2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Review
2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Review
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Appraise This CarChevrolet Silverado 2500HD model years
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD types
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
- Double Cab
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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review
byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Pros
- Stout power and quick acceleration
- Roomy cabin with plenty of storage
- Trick 15-view camera system makes towing easier
Cons
- Dated interior design
- High, broad hood inhibits forward visibility
- Can't match best-in-class towing and payload ratings
What's new
- New appearance packages
- More equipment available in lower trims
- Available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Part of the fourth Silverado HD generation introduced for 2020
Overview
When you need more capability than a Silverado 1500 can provide but you're resisting the temptation to buy more truck than you need in a Silverado 3500HD, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD stands ready to serve. With its bold and purposeful design, stout gasoline and turbodiesel V8 engines, and practical and useful cargo box, the Silverado 2500HD can handle up to 18,500 pounds of conventional or gooseneck trailer and haul as much as 3,979 pounds of cargo in its deep cargo bed.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 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 Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Chevy redesigned the Silverado 2500HD last year, giving it a more distinctive look on the outside in comparison to the Silverado 1500 but using the same interior design and materials. The truck's cab is roomy and comfortable, but in terms of design, materials and technology, it isn't a high point when matched against what the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 have to offer.
For 2021, the Silverado 2500HD comes with several new special-edition packages, and Chevrolet expands the availability of safety and bed-view camera technology to lower trims. The 6.6-liter gas V8 offers flex-fuel capability for the new year, and available wireless connection capability for the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems help to eliminate what otherwise might be a messy tangle of USB cords.
Overall, we like the Silverado 2500HD and find it to be a decent pick for a heavy-duty truck. But it'll also be worth your time to also check out the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500HD since each truck has a few advantages over the Silverado.
Which Silverado 2500HD does Edmunds recommend?
Of the Silverado 2500HD's five trim levels, we recommend the LT trim level. It's available with every configuration and powertrain combination, giving buyers maximum flexibility with regard to equipment and options. Whether you want cloth or leather seats, a light or heavy technology load, or any of the numerous special-edition packages, the LT trim provides a path to tailoring the truck just the way you want it.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models
Chevrolet offers the 2021 Silverado 2500HD 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), Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country trim levels.
Each one has a standard 6.6-liter V8 (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 6.6-liter V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) is optional, working with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.
WT
Standard equipment for this base trim include:
- Black bumpers and exterior trim
- Locking tailgate
- Trailering mirrors
- Trailering equipment
- Vinyl upholstery
- Manual door locks and windows
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Bluetooth for two devices simultaneously
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Custom
Has the WT's equipment plus:
- Power-adjustable trailering mirrors
- Cloth upholstery
- Cruise control
- Power windows and locks
- Remote keyless entry
LT
Equips the Silverado 2500HD with:
- Trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab)
- Chrome bumpers
- Low-effort tailgate (Chevy's EZ Lift)
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Chevrolet Connected Services with onboard Wi-Fi
- Satellite radio
LTZ
Gains many appearance, convenience and luxury-oriented features, such as:
- Enhanced trailering technology
- Electronic variable steering assist
- Chrome exterior trim
- LED headlights
- Power-folding and auto-dimming trailering mirrors
- Keyless entry and engine start
- Remote engine start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
High Country
This loaded-up Silverado 2500HD has:
- Standard 4WD
- Body-colored bumpers
- Chrome side assist steps
- Power-sliding rear window
- LED cargo bed lighting
- Spray-in bedliner
- Power tailgate
- Upgraded driver information display
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Integrated navigation system
- Enhanced voice recognition system
- 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)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible or 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)
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#9 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from 2008-2022.$820/yr
vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.75x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).21.3%
vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
5 star(50%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(20%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A Real Truck. . end of story!!!
Frank, 09/08/2020
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A)
A little background in the short version of the other review I have posted here about the horrible 9 months I spent babying the glorified f150 3.5 ecopoop. A cheaply made vehicle that showed signs of major wear and tear inside and out with just 22k miles and mostly highway miles at that. Point being you cant trust the same biased reviews that I was reeled into even as a long life Chevy … man. The 2500 CUSTOM with the 6.6 gas motor is getting bad reviews from critics who are comparing trucks to sports cars. It doesnt make sense. This is a mammoth of a truck. . isnt that what you want in a "TRUCK?" No this model doesnt come with the airplane cockpit that its upper trim brothers have. PERFECT. . annoying technologies that are extremely distractive and unneeded not available in this model. . DELIGHTFUL!!!! Interior is stylish enough and extremely durable, especially for those of us who buy a truck to do TRUCK STUFF. The body of this truck is built LIKE A TRUCK, unlike the Fords that will be totally destroyed God forbid you encounter a heavy rain storm. The 6 speed tranny getting the bad rap is a far better choice than a 10 speed that is constantly shifting both during acceleration and braking just so you can get another 2 mpg's. The 2500HD Custom drives just LIKE A TRUCK as it should and the CUSTOM Trim package is exactly what everyone is attempting to achieve anyway with the other models by removing all the flashy/cheesy chrome bling that makes the trucks look like a cadillac with a bed. Straight lines, black bumpers (painted not cheap fading plastic), nice alloy rims and a tough grill that says "MOVE!". Now "as Consumers" lets talk about the 6.6 gas motor described by these critics as a sluggish gas guzzler. NEWS FLASH . . ALL Trucks are Gas Guzzlers!!! At 16 MPG this truck is only a couple MPG's under the glorified ecopoops that require premium gas and "Eco Settings" that are truly sluggish and unresponsive, in order to achieve the claimed 23mpg. I spent 9 months in one and never saw better than 17.4 mpg and when towing a small camper saw only 6 to 8 mpg! And averaged 15 to 16mpg according to the computer and the dealer who said I wasnt driving it right. As for the Diesel Craze, the 6.6 Duramax is the best in the business, that is if you are actually towing a house daily. Remember that extra 2 or 3 miles to the gallon(when not towing) versus this 6.6 gas motor is met with a constant extra expense of DEF fluid and when towing make sure to keep a case in the bed. Another point that no one is considering is the fact that the 6.6 gas motor runs on regular octane fuel!!! So while everyone is filling up their DEF and paying over 3 bucks a gallon for diesel, or 3 bucks a gallon for premium gas to achieve just a little better than the 16mpg this beast gets, Im paying under 2 bucks a gallon, no DEF required, for 14 to 16mpg and sometimes a little better on the highway, and an average of 10 to 12mpg when towing a trailer that was running the ecopoop into the ground. No scratches, no dents, interior cleans up easily, truck rides smooth and steers perfectly. The 4x4 is useful when needed but to hear the critics this truck is not worthy as it is "Too Bumpy" offroad. LOL. .anyway LOVE my 2500 HD CUSTOM 6.6 Gas. My fuel cost has actually gone DOWN monthly with this truck and I am relieved to be out of the disposable truck that is glorified as the best selling truck in America. Truth be told they all have their pros and cons, but you have to base your decision on whats right for you, not based on biased reviews from so-called experts who are looking to tear these vehicles down because they dont compare to a Ferrari.
5 out of 5 stars
Carhartt Edition 2500HD Duramax
Chad K., 07/06/2021
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A)
I bought this truck as an upgrade from our 2018 Silverado High Country 1500. We purchased an RV last year and while the 2018 towed it just fine, especially with the 6.2 liter, this is just another level. The truck is nicer in almost everyway than the 2018. HUD is really handy when driving and the mirrors are really functional. The lighting is very good at night and with the mirror … lights on it make backing up very easy. The Carhartt edition essentially made the LTZ into a High Country but without all the chrome. The interior is huge and comfortable. The ride is amazing and the all terrain tires work very well in all conditions. There are so many features that I would never be able to cover them all. The bed is really wide and the perfect height. The power up and down tailgate is very nice to have, especially for my wife. Cameras are everywhere and show you every thing. Seriously, if you hit anything, it's your fault. I did not expect to like this as much as I do. I was buying it for the capability but I love this truck. The ride is very nice and livable as a daily driver. This is also my first diesel and I'm blown away by the power and smoothness of the engine and transmission. It's silent and runs very good, with shifting being ultra smooth on the Allison. I'm really impressed with the interior as well. The charger fits the iPhone 12 max and so does the phone holder in the console top. There is a place for everything...except your sunglasses as this truck does not have the traditional sunglasses holder above the map lights. That's my only nitpick. Everything else is just right.
5 out of 5 stars
2020 Silverado 2500 HD LT - 6.6L Gas with a 6L90E
Andrew S., 04/08/2021
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A)
Great truck, wicked power for a 7500lb 3/4 ton. Folks complain about the interior quality but its very nice and durable IMO. GM still makes the most reliable American made truck on the market (https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/09/careful-what-you-buy-most-reliable-2020-full-size-trucks-ranked/) and the new 6.6L is going to be a hit. More torque then the Dodge 392 and better gas mileage … towing with and without a load. Probably the best gasser on the market, even better then the Ford 7.3L. People complain about the front end but I love it, looks like a freight train, I like something unique and not something made to please everyone.
With 3.73 gears the 6-speed is perfect, and this truck in Crew has more space then any 3/4 on the market.
5 out of 5 stars
More power than I had hoped
Nikki, 11/03/2020
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A)
And pick me up a 2020 Silverado heavy duty with the new 6.6 L gas burner in it to haul my fifth wheel. It has done way better than I thought it ever would and my fifth wheel weighs 15,000 pounds. I would recommend this truck with this engine to anyone that toes gooseneck or fifth wheel towing
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, so we've included reviews for other years of the Silverado 2500HD since its last redesign.
2021 Silverado 2500HD Highlights
Crew Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 18,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Silverado 2500HD models:
- Teen Driver
- Allows owners to keep tabs on secondary drivers by reporting driving behavior and limiting certain vehicle features.
- Safety Alert Seat
- Vibrates to warn the driver when the front or rear parking sensors, lane departure warning or forward collision warning systems issue alerts.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts the driver if the truck begins drifting outside its lane.
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