2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, standing 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. However, its exterior design leaned more towards a rugged, toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its stylish design and upscale Denali trim, which was akin to owning a Mercedes in truck circles. The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695, was the off-road-ready version with a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design details like red front recovery hooks. The truck's aggressive mud-terrain tires and multiple option packages, including the AT4 CarbonPro Edition, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Sierra featured a mix of black plastic and caramel seat trim, with rubber floor mats and metallic accents. However, the cabin's industrial-themed design felt outdated, especially for a truck that could exceed $70,000 in Denali trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: 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. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive 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 maximum payload. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds with the diesel engine. Fuel economy figures were not provided, but the truck performed impressively on highways and during rapid acceleration.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured an affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax engine delivered maximum thrust quickly and efficiently. The Sierra's automatic four-wheel-drive system was easy to use and maintained impressive traction in various weather conditions. The AT4's suspension handled tough terrain confidently while providing a comfortable ride on highways. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds. Our test truck, a crew cab, 4WD, short bed AT4, had an 8,800-pound towing capacity and a 1,810-pound payload rating.

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, a power-sliding rear window, and a four-way manual driver and front passenger seat. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims featured carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces, approaching GMC's premium territory.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's interior was spacious, with large, supportive front seats and a roomy rear seat. Our test truck's stiff leather seats were durable but lacked a sense of luxury. Both front seats offered power adjustments, heated and cooled cushions, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats, rear air conditioning vents, and a power sliding rear window. High-clearance side rails and the six-position Multipro tailgate made access easier. The CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, increasing payload capacity. The Sierra's bed held between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs. However, the cab's storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues when scrolling through radio stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, an 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, 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 GMC Sierra 1500 offered numerous camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen display, with the latter offering large volume and tuning knobs and physical menu shortcut buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system were standard. The Sierra AT4's Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors' audio systems. The truck's 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and 115-volt in-dash electrical outlet proved useful during power outages.

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 with traction 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, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included cruise control, forward-collision warning, front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking, even on the most basic version. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat available on other trims. Adaptive cruise control was optional for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" protection levels for the front passenger in the IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact test. The truck's headlights received a "Poor" rating, and its LATCH anchors were rated "Marginal" for accessibility. The 2022 model-year refresh promised improvements, including GM's Super Cruise technology.