2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a truck that sparked mixed reactions with its design. It shared the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, which was not universally well-received. Despite initial criticisms, the truck's design began to grow on some over time, though it was clear that its primary focus was on functionality rather than aesthetics. The interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, which was a positive aspect for those familiar with the layout. The cabin was practical, with a column shifter and a straightforward arrangement of controls, making it user-friendly for work purposes. The Silverado 2500HD offered various trims, from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was generally considered an attractive truck with its boxy, commanding presence. The exterior featured chiseled details and a bold appearance, enhanced by the Northsky Blue paint and chrome accents. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, as it felt outdated with its glossy plastic and large panel joints. Despite this, the truck provided ample space and comfort, especially in the rear seats. The Silverado 1500 offered a range of trims and configurations, allowing buyers to choose based on their preferences and needs.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with two powerful 6.6-liter V8 engine options. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the truck to tow up to 18,500 pounds, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a strong performance, although the power delivery was not instantaneous. The truck's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it achieved around 17 mpg during testing, offering a range of over 600 miles with its 36-gallon tank.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a variety of engine options, including the recommended Duramax turbodiesel. This engine was a cost-effective choice at $995 and delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It provided smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 22.6 mpg in combined driving. The Silverado 1500's towing capacity varied depending on the configuration, with the Duramax capable of towing up to 9,500 pounds. The truck's 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system contributed to its performance, although the standard suspension could be improved for better handling on rough terrain.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, with the Crew Cab providing ample interior space. The cabin featured large cubbies and trays for storage, and the rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor. The truck's design prioritized practicality, with easy-to-use controls and a familiar layout. The power lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience, and the CornerSteps and BedSteps were designed to accommodate work boots.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Crew Cab was spacious, with supportive front seats offering power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults, although the cushion was slightly low. The truck provided plenty of storage space, but some areas were smaller than expected for the segment. The Silverado 1500's bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate offered additional configurations, although it was not included in the test truck.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a straightforward infotainment system with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple USB ports and power outlets for connectivity. A wireless charging pad was available on higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's infotainment system was impressive, despite its smaller screen sizes compared to competitors. The system offered quick loading times and modern graphics, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The LTZ trim included a fully-featured system with an 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, and a Bose premium sound system. The truck also offered a head-up display and numerous camera views for improved visibility, although some features fell short compared to rivals.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with essential safety features, including a reversing camera, traction control, and airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera and the Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat was a useful feature, vibrating to alert the driver to safety messages. The truck's large side mirrors with integrated wide-angle mirrors aided in maneuvering.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's safety ratings were less impressive, with a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. The NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating. The truck offered various safety features, such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some advanced features, like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, were missing.