2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
One of two heavy-duty trucks in Chevrolet's lineup, the Silverado 2500HD offers more capability than your average full-size truck but less than a beast like the Silverado 3500HD. Available in gas or diesel variants and multiple cab and bed configurations, there's a wide range of Silverado 2500HD models ranging from a simple work truck to a luxurious crew cab with perforated leather upholstery. However, keep in mind that the trim, cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and engine determine the towing and payload capability, meaning simpler configurations may haul or pull more.
What's New
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available on some trims
- LT models get the EZ Lift tailgate as standard
- The base 6.6-liter gas V-8 gets flex-fuel capability, allowing it to use E85
- WT and Custom models are now offered with the Safety Confidence package
- The bed view camera is now offered on WT, Custom and LT variants
- Carhartt Special Edition model is now available and features black badges, black grille bars, a black hood vent surround, black skidplates, 20-inch alloy wheels, 4-inch black side steps, and two-tone black/Carhartt Brown perforated leather upholstery
- LTZ Premium Texas Edition package adds Convenience packages I and II, Safety packages I and II, Technology package, and 20-inch alloy wheels
- Z71 Sport Edition includes exterior tweaks like a body-colored grille bar, a black skidplate, black badges, body-colored side mirror covers, 4-inch round side steps, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black hood vent surrounds, black exterior moldings on the beltline, and body-colored door handles
- Midnight Edition is similar to the Z71 Sport Edition but swaps the body-colored grille bar for a black one
- LT models are now available with the Duramax and Appearance package, which adds 4-inch chrome side steps, 20-inch alloy wheels shod in all-terrain tires, and chrome tow hooks (requires the optional 6.6-liter diesel engine)
What We Think
Although the latest Silverado 2500HD is a big improvement over its predecessor, the truck still has room for refinement. At least it gets the basics right when you select the diesel. With a 10-speed automatic, the diesel provides excellent power for towing and hauling. Even when loaded up, the truck moves easily and responds quickly when you put your foot down. Credit the broad powerband and short gearing for how effortlessly the Silverado 2500HD moves when equipped with the optional diesel engine. Going over to the gas side, the standard 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 has plenty of power; unfortunately, it's hampered by an uncooperative transmission that ruins straight-line acceleration regardless of whether the truck is empty.
Another negative is the interior's subpar fit and finish. It doesn't help that the interior design barely changed from the previous truck. Uncomfortable seats, especially on trucks with the front bench, further degrade the whole experience. To make things even worse, the Silverado 2500HD doesn't ride very comfortably even when it's loaded, making the truck feel compromised.
With the Silverado 2500HD's improved capabilities—particularly when equipped with the diesel engine—the truck is a compelling proposition. However, it falls short on refinement, something competitors from Ford and Ram have continued to improve on.
Performance
Chevrolet offers the Silverado 2500HD with two V-8 engines. The gas 6.6-liter is rated for 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, and the turbodiesel 6.6-liter has 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. Gas-powered models get a six-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel has a 10-speed unit.
Safety
The Safety package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on lower trims but requires the Safety Confidence package, which includes forward collision warning and front automatic emergency braking. Automatic high-beams, lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator are only available on upper grades as part of the Safety package II.
Towing and Payload
Maximum payload is 3,979 pounds with the gas engine (RWD variants; 4WD models are rated for 3,965 pounds) or 3,715 pounds with the diesel engine. Competitors like the Ram 2500 are capable of hauling 4,480 pounds of payload.
With a conventional hitch or gooseneck, the Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 18,500 pounds. In comparison, the Ram 2500 is capable of towing up to 19,780 pounds.
Technology
Lower trims of the Silverado 2500HD feature a version of Chevrolet's infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, and a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display. Higher trims get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Available tech features include a head-up display, built-in navigation, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and either a 4.2- or 8.0-inch instrument cluster display.
