2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 carried forward the redesign from 2019, maintaining its timeless, stoic design with straight lines and crisp angles reminiscent of the “GMT 400” trucks from the late '80s and '90s. Inside, the layout was nearly identical to the 2018 model, with a flatter dash giving it a jukebox look. The controls were well-placed, ensuring functionality remained a priority. The Sierra was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4. The Base trim came decently equipped, while higher trims added more features and options, with the AT4 focusing on off-road capabilities and the Denali setting the bar for luxury.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a polarizing exterior design, with a front end and grille that resembled a vintage furnace or freight train. However, the cabin was more conventional, prioritizing quantity over quality with a spacious interior. The Silverado 3500HD was available in four trims: W/T, LT, LTZ, and High Country. The W/T trim included basic features, while higher trims added more amenities, with the High Country offering luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose premium sound system, and a spray-in bed-liner.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered five engine choices. The base 4.3-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Two V8 engines were available: a 5.3-liter with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an automatic transmission, with the 6.2-liter V8 offering commanding acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 12,100 pounds. The AT4 trim featured off-road enhancements like skid plates, upgraded suspension, and hill-descent control, but had a rough on-road ride. Fuel economy for the AT4 was 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engines. The standard 6.6-liter V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivered 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The diesel engine provided impressive pickup and optimal performance, thanks to the 10-speed automatic. The Silverado 3500HD had a towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds. The LTZ trim included an advanced trailering system with an app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 was available in single cab, double cab, and crew cab configurations, with various bed lengths. Our test model featured a carbon-fiber bed and MultiPro tailgate, which offered six functions, including a bed-extender and steps. The cabin was loaded with cupholders, cubbies, and storage units, with rear seats that folded upward for additional storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in regular cab, double cab, and crew cab configurations, with different bed lengths. The crew cabs provided spacious seating with ample headroom and legroom. The Silverado featured helpful bed steps integrated into the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed for easier access.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a straightforward infotainment system with clear graphics, large icons, and tactile controls for the radio and climate. The AT4 trim included a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports and outlets.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials. The Silverado also offered numerous trailering features, including backup camera guidelines and additional camera angles, as well as a trailering app for monitoring trailer status.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Our AT4 test truck included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a suite of driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The rear camera mirror provided a digital image to help with obstructions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD included a backup camera and front- and side-impact airbags as standard. Additional safety features like 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.