2018 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500HD

Trucks Never Sleep is a tag line we just made up that sounds like it would be perfect in an ad for any modern pickup truck. In reality, it's the truck manufacturers' marketing departments that are working overtime as the domestic automakers continue to fight for pickup supremacy.

That's why, even though Chevrolet's heavy duty Silverado 2500 got a new engine last year and a variety of other updates, there are a handful of other new features to report for 2018.

Among them is an alert feature for the tire pressure monitoring system that indicates when the tire you're inflating has reached its recommended pressure. High Country and Z71 models get a new mesh grille and there are revised body graphics for the Z71. The entry-level WT model gets a 7.0-inch infotainment screen (it used to be the only model without such a touch-sensitive display) and a backup camera is standard on all trucks with a cargo box so that the Silverado conforms to a new regulation requiring all new cars sold in Canada from May 2018 have that safety feature.

Like last year, the Silverado 2500's standard engine is a 6.0L V8 that makes 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, which can be optioned to a 6.6L turbodiesel good for 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Available cab and bed configurations include a regular cab with long box (eight feet), double cab with standard (6.5 feet) or long box, and crew cab with standard or long box. 2WD and 4WD are available, depending on trim.

Equipment levels range from a vinyl floor in the WT to the High Country with its ventilated and heated front seats, wireless device charging, and a premium Bose stereo system. Available soft-touch dashboard materials, comfortable seats, and extra-thick sound insulation make the Silverado a surprisingly refined vehicle on the move. There are USB ports, Bluetooth, OnStar with 4G LTE, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep the Silverado 2500's driver and passengers connected.

Available options include a factory-installed fifth-wheel hitch, fully-integrated aftermarket exterior cameras for towing assistance, as well as a digital steering assistant for improved control when driving. Towing and payload capacities max out at 8,210 kg and 1,603 kg, respectively.

The Silverado 2500HD is available with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, and a safety alert seat, which are bundled together in the Driver Alert Package. The Silverado HD does not yet feature radar cruise control or emergency autonomous braking.