The 2021 Chevy Silverado vs. Silverado HD: What's the Difference?
Genevieve Fraser
· 4 min read
The
Chevrolet
Silverado is a popular offering in the American truck market. Out of the various models to choose from, the Silverado 1500 is a powerful rig, but the 2500 and 3500 HD models kick things up a notch.In a Silverado vs. Silverado HD head-to-head battle, the 1500 certainly has its perks, with plenty of options and trim levels, but the HD models have undeniable performance upgrades that would suit those looking for an amped-up experience.
Subtle differences in the Silverado vs. Silverado HD
When you consider the 2021 Silverado vs. Silverado HD side by side, you will notice only slight variations in their overall appearances.
The most noticeable of these is the more aggressive front grille design on the 2500 HD, which features “Chevrolet” spelled out instead of the classic Chevy logo found on the 3500 HD and the 1500.
According to
The News Wheel
, both Silverado HD models are larger than the 1500. They feature more sizable side-view mirrors to match the trucks’ heavy-duty looks.The Silverado 1500 offers eight
trim levels
(WT, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss, and RST), while the Silverado HD models only offer the first five.Unlike the HD, the 1500 has a Multi-Flex tailgate and 22-inch wheels but The News Wheel explained that there really isn’t a huge difference, feature-wise, between the models.
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Performance defines the battle between the Silverado vs. Silverado HD
MORE: The 2021 Chevy Silverado Offers Manual Crank Windows
The “HD” in Silverado HD stands for "Heavy Duty," and this designation encompasses the main distinguishing features when evaluating the Silverado vs. the Silverado HD.
The News Wheel noted that the Silverado 1500 is a solid choice “for everyday driving, off-roading, and moderate towing and hauling tasks.”
It offers six engine options, some of which include a 4.3-liter V6, a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel providing 460 lb-ft of torque.
Depending on your choice of engine, maximum towing and payload capacities can reach 13,000 lbs and 2,280 lbs, respectively.
The two Silverado HD models are best suited to lifestyles requiring more brawny power with their increased conventional hauling and towing capacities.
Underpinning these capabilities are powerful engines. Consumers can choose from a 6.6-liter V8 producing 401 hp and a Duramax turbodiesel engine offering 445 hp and impressive torque (910 lb-ft).
The gas-powered Silverado 2500 HD can carry 3,979 lbs and tow up to 14,500 lbs, while the equivalent in the 3500 HD will carry 7,442 lbs and pull up to 16,800 pounds.
The diesel 3500 can carry less (6,523 lbs) but tow more (a total of 20,000 lbs) than its gas-powered equivalent. The same is true for the 2500—diesel models can carry payloads weighing 3,715 lbs and tow 18,500 lbs.
With special equipment, the HD models can haul even more. Most impressively, the dual-rear-wheel diesel 3500 HD equipped with a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch can tow 36,000 lbs.
Which Silverado should you choose?
This ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and what you’re willing to spend on a truck. With starting prices of $34,700 and $35,900 for the base WT trim Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD, respectively, the HD models are a little pricier than the 1500 WT’s starting cost of $28,900.
Those who frequently encounter situations requiring heavy towing and hauling should look to the higher performance of either the Silverado 2500HD or 3500HD to meet their needs. Their enhanced capacities are well worth the extra cash.
If these features are deal breakers for you, the 1500 would probably suffice. After all, it still has good towing and payload capacities, plus it has more options overall.
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