2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

If you don’t need the toughest and most powerful trucks, then you’re not going to be able to appreciate their capabilities with towing and payload. Among the strongest for capability numbers, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD performs at the top of its class with new parts for incredible payload. The gas engine can tow up to 17,370 lbs and carry a payload of up to 3,979 lbs. On the other hand, the diesel engine can tow up to 18,510 lbs and has a maximum payload of 3,715 lbs. 

2021 Improvements

Improvements in this new generation truck include upgraded axles, prop shaft, U-joint, and other key components that provide greater payload capability. The available Autotrac 2-speed transfer case provides you with multiple drive modes, which lets you change the power sent between the front and rear axles to allow for maximum traction and torque even on unstable terrain.  

The wheelbase is designed with a longer frame made of seven different lightweight types of steel, which maintains a stiff support system. Combined with shear-style body mounting, it provides a smooth ride, which is not always easy to come by with such large and powerful trucks. It also gives you more fine control in handling, which is helpful as such large trucks often can feel like you are maneuvering a bus. Overall, the Silverado HD is built from top to bottom to work as efficiently as possible to make every part work towards being a heavy loading machine.

Engine Options

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD comes with two available engine options. The standard engine is a 6.6L gasoline V8 replacing and improving on the last generation 6.0L Vortec engine. The other engine option is the Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel for greater fuel efficiency and towing capacity. Both perform incredibly well, with the V8 engine performing top in its class and the diesel drivetrain providing nearly unmatched raw power and torque with impressive agility.

Gas vs Diesel: The Gas Option

The gas V8 engine provides an impressive 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. For a truck this size, it is capable of surprising acceleration, and the payload strength of the gasoline engine is a great place to start for a standard build. The gasoline engine sports a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is carried over from the last generation. 

Gas vs Diesel: The Diesel Option

For towing heavier loads with more durable longevity, the turbodiesel is going to be the natural go-to for you. It is capable of 445 horsepower and a mind-boggling 910 lb-ft of torque. Part of what makes the diesel engine option so effective is the way it works together with the transmission and auxiliary systems. The transmission for the diesel engine is an impressive 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, which provides you with more flexibility for adjusting torque. This is helpful with the diesel, which traditionally is a little bit slower when accelerating from standing still. The Duramax diesel option also offers exhaust-braking systems and a power take-off ideal for farm equipment and other industrial-grade attachments like salt spreaders. These are factory-installed, so you don’t need to worry about modifying your truck yourself. 

Chevy is famous for their advanced suites of top of the line safety features, and they have outdone themselves with the added features to help make trailering safer. You don’t need to just worry about airbags and sturdy materials, which the Silverado has in spades. The added driver assist features make this heavy-duty truck so safe it helps you avoid accidents and collisions in the first place. 

Safety Is Key When Driving a Chevy

In total, the safety features offered as standard help you stay alert whether you are on a job site or on the road, and there are plenty of additional features available to add as you feel you need them. Some of our favorite features include but are not limited to:

• Front and Rear Park Assist: This feature utilizes sensors that can detect distances from objects in front of and behind you. It will give you an alert to let you know when you are getting too close. This is incredibly useful when you are trying to park such a large truck in tight spaces and can’t exactly get a good look for how close you are.
• Lane Change and Blind Zone Alert: It is a common and scary moment when you go to change lanes, and a speeding vehicle roars past you from what was your blind spot. This feature provides a visual alert in your side mirror when it detects a fast-moving vehicle approaching at your side blind spot and helps you avoid collisions.
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Trailer Sway Control: This advanced system helps compensate for the weight and sway of a heavy trailer with proactive traction control and electronic dampers, which keep the trailer from swaying out of control during a sudden turn.
• New Camera Technology: The new backup and trailering camera system offers four hitch views, so you don’t miss anything when backing up your truck. It also includes six additional driving views, including an innovative transparent trailer view, which creates a virtual glass-like view that appears to look through your camping trailer or hitched box to show you what is behind you.

Functional Power Wrapped in an Aggressive Exterior

It’s important for the shape and design of a vehicle to tell you about how it drives and functions. The design of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is as powerful-looking as it is just plain powerful. A strong front grille, blacked out and sinister, provides a dominating look that extends into well-styled but menacing-looking contours. There is no mistaking the Silverado 2500HD as anything less than three-quarter-tons of capability wrapped in a sleek package. 

With its sturdy truck bed and massive wheels, you’ll be able to load just about anything into the back and drive away with confidence the traction won’t give up. There are plenty of standard and available additional lights to help keep you on the road even when the weather turns frightful. With optional fog lights, if you need to plow snow or haul payloads rain or shine, you will be able to drive with clear views.

Don't Forget to Add a Little Color

Even though the overall look of the Silverado 2500HD is impressive, you are going to want it in a color to match that ferocity. If you want a bright and blazing truck, get the Cherry Red or Red Hot colors. If you want to feel cool behind the wheel, get a Silverado in Iridescent Pearl, Silver Ice, Summit White, or Northsky Blue. If you want to embrace your inner dark side, Oxford Brown, Mosaic Black, or Black is the color choice for you. Consider one of the special edition options, like the Carhartt Edition, to add a little extra detail and flair that will make all other truck drivers jealous.