2021 Chevy Silverado 3500HD

The Heavy-Duty Gas Engine

The gas option for the Silverado 3500 HD is the 6.6-liter V8 with direct injection and variable valve timing rated at 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The variable valve timing for the V8 gas engine helps improve fuel efficiency by optimizing the valve intake and exhaust timings to reduce the amount of fuel expended to maintain engine revolutions. The small-block aluminum engine produces a compression ratio of 10.8:1 to improve heat exchange and performance for maximum low-end, low-speed torque, perfect for getting off the line with a heavy load or large cargo haul. The improved crankshaft and durability-tested components within the engine all help it to last for as long as you're willing to drive the truck.

The Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine

On the other side of the margin, for truckers who need more torque and heft out of their pickup, the Silverado 3500 HD also has a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine option, which produces up to 445 horsepower and a whopping 910lb-ft of torque. The Duramax V8 comes with an exhaust brake, engine block heater, winter grille cover, and a fill for the diesel exhaust fluid located in the fuel door.

The Heavy-Duty Transmission

Another big difference between the Duramax V8 and the gas-powered V8 is the pairing of the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission with the Duramax. The Allison 10-speed is powered by four hall effect speed sensors and a speed range sensor that transmits data to the transmission's externally mounted TCM. This then goes through the process of efficiently matching the gear to the speed of the truck to optimize performance, improve fuel economy, and provide the best output of torque transfer.

Heavy-Duty Towing and Payload

One of the most significant changes for 2021 is the upgrade for the maximum towing capacity. In 2020, the 3500 HD could tow up to 35,500 pounds, and the 2021 model can now tow up to 36,000 pounds. This tow rating applies to the Silverado 3500 HD Work Truck, Regular Cab, dual-rear-wheel, two-wheel drive configurations that are equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine.

Heavy-Duty Trailering Technology

Enhanced trailering technology has also been included, most notably being the 15 camera views so drivers can see the trailer and truck at nearly every angle when prepping for trailering and towing. Other enhancements such as the trailer length indicator inform drivers where the trailer is positioned when performing lane changes, perfect for ensuring that you don't change lanes where another vehicle is occupying the space where the trailer would be located. The jack-knife alert system is also present to ensure that the truck isn't turning at such a sharp radius that it ends up in a jack-knife position relative to the trailer.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD also comes equipped with a lot of the standard technological amenities. On this model, you will find 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, available 120-volt box-mounted outlets, multi-speaker audio system, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi support, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB ports, OnStar connected services, remote keyless open, manual tilt and telescoping steering, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with up to an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. Other convenience and comfort features are available such as 10-way power front driver and passenger seats with lumbar support, Teen Driver mode, and safety alerts such as lane change alert, side blind zone alert, lane departure warnings, and six standard airbags.

Exciting Options

Apart from the expected features are some other notable options available for the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD, such as the LTZ Texas Edition. This special trim selection comes with the LTZ Convenience Package that includes heated and ventilated front seats, a rear sliding power window, a universal home remote, two additional USB ports, and a power-up/down tailgate with LED cargo bed lighting. A safety package is also included with front and rear park assist and rear cross traffic alert. Some trims are also available with a snow plow prep package or a camper package, depending on what you plan to use the 3500 HD for.