The Chevy Silverado, while a popular truck, just didn’t have the power some people were looking for. Then the Silverado 2500 and 3500 appeared in Chevrolet dealerships to offer a more powerful truck model.
But the names of these two trucks don’t tell you much about what makes them different from each other – truck drivers would have to dig deeper to find out. This guide will break down the differences between the Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500.
What Changed Between Them?
Even though there are some significant similarities between the Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500, there are also some essential differences between the two trucks. The big difference between them is in performance because of things like changes in suspension and towing ability.
Suspension and Weight
The Chevy Silverado 3500 has a more powerful suspension system than the 2500 because it has the option of additional dual-rear wheels. The added wheels and changed suspension create more weight and raise the price of the 3500, but also give it better performance.
People who have test-driven both trucks at a Chevrolet dealership have said that the Chevy Silverado 2500 has a more smooth ride.
Towing and Payload
The towing power and payload capacity of these two trucks is the most drastic difference between them.
The Chevy Silverado 2500 has a 15,400 lb towing capacity and a 2,300 lb payload when using a diesel engine. The 3500, on the other hand, has a 23,100 lb towing capacity and a 3,800 lb payload using the same engine.
What Stayed the Same?
Because the Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 are the same base truck, there will be a few significant similarities between the two. Most of these similarities are in appearance and standard features found across their trim levels.
Interior and Exterior Appearance
Aside from a slight logo change signifying which is the 2500 and which is the 3500, these trucks look almost exactly the same from the outside. This can make it hard to tell which is which at a glance in Chevrolet dealerships, so look at each truck closely or clarify with a salesperson.
As for the interior, it changes based on the trim level and additions. If you put the two trucks side by side with the same trim, they would also look very similar in interior design because of the standard features and the fact that they have the same base truck.
Engine and Transmission
Both trucks have the same 6.6-Liter V8 engine and 10-speed transmission available. There are options for either a gas or diesel engine that change horsepower and torque for the trucks. The gas engine has 401-hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, and the diesel has 445-hp and 910 lb-ft of torque.
Now that you know the main differences and similarities between the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500, it’s time to decide which truck is for you! Do you want the smoother ride and lower cost of the 2500, or the more powerful 3500 with greater towing capacity and payload?
Visit a Chevrolet dealership near you to find your ideal truck!
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