2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a 6 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD receives a 7 out of 10. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a variety of options with three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels. It boasts six engine choices, including a notable 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel in the LTZ trim, which, despite its interior's outdated appearance, presents a commanding and attractive exterior. Conversely, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned in 2020, exudes a bold and commanding presence with its heavy-duty design, although it slightly lags in interior material quality compared to its peers. Available in five trim levels, the Sierra 2500HD caters to a range of needs from basic to luxurious, with the AT4 trim emphasizing off-road capability and luxury.

Performance ratings from CarGurus show the 2021 Silverado 1500 at 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Sierra 2500HD at 8 out of 10. The Silverado's Duramax turbodiesel impresses with its fuel efficiency and towing capacity, though it can't match the truck's maximum capabilities. It pairs well with a 10-speed automatic transmission and benefits from the Z71 Off-Road Package for improved control. The Sierra 2500HD, with its potent 6.6-liter V8 engines, including a powerful turbodiesel, pairs with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, providing impressive capability though not leading in its class. The AT4 trim's off-road equipment allows for confident and fun off-roading experiences.

When evaluating the form and function of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, it's essential to delve into their interior comfort, passenger space, and cargo capacities, but more importantly, their towing and payload capabilities which serve as a crucial aspect for potential buyers in this segment. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presents an inviting cabin with wide, flat, supportive front seats that feature 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable ride even on longer journeys. The lack of optional power running boards might make entering and exiting the truck challenging for some, but once inside, the spaciousness is undeniable. The Silverado offers ample storage solutions, though it lacks innovation in this area. Rear passengers enjoy significant headroom and legroom, and the availability of heated seat cushions and a power sliding rear window enhance the experience. Despite its ample internal storage, the Silverado shines with its cargo capabilities. It boasts the deepest and roomiest bed in its class, with up to 12 tie-down hooks and the innovative, though optional, Multi-Flex tailgate that provides six different configurations for enhanced utility. The truck's towing and payload capacities are equally impressive, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds (Double Cab standard bed with a 6.2-liter V8 and 4WD) and a payload capacity of up to 2,280 pounds (Regular Cab long bed with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder and RWD), showcasing its readiness for heavy-duty tasks. In comparison, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offers a functional and comfortable interior designed to accommodate up to six passengers across various cab configurations. Efforts to enter the truck are helped by strategically placed assist steps and a corner-step rear bumper, providing ease of access even in less than ideal conditions. The Sierra 2500HD's cabin boasts a wide and deep center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage compartments in the rear outboard seats, and a versatile MultiPro tailgate on higher trims, enhancing its utility and functionality. Additionally, the Sierra is equipped with modern conveniences like a 120-volt power outlet and USB ports, supporting on-the-go connectivity and tool use. When it comes to towing and payload, the Sierra 2500HD demonstrates formidable capabilities with a maximum payload capacity of 3,597 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. These figures underscore the Sierra 2500HD's robust performance and suitability for demanding tasks, further enhanced by its off-road-ready AT4 trim, which offers additional features for tackling challenging terrains without sacrificing towing or payload efficiency. Both the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 2500HD excel in their respective roles, with each model catering to different aspects of truck utility and performance. The Silverado 1500's versatility and innovative cargo solutions appeal to those looking for a reliable and functional light-duty truck, while the Sierra 2500HD's superior towing and payload capacities make it an attractive option for more demanding applications, underscoring the diverse needs and preferences of pickup truck buyers.

In technology, the Silverado 1500 scores a 6 out of 10, and the Sierra 2500HD an 8 out of 10. The Silverado's infotainment system is user-friendly but lags behind competitors in screen size and premium audio quality. The Sierra 2500HD offers a range of infotainment options, superior sound quality, and innovative features like the "transparent trailer" view, enhancing convenience and safety while towing.

Safety assessments reveal a significant gap, with the Silverado 1500 earning a 3 out of 10 and the Sierra 2500HD an 8 out of 10. The Silverado's safety ratings disappoint, particularly in crash tests, although it offers a range of driver assistance features. The Sierra 2500HD includes advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, emphasizing the importance of opting for these features for increased safety.

Cost-effectiveness sees the Silverado 1500 rated at 4 out of 10, and the Sierra 2500HD at 6 out of 10. The Silverado's value proposition is challenged by its performance in key areas relative to competitors, despite its attractive turbodiesel engine option. The Sierra 2500HD offers a good balance of capability and luxury, especially in the higher trims, despite its higher entry price compared to the Silverado 2500HD.