2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Styling and aesthetic elements of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 allowed for a visually diverse lineup, thanks to an array of design details. Different grilles and finishes, various wheel sizes and styles, as well as choices between black, body-color, or shiny bumpers contributed to a unique appearance for each version of the Silverado. The vehicle came in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab styles, with trim levels including WT (Work Truck), Custom, LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Off-road enthusiasts were particularly drawn to the Trail Boss treatment available for the Custom or LT trims. The Silverado's MSRP ranged from $28,500 to $57,100, excluding the $1,595 destination charge.

The test vehicle was an LT Trail Boss with the previously unavailable 6.2-liter V8 engine and four option packages: Midnight Edition, Convenience Package II, Leather Package, and Advanced Trailering Package. These extras raised the test truck’s price to $59,185, including the destination fee. Dressed in black paint, black wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim, the test truck boasted a custom look, albeit one that required significant effort to maintain its appearance, especially if used for its off-road purpose.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD presented what could only be described as polarizing styling. The front end resembled a vintage furnace or freight train, exuding raw machismo. While the exterior may have been divisive, the cabin benefitted from a more conventional aesthetic. Despite questionable fit and finish, the cabin's spaciousness forgave many sins. Trim levels ranged from W/T to the luxury-oriented High Country, with varying degrees of standard features such as USB ports, vinyl or leather seating, trailering mirrors, and touchscreens up to 8 inches.

Special editions like the Premium Texas Edition for the LTZ, along with other packages such as the Midnight Edition and Z71 Sport Edition, added to its unique character. The High Country model stood out with dual-rear-wheel (dually) options sporting 17-inch alloy wheels or 20-inch polished aluminum wheels for non-dually models. Features like heated and ventilated front seats, chrome side steps, a Bose premium sound system, and a spray-in bedliner underscored the High Country’s luxurious feel.

The 2020 Silverado 1500 came with a choice of five different engines and three transmissions, with configurations varying by trim level. One notable addition was the 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. This engine achieved up to 27 mpg on the highway, though it could add up to $6,705 to the truck's cost depending on the trim level.

Among expanding availability of Chevy’s turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and 10-speed automatic transmissions, the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque stood out. The test truck’s 6.2-liter V8 produced impressive thrust and a commanding exhaust note. The Silverado accelerated authoritatively with its Autotrac 4WD system’s Auto mode. The LT Trail Boss variant featured the Z71 Off-Road Package, including an off-road suspension with Rancho shocks and other rugged additions.

Conversely, the 2021 Silverado 3500HD was powered by either a standard 6.6-liter V8 generating 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque or an optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivering 445 horsepower and an astounding 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine was paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, ensuring optimal performance. The 3500HD boasted a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds (in specific configurations) and a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds, showcasing its remarkable capabilities.

The 2020 Silverado 1500's interior featured leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with heated cushions. However, the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was a noted drawback. The Crew Cab's back seat offered substantial space, though the seating position felt somewhat low. The test truck had a power sliding rear window for better ventilation and offered plenty of storage, including dual glove compartments and a large center console bin.

Regarding cargo capacity, the Silverado 1500 could haul up to 2,250 pounds of payload and tow up to 13,400 pounds, depending on the configuration. The test truck, equipped with the Max Trailering Package, could handle 2,170 pounds of payload and tow up to 11,300 pounds. Chevy touted the Silverado’s cargo box as offering more storage room than competitors, thanks to its depth and high sides.

The 2021 Silverado 3500HD came in regular cab/long-bed, double cab/long-bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long-bed configurations, providing immense versatility. Crew cabs featured two rows of spacious seating, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The Silverado 3500HD also offered practical features such as integrated bed steps and additional step-ups along the side of the bed.

The 2020 Silverado 1500 came standard with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Chevrolet Connected Access services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, wireless device charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. However, the 8-inch display was relatively small compared to modern standards, and the free trial periods for desirable features like WiFi were notably short.

Advanced trailering features, such as multiple camera views and a trailering app, bolstered the Silverado 1500’s utility. New for 2020, a Camera Trailer Package provided a cargo bed view and additional visibility aids, such as a head-up display and a camera-based rearview mirror.

The 2021 Silverado 3500HD also offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with upgraded trims featuring an 8-inch screen. The High Country trim included navigation. Trailering features were extensive, with multiple camera angles and a trailering app that added functionality and convenience.

The 2020 Silverado 1500 came standard with a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology, but advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were only available on higher trims like the LTZ and High Country. These trims included features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were optional for the LT and RST trims.

Safety ratings were a mixed bag. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Silverado 1500 a 4-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it Marginal for front passenger protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision on the right side, though the driver’s side received a Good rating. The IIHS also rated the truck’s headlights as Poor.

The 2021 Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and numerous airbags. However, advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking required additional cost. Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera system, particularly useful given the truck’s size, were also optional.