2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a notable giant in the full-size truck category. Its emphasis on functionality resulted in an imposing presence on the road. This was evident across all trims, from the base model to the luxurious Denali. The Denali trim, distinguished by its copious chrome accents, including a vast chrome grille, set it apart as one of the flashiest trucks available from General Motors. For many, the Onyx Black color became synonymous with the Denali trim, and the 8-lug chrome wheels added both aesthetics and utility. The interior of the Denali featured a full leather interior with wood-grain inserts, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, wireless device charging, and more. However, the Sierra 2500HD’s cabin, despite being feature-rich, fell short in terms of fit and finish compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. The base model, starting with the "Sierra" trim, included a V8 engine and essential tech like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE and SLT trims employed a mix of utility and minor luxuries without the Denali's hefty price tag, including features like aluminum wheels, an upgraded infotainment system, and the trademark Multi-Pro six-way tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD shared a similarly tall stature, reaching almost the height of an average woman from the ground to the hood's top. Redesigned for 2020, the Silverado 2500HD saw additions in 2021 such as new special editions, enhanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Chevrolet offered the Silverado in various body styles and trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country, with multiple bed lengths. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added flair and functionality tailored for specific needs. Unlike its sibling, the Silverado 2500HD was available with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels, without the dually configuration of the 3500HD. Its bed, made of high-strength steel, was characterized by several features, including the EZ Lift tailgate and Integrated BedSteps. However, the Silverado’s exterior, especially in certain colors, received mixed reviews for its Hot Wheels-like aesthetics compared to the more universally appealing GMC Sierra HD.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered robust performance with two 6.6-liter V8 engine options: a gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel featured a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Both engines provided substantial power, but the diesel stood out for its incredible torque, capable of towing up to 18,510 pounds with a fifth wheel or gooseneck connection and hauling a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. The Sierra 2500HD also included advanced trailering technologies, such as an integrated camera system to assist with towing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD equally presented a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The gasoline engine mirrored the Sierra’s output with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel engine also produced 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds with the diesel engine, regardless of the towing setup, while the gasoline engine managed 14,500 pounds conventionally and 17,370 pounds with a fifth wheel/gooseneck. The Silverado’s payload capacity ranged from 3,965 pounds for the gasoline engine with four-wheel drive to 3,715 pounds for the diesel. Additionally, the Silverado featured a 36-gallon fuel tank for gasoline engines and varying capacities for diesel models depending on cab and bed size.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD provided various bed and cab configurations, including a regular cab with a long bed, a double cab with either standard or long bed, and a crew cab with the same bed options. The Denali trim was only available in the crew cab configuration. Both bed sizes featured practical elements like the bed corner steps and the MultiPro tailgate, which offered six configurations, including a massive step into the truck bed. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD offered ample space and an array of storage solutions, including under-seat storage in SLT-and-higher trims, making it a functional workspace.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD demonstrated modern truck comfort and spaciousness. With more headroom than most SUVs, the Silverado could comfortably seat three adults in the cab, with the Crew Cab offering the most rear legroom. Standard seating in the front was a 40/20/40 split-bench, transitioning to bucket seats and a center console in higher trims. Standard features included vinyl or cloth upholstery and manual seats, with options like 10-way power-adjustable front seats in the High Country trim. Assist handles and numerous seating configurations added to its practicality. Like the Sierra, the Silverado offered multiple bed and cab configurations and took advantage of clever storage and accessibility features, although the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD offered slightly more upscale interiors in upper trims.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen with available navigation. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. Though not as large as some competitors’ systems, GMC’s infotainment interface was user-friendly and intuitive.

Similarly, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, and included two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It featured a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Options included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, bed view camera, Bose audio system, and an upgraded 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Silverado excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims for 2021, enhancing visibility and utility.

The safety features of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD encompassed a full array of front and side airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver Alert Package I added essential aids like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Denali trim included Driver Alert Package II, featuring forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams, which significantly mitigated the challenges posed by the truck’s size.

Chevrolet’s 2021 Silverado 2500HD, although not tested by NHTSA or IIHS, came with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package available on Work Truck and Custom trims included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional available safety enhancements included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar services, and more.