For some people, the standard full-size pickup truck doesn’t cut it. They need something capable of pulling heavy machinery or a large horse trailer. For them, a heavy-duty pickup like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the right tool. It is built for performing difficult tasks with powerful, torquey engines, a strengthened suspension, and clever features. After some key updates last year, the Silverado 2500HD enters 2018 with a few small changes.

Chevrolet unveiled three new colors for 2018: Cajun Red, Havana Metallic, and Iridescent Pearl.

Trying to make a heavy-duty pickup noticeable is a tough task, but Chevrolet’s designers deserve a lot of credit for making the Silverado 2500HD stand out with crisp lines, a split bar grille with different inserts depending on the trim, flared fenders, and integrated steps in the rear bumper for easier access to the bed. Diesel models come with a different hood featuring a scoop that helps bring in more air to cool the engine. Three cab and two bed options mean anyone will find a model that fits their needs.

The Silverado 2500HD’s interior delivers austere functionality. A straightforward dash design is complemented by large buttons and knobs controlling different aspects of the truck. It will only take a few moments to learn where various controls are before it becomes second nature. Chevrolet hasn’t skipped out on interior materials with a fair amount of soft-touch plastics used on the dash and center console.

The Silverado 2500 HD has plenty of comfortable cab space. Those sitting up front have the choice of either a bench seat or captain’s chairs that provide excellent support and are nicely padded. Certain trims can be equipped with power seats and adjustable pedals to make finding an agreeable driving position easier. If you’re planning to carry rear passengers on a regular basis, then consider the crew cab as it offers more rear legroom and improved seating position over the double cab.

For technology, the base WT trim swaps the old 4.3-inch screen for a 7-inch infotainment system with Chevrolet MyLink for 2018. The LT, LTZ, and High Country each get an 8-inch system.

After ironing out some initial issues, Chevrolet has been able make MyLink one of the best infotainment systems on sale. A modern interface features large touchscreen buttons that make it easy perform various functions. Performance is fast: different screens for audio, navigation, and other systems display in milliseconds. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi connectivity come standard.

There are two V8 engines offered for the Silverado 2500HD. The base is a 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This versatile engine can be run on gas or natural gas via an optional dual-fuel package. A 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel with an impressive 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque is optional. The diesel is paired with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission with the choice between 2 and 4-wheel drive. Both engines are quite capable of getting the Silverado 2500HD up to speed in no time and the transmissions deliver smooth, crisp shifts. The Silverado 2500HD’s weight exempts it from EPA testing, so no there figures for fuel economy.

The Duramax diesel is an imposing hauler. It offers a max tow rating of 14,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD when using a conventional trailer hitch and an outstanding 18,100 pounds for 2WD when using a gooseneck hitch. Payload in the bed ranges from 2,513 to 3,204 pounds.

To handle the extra weight of hauling a heavy load, truck manufacturers must stiffen up various suspension components, causing a rougher ride than than the average car. However, those who have driven the Silverado 2500HD say it is the smoothest drive in the class. If you load up a heavy trailer or payload, the ride becomes even better.

The Silverado 2500HD line comes equipped with a wide range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, tire pressure monitoring, OnStar telematics, and the Teen Driver system that allows you to set up a key with restrictions on various settings, like speed and volume. A reversing camera has been integrated across the 2500HD lineup for 2018. The Driver Alert package is optional on the LT and LTZ and standard on the High Country. This wide-ranging safety package includes forward collision warning, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and GM’s Safety Alert Seat that vibrates the seat to warn you of incoming danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the only group to crash test the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, where it earned an overall rating of 4 stars.