2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
$36,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
$36,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is the better choice, offering superior towing capacity, a more spacious interior, and advanced trailering features.

Overview

MSRP

$35,300

MSRP

$36,500

Average price

$44,877

Average price

$52,139

Listings

846

Listings

320
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Multiple Powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor visibility over front hood

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Reviews Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Reviews Summary

Full-size heavy-duty trucks are built with a purpose. Whereas many light-duty trucks are many things to many buyers, heavy-duty pickups do all these things plus tow and haul an incredible amount. This would seem like an incredible challenge; offer all the creature comforts and amenities you might find in a family sedan but with world-beating capability. And yet massive trucks like the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD are able to expertly deliver on these day-to-day needs while also being some of the most capable vehicles on the road today.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

3
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
$36,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
$36,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is the better choice, offering superior towing capacity, a more spacious interior, and advanced trailering features.

Overview
MSRP
$35,300
$36,500
Average price
$44,877
$52,139
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.7
Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Multiple Powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor visibility over front hood
Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology.
Full-size heavy-duty trucks are built with a purpose. Whereas many light-duty trucks are many things to many buyers, heavy-duty pickups do all these things plus tow and haul an incredible amount. This would seem like an incredible challenge; offer all the creature comforts and amenities you might find in a family sedan but with world-beating capability. And yet massive trucks like the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD are able to expertly deliver on these day-to-day needs while also being some of the most capable vehicles on the road today.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Seating Capacity
3
3
Look and feel
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
6/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, standing just shy of the average American woman's height. This truck was not just about its imposing stature; it was a highly capable vehicle, significantly outperforming its Silverado 1500 counterpart. Redesigned in 2020, the 2500HD received further updates in 2021, including new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Chevrolet offered the 2500HD in various body styles, trim levels, colors, and bed lengths, making it a versatile choice for buyers. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added to its appeal. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, multiple wheel options, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access, although shorter individuals might find it challenging to climb in.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a polarizing design, with a front end resembling a vintage furnace or freight train. Despite its rugged exterior, the cabin was more conventional and spacious, prioritizing quantity over quality. Trim levels ranged from the basic Work Truck (W/T) to the luxurious High Country, each offering a variety of features. The W/T included essentials like USB ports and a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims added amenities such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced trailering systems. The High Country trim, equivalent to the GMC Sierra Denali HD, featured premium touches like a Bose sound system and chrome side steps. Dually models came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while non-dually models had 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Performance
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
9/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a payload capacity of 3,715 pounds. Towing capacities were impressive, with the gas engine capable of towing up to 17,370 pounds and the diesel engine 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 3500HD also offered two engine options: a standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Both engines could be configured with RWD or 4WD. The diesel engine, with its high torque and 10-speed transmission, provided excellent performance and towing capabilities. The 3500HD could tow up to 36,000 pounds with the right configuration and had a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds. The advanced trailering system available on the LTZ trim added convenience and safety for towing tasks.

Form and function
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
10/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab version provided ample rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. Higher trims added bucket seats, a full 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 3500HD was available in various configurations, including regular cab/long-bed, double cab/long-bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long-bed. The single cab had one row of seating, while crew cabs offered two rows of spacious seating with plenty of headroom and legroom. The Silverado featured integrated bed steps in the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area.

Technology
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
9/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, along with two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had some quirks when scrolling through radio stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, an 8-inch driver information screen, a Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD also came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and the High Country trim adding navigation. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado offered numerous trailering features, including backup camera guidelines and multiple camera angles for trailering. The trailering app provided a pre-trailering checklist and critical status updates.

Safety
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
5/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
8/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the 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, available on Work Truck and Custom models, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and front- and side-impact airbags. Optional safety features included forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera system were also available, providing added convenience and safety for maneuvering the large truck.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
8/10
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons