2021 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Review

　　

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　There's something to be said for having the right tool for the job. When it comes to towing, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has the power and capabilities you need. Unlike the supporting Silverado 2500HD, this behemoth can be specified with dual rear wheels (dualies) that kick the maximum tow capacity up to a massive 36,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel/gooseneck rig. That's more than the weight of two fully grown African bull elephants, by the way. The Silverado 3500HD comes second to only the Ram 3500 when it comes to maximum towing, and only to the tune of 1,100 pounds.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Silverado 3500HD Work Truck

　　Silverado 3500HD Work Truck

　　Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $36,500 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $37,700 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,100 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,300 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,300 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,500 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,700 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,900 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,900 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,500 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,700 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,900 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,600 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,800 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,800 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,400 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,000 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,400 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,600 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,600 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,600 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,800 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $46,800 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $47,200 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $47,400 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $48,600 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $52,500 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $52,700 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $53,900 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $55,300 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $55,500 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $56,700 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $64,300 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $64,500 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $65,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Coming off a full redesign last year, the Silverado 3500HD returns with only a handful of minor changes that include some cosmetic options and available wireless phone integration. With only three rivals in the class — the Ford F-350 Super Duty, the aforementioned Ram 3500 and the Chevy's sibling, the GMC Sierra 3500HD — the competition is fierce. At this level they're all very close in terms of capabilities, possibly leaving the ultimate decision up to your personal preference.

　　

Which Silverado 3500HD does zzdcar recommend?

Most people will find the base Work Truck far too spartan, which is why we recommend stepping up to the LT trim. Besides swapping out the stifling vinyl seats for fabric, you also get plenty of comfort and convenience features to more than justify the added cost. It's also eligible for many more options.

　　

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD models

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (a four-door crew cab but with a smaller rear seating area) and full crew cab. Depending on the configuration, you can choose between WT (Work Truck), LT, LTZ and High Country trim levels.

　　The Silverado's base engine is a 6.6-liter gasoline-powered V8 (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft) that's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) that comes with a 10-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional. A dual rear-wheel setup is also available to increase the maximum towing capacity.

　　WT

　　The entry-level Work Truck is big on capabilities and short on creature comforts, with standard features that include:

　　Steel wheels Black bumpers and exterior trim Locking tailgate Trailering mirrors Trailering equipment Power windows and door locks (on double and crew cabs) 40/20/40-split folding bench seats Vinyl upholstery Manual door locks and windows Single-zone automatic climate control 7-inch infotainment touchscreen Bluetooth for two devices simultaneously Two USB ports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration LT

　　Stepping up to the next trim adds a lot of features to make the Silverado feel less like a U-Haul rental. Feature highlights that include:

　　Alloy wheels Power-adjustable, heated mirrors Trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab) Chrome bumpers Low-effort tailgate (Chevy's EZ Lift) Cruise control Remote keyless entry Cloth upholstery Carpeting and floor mats 8-inch touchscreen Chevrolet Connected Services with onboard Wi-Fi Satellite radio LTZ

　　The LTZ trim adds more refinement and luxury by including several features that are comparable to those on some upper-tier SUVs:

　　Enhanced trailering technology (added security and monitoring) Electronic variable steering assist (reduces long-distance fatigue) Chrome exterior trim LED headlights and foglights Power-folding/extending and auto-dimming mirrors Keyless entry and engine start Remote engine start Dual-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery Power-adjustable, heated front seats Household power outlets Heated steering wheel 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system Additional second-row USB ports Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto High-definition rearview camera with hitch guidance High Country

　　At the top of the lineup, the High Country goes all-in with a full complement of luxury features that include:

　　Standard 4WD All-terrain tires Body-colored bumpers Chrome side assist steps Power-sliding rear window LED cargo bed lighting Spray-in bedliner Power tailgate Upgraded driver information display Navigation system Ventilated front bucket seats Heated rear outboard seats Bose premium sound system Wireless smartphone charger Bed-view camera Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Silverado 2500HD and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Many standard features on the upper trim levels are available on the lower trims as options. Other major options, depending on the trim level, include:

　　Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Trailering camera system (can display multiple trailer-based camera views on the touchscreen to aid with towing) Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) Z71 off-road package (upgraded suspension, skid plates, hill descent control)

　　

2021 Silverado 3500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: Work TruckLTLTZHigh CountryWork Truck

　　

Base MSRP	$40,700
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	20,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles