2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with a hood height just shy of the average American woman's height of 5'4". Despite its imposing stature, the Silverado 2500HD was a highly capable truck, significantly outperforming its Silverado 1500 counterpart. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Chevrolet offered the Silverado 2500HD in various body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, emphasizing variety. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added to its appeal. The truck featured high-strength steel beds and a range of wheel options, though it wasn't available as a dually. Integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps facilitated bed access, albeit with some difficulty for shorter individuals. The Silverado's exterior leaned more towards a rugged, Hot Wheels aesthetic rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned in 2020, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While the exterior design was impressive, the interior had its shortcomings, particularly in material quality compared to competitors from Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, each with distinct features, and in regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. The Pro trim catered to those needing capability without frills, while the SLE and SLT added creature comforts. The AT4 was designed for off-road enthusiasts, and the Denali offered a luxury truck experience. Our test truck, the AT4 trim, featured black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a rugged interior with premium features like heated and ventilated leather seats, a wireless charging pad, and Bose premium audio.

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 gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds with RWD and 3,965 pounds with 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. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance. Fuel economy figures were not provided due to the truck's classification as a work vehicle. The Silverado HD excelled on highways and was easy to maneuver, even during rapid acceleration.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured two 6.6-liter V8 engines: a standard gas engine and an optional Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. While the Sierra 2500HD's performance was strong, it lagged behind competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 in towing capacity. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds with the Duramax engine. Our test truck, equipped with the Duramax diesel, demonstrated abundant power, requiring firm brake pedal pressure when shifting out of Park. The Sierra 2500HD felt quick unladen, with smooth shifts from the Allison 10-speed transmission. The ride was jittery on uneven pavement but improved with added weight. The AT4 trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its off-road equipment, including an automatic-locking rear differential, twin-tube Rancho shocks, and all-terrain tires.

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. The truck came standard with a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with higher trims featuring bucket seats and a center console. Vinyl or cloth upholstery was standard, with options for 10-way power-adjustable front seats in the High Country grade. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trim levels offered more luxurious features, though competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale interiors.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two pickup bed lengths, and available 4WD. Most versions seated five, with the option to accommodate six passengers with a front-row bench seat. The Sierra 2500HD provided abundant passenger space in all seating positions. Getting into the truck required effort, especially with the AT4 package's extra lift. The side assist step and corner-step rear bumper facilitated entry and access to the cargo box. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD featured a wide and deep center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage compartments in the rear outboard seats, and a fold-down armrest with integrated cupholders. The truck offered a 120-volt household-style power outlet, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The MultiPro tailgate, available on the base Pro trim and standard on SLE and above, provided six functions for improved loading and unloading.

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 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, an 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 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on SLT and AT4 trims. The Sierra 2500HD came standard with hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar with connected services. Our test vehicle's Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The Sierra 2500HD featured 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view and a standard rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and ease of use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Work Truck and Custom models could be equipped with a Safety Confidence Package, including 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 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered advanced safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, following distance indicator, hill-descent control, and front and rear park assist. Standard features included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder system, driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system. The Sierra 2500HD's mass provided safety benefits in collisions but posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians. The numerous camera views and safety systems were essential for peace of mind.