Used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is the heavy-duty version of the brand’s popular Silverado half-ton pickup. Available as the three-quarter-ton 2500 or one-ton 3500, the Silverado HD trucks are bigger than the Silverado 1500, more powerful, and can handle greater amounts of payload and towing.

Massive towing ability is one of the Silverado HD’s bragging points. Its 35,500-pound max tow rating was best-in-class briefly, but for now, Ford claims those bragging rights with the Super Duty and its 37,000-pound rating. The Ram Heavy Duty isn’t far behind with its 35,100-pound rating.

The 2021 Silverado HD offers a choice of gasoline or diesel V8 engines, trims that range from basic work truck to amenity-laden hauler, and some of the best towing technology available. Dual-rear wheels are available on 3500 models for the biggest jobs.

The Silverado also has some laudable active safety systems and tech features we appreciate, like the newly available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But unlike its Ford and Ram rivals, this big Chevy doesn’t offer adaptive cruise control.

Whether you opt for the standard gasoline V8 or the optional turbodiesel V8, the 2021 Chevy Silverado HD is big and brash. But you probably already know that. You buy a full-size heavy-duty pickup truck for its capability and to put it to work. We simulated just that, testing both the 2500 and 3500 models amid Oregon’s mountains and plains, reaching elevations around 6,500 feet while towing loads of up to 14,000 pounds.

If you plan to tow regularly, we highly recommend the diesel engine. While the standard 6.6-liter gasoline V8 engine is rated to tow up to 17,400 pounds, it felt overworked, pulling roughly 12,000 pounds up mountainous roads. The 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, however, had no issues. Its locomotive force simply tugged and tugged, and its 10-speed Allison transmission provided plenty of gears to work with, compared to the simpler 6-speed setup in the gasoline model.

On a closed course, we also had the opportunity to tow roughly 32,000 pounds in a 3500 “dually” model. Here again, the big Duramax diesel was up to the task, albeit at a slower pace. That said, if you plan to primarily haul payload in the bed or tow lighter loads, the new gasoline engine will work plenty fine while also saving you some money in the initial purchase. Overall, the new Silverado HD’s ride quality is good but not as comfortable as the air-suspension setup available on the new Ram Heavy Duty

Like its half-ton Silverado 1500 sibling, the Silverado HD can seat anywhere from three to six passengers depending on cab configuration. If hauling co-workers, friends, or family is as important as hauling stuff, we recommend the roomier crew cab over the double cab.

Up front, the 2021 Silverado HD has easy-to-use controls and a clean layout. Lower-trim models betray their work-truck roots with lots of plastic and limited features such as a steering wheel that doesn’t telescope and a driver’s seat that won’t adjust for height.

Upscale models like the High Country rectify such issues, and you can get them with features like heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a head-up display. Still, the Silverado’s interior doesn’t quite measure up to the tech-rich Ram Heavy Duty with its massive 12-inch infotainment screen or the amenity-rich Ford Super Duty with offerings like massaging seats.

Even among heavy-duty pickups, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD makes a statement. Much of that comes from the first thing you see: the grille. It is huge, with a height that reaches the necks of some adults.

In back, this Silverado has a new bed called DuraBed that’s exclusive to heavy-duty models. With the long-bed option, the Chevy boasts class-leading volume of 83.5 cubic feet. We like the enlarged corner steps and standard side steps that make it easier to access.

Trailer-tow mirrors are standard, and this latest Silverado HD offers another feature that may just sway some buyers: a power-operated tailgate. Silverado 3500 HD models are available with a dual-rear-wheel (“dually”) setup, which enables the most towing.

TRAILERING TECHNOLOGY
The new Silverado HD’s towing aids must truly be seen to be believed. One of its best tricks is the “transparent-trailer” feature. By linking an image from the tailgate camera and a remote trailer-mounted camera, the Silverado creates an invisible outline that lets you “see through” whatever you’re towing.

6.6-liter DURAMAX DIESEL
If you plan to regularly tow heavy loads, this is the engine to get. It doesn’t protest, but rather hunkers down and gets to work. The new 10-speed transmission is also an excellent match, and willingly kicks down gears when prodded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pickups come in five trims: WT (work truck), Custom (2500 series only), LT, LTZ, and the range-topping High Country. The WT model is best for fleet customers or budget-minded buyers. It has the basics like air conditioning, an exterior temperature gauge, and a 7-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Still, if you don’t check an options box, you’ll have to live with old-school crank windows, manual door locks, and no cruise control.

Custom trims rectify those deficiencies, add LED taillights, and open the door for more options. The LT models gain a larger, color driver instrument display, chrome rear bumper, and the availability of more options and packages.

If your budget only allows for a WT or Custom trim, we recommend adding the new Safety Essentials Package. This bundles important systems like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, along with nice-to-have features like steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

If you can swing the higher cost, we recommend stepping up to at least an LTZ trim, especially if you’re using this truck as a daily driver. That trim brings dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-operated and heated front seats, upgraded audio system, additional USB ports, LED headlights, and the Digital Variable Steering Assist system for more steering refinement. New for 2021 is a feature we highly appreciate: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means no more having to plug in the USB cable to access these phone systems.

Top-line High Country models include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (optional on LTZ), Bose audio, high-intensity headlights, power tailgate, and ventilated front seats. Options vary by trim, and include 4-wheel drive (4WD) on all trims. Safety and driver-assistance options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advanced Trailering System.

The Z71 Off-Road Package on 4-wheel-drive models adds unique suspension, Rancho shocks, hill-descent control, and skidplates. For towing the heaviest loads, you’ll want the gooseneck/5th-wheel package.

Additional safety features are available for the LT, LTZ and High Country trims. The Safety Package II adds lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam control, and following distance indicator. Unlike its Ram and Ford rivals, adaptive cruise control still isn’t available in the Silverado HD.

Special offerings for 2021 include a Carhartt edition, LTZ Premium Texas edition, and others tied to the Z71.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD Engine

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks offer a choice of two big engines: a standard 6.6-liter gasoline V8 that replaces the previous-gen 6.0-liter Vortec, and the optional Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel. With 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, the gasoline engine provides ample acceleration and good payload-hauling ability.

If towing heavy loads is your priority, we recommend the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel. GM has really stepped up its towing game with this new-gen Silverado HD, increasing this engine’s max towing ability from a worst-in-class 23,100 pounds to a best-in-class 35,500 pounds. With this new-gen truck, this turbodiesel gained improvements to the axles, prop shaft, U-joint, and other components to enable greater loads.

The 10-speed Allison automatic transmission linked to the diesel engine also helps. Gasoline models continue to use a 6-speed automatic. Diesel models also feature an exhaust-braking system and a factory-installed power take-off for accessories like dump bodies, salt spreaders, and farm equipment. As with other heavy-duty trucks, the EPA does not provide fuel-economy ratings.

6.6-liter V8
401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
464 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter turbodiesel V8
445 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
910 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A