2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned for 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, including the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Silverado 2500HD's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than worksite sophistication.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came in three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a unique look. Our test truck, an LTZ trim with a crew cab and short bed, featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine and 4WD, priced at $61,165. The Silverado 1500 had a boxy, commanding appearance with Northsky Blue paint, chrome trim, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. However, the interior felt outdated, with glossy plastic, large panel joints, and small infotainment screens. While the truck's exterior was attractive, the cabin lacked a sense of quality and modernity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. RWD was standard, with 4WD available. The gas engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound payload. Towing capacities were impressive, with the gas engine pulling up to 17,370 pounds and the diesel up to 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engines, including a 6.2-liter V8 for maximum towing capability and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel for fuel efficiency. The Duramax engine, priced at $995, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, achieving 22.6 mpg in combined driving. The diesel engine's towing capacity was increased to 9,500 pounds (9,100 pounds with 4WD), while the 6.2-liter V8 could tow up to 13,300 pounds. The Silverado 1500's 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system provided smooth and seamless acceleration. The Z71 Off-Road Package improved suspension performance, making it a recommended option for better handling and off-road capability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version provided the most rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard, while upper trims offered more luxurious features. However, competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale interiors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab was spacious, with wide, supportive front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard cushions and a power sliding rear window. Storage space was ample but lacked innovation, with small compartments and missed opportunities for additional storage. The Silverado's bed was the deepest and roomiest among competitors, with useful features like CornerStep rear bumpers and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The new Multi-Flex tailgate offered six configurations, enhancing cargo versatility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Standard features included a 12-volt power outlet, two-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. Available upgrades included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera added to lower trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 offered quick loading times and modern graphics. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LTZ trim added an 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, navigation, wireless charging, and a 7-speaker Bose sound system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive voice recognition and physical controls. The Silverado also offered a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and up to 15 high-definition cameras for improved visibility and towing assistance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar, rear-seat reminder, and high-beam assist.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating from IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat. However, the Silverado lacked stop-and-go capability for adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.