2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

GMC completely redesigned the Sierra 1500 in 2019, and it carried into the 2020 model year largely unchanged. This was a smart evolution from the Sierra's previous generation, which many appreciated for its clean, timeless lines reminiscent of the "GMT 400" trucks from the late 1980s and '90s. The straight lines and crisp angles underscored a kind of understated, timeless stoicism. Inside, the cabin layout of the 2020 Sierra remained almost identical to that of the 2018 model, featuring a flatter dash that gave a jukebox look. Controls were exactly where they needed to be, which was very important.

The Sierra was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4. The Base model included a V6 engine, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and LED "light blade" headlights. Moving up the trims, the features expanded to include additional USB ports, WiFi hotspots, 8-inch touchscreen, remote keyless entry, and more. The AT4 trim, driven for this comparison, featured unique off-road capabilities and a less chrome-intensive design with all-terrain tires and red tow hooks. Inside, it had black leather seats with brown accents, blending ruggedness with upscale aesthetics.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, tall as it was (a smidge shorter than the average American woman's height from ground to the hood), underwent a redesign in 2020 with additional tweaks for 2021. The exterior was robust and imposing, especially due to its height and the high-strength steel bed. The various special editions and a range of trims made the Silverado 2500HD an interesting proposition. The available trims included Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country, each offering different styles and functionalities.

Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition catered to niche market tastes. Despite this variety, the Silverado's look was more utilitarian and less refined than its rivals, making it look more Hot Wheels-ready than worksite chic. The Silverado also featured integrated BedSteps and large CornerSteps for access, although these were humorously challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered five engine choices. The base engine was a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Then came a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft. Another option was the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Most popular was the 5.3-liter V8 making 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. The largest was the 6.2-liter V8 in the AT4 trim, churning out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines used an automatic transmission, driving either the rear wheels or available 4WD. The 6.2-liter V8 delivered commanding acceleration with a hefty tire squeal at liftoff. It could tow up to 12,100 pounds, which was plenty for most needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with either a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine or a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The gasoline engine generated 401 hp and 464 lb-ft, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax, with a steep surcharge, offered 445 hp and an impressive 910 lb-ft, coupled with a smooth, 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Payload capacity for the gas engine reached up to 3,979 pounds with RWD and slightly less with 4WD. Towing capacities were higher than the Sierra; the gas engine managed up to 17,370 pounds with a fifth wheel, while the diesel engine could handle up to 18,500 pounds.

The GMC Sierra 1500 was available in various configurations: a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a standard or short bed. The carbon-fiber bed in the test model was lighter and more fuel-efficient. The MultiPro tailgate offered six configurations, including a bed-extender and step system. The interior was loaded with cupholders, cubbies, and foldable rear seats for ample cabin storage.

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD also delivered flexibility. Its Crew Cab version offered the most spacious rear seating with ample headroom and could comfortably seat three adults. Standard front seating was a 40/20/40 split-bench, with higher trims offering bucket seats and a full center console. Several seating configurations were available, and trims like the High Country offered luxurious features like 10-way power-adjustable seats and softer-touch surfaces. Carpeted floor mats and premium materials became more prevalent as one moved up the trim ladder.

The GMC Sierra 1500 featured a straightforward infotainment system with clear graphics and a user-friendly menu. The key advantage was the balance of touchscreen functions and tactile controls, which many drivers preferred over competitors' fully touch-based systems. Additional tech included an HUD, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports.

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, though not the techiest, offered essential features with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. Standard tech included two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the infotainment system had quirks, especially when scrolling through radio stations. Higher trims offered more advanced features like an 8-inch infotainment screen, WiFi hotspot, and a range of camera technologies like the bed-view camera.

The GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The AT4 model featured additional safety features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and advanced driver assistance tools like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear camera mirror system projected a camera feed onto the rear-view mirror, improving visibility.

The Silverado 2500HD, though not crash-tested by major safety organizations due to its heavy-duty classification, came standard with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, and electronic stability control with traction control. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and various driver assistance tools across different trims and packages.