2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

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 praised. Despite initial criticisms, the truck's design began to grow on some over time. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged from previous models, which was seen as a positive. The cabin layout was familiar and functional, with all controls easily accessible, making it ideal 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 3500HD also had a polarizing exterior design, likened to a vintage furnace or freight train. However, its interior was more conventional and spacious, prioritizing quantity over quality. The cabin was roomy, akin to a living room, and offered ample headroom and legroom. The Silverado 3500HD came in several trims, including the Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and High Country, each providing different levels of features and luxury. The High Country trim was the pinnacle of luxury, offering features like heated and ventilated seats and a premium sound system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful engine options, both 6.6-liter V8s. The standard gas engine 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. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. The diesel engine, while not offering instant power, built up to a significant swell, making it one of the most robust diesel engines experienced. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds, with a gooseneck hitch setup allowing for even greater towing capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD also featured two engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine was mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains offered RWD or 4WD with low range. The diesel engine, aided by the 10-speed transmission, provided excellent performance and towing capabilities. The Silverado 3500HD could tow up to 36,000 pounds with the right configuration and had a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab options. The Crew Cab provided a spacious interior with ample storage, including massive cubbies and trays for gear. The Silverado HD featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, making it easier to access the truck bed. The LTZ trim included a power lift-and-lower tailgate, which could be operated from the key fob or cabin buttons. The cabin layout was familiar and user-friendly, with controls easily accessible for work purposes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in regular cab, double cab, and crew cab configurations, each offering different bed lengths. The crew cab provided two rows of spacious seating with plenty of headroom and legroom. The Silverado 3500HD featured integrated bed steps in the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the truck bed. These features were practical solutions for a vehicle of this size.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restraint with technology, offering a straightforward infotainment system. The Work Truck and Custom trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a simple layout and large icons. The truck also offered multiple USB ports and power outlets, with wireless charging available on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch screen and navigation on the High Country. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for ease of use. The Silverado 3500HD offered advanced trailering features, including multiple camera angles and a trailering app with a pre-trailering checklist and status updates.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came equipped with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim offered a surround-view camera with trailer views and the available Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Package I added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, essential for maneuvering the large truck.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD included a backup camera and a full array of airbags as standard. Additional safety features, such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, were available as options. Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera system were also optional, providing valuable assistance for the large vehicle.