2016 model.
A “Digital Steering Assist” feature found on some models improves stability due to adding electronic controls. Chevy state that the system provides better steering feel, more confidence when gauling or towing heavy loads and better responsiveness. Usually electronic aids are a negative thing of the steering wheel, however it could be a positive thing when it manages to make a rig this big easier to turn.
Although heavy-duty trucks mght appear to be work vehicles, they now include all of the luxury and tech accoutrements that regular vehicles have. For 2016, the Silverado HD’s MyLink infotainment system includes updated 7- and 8-inch touchscreens which according to Chevy work better than they ever have and HD radio. Models that come with the 8-inch touchscreen will open with a choice for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto will come out in early March.
Related: Chevrolet Silverado provides luxury appearance for a good price
The Silverado HD remains available in a baffling array of combinations of bed, cab and powertrain. 2500HD and 3500HD models are available with a two-door “regular cab,” a “double cab,” and a “crew cab” with four full-size doors. There are two bed sizes as well (according tocab configuration) and the choice of dual rear wheels on the 3500HD.
Engine choices will probably stay the same. The Silverado HD is available at the moment with a -liter gasoline V8 producing 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel with 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft. They both use six-speed automatic transmissions, with the diesel using a augmented Allison unit. A bi-fuel option is available as well which lets a truck be powered by natural gas.
Just like the smaller Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150, the current-generation Silverado HD is not quite as much of a redesign as its new Ford rival. If the risks that Ford have taken aren’t succesful, then Chevy will most likely hope to receive a number of new truck buyers.
