What's New
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD rolls over mostly unchanged. Last year’s model was all new, so we don’t expect any major changes for a few years. Trailering technology is now more widely available, and Chevy has a new set of appearance packages ready for customization. The 2500HD is a heavy-duty full-size truck that competes with the likes of the Ford F-250 and Ram 2500.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The Silverado 2500HD comes in five trim levels: WT, LT, Custom, LTZ, and High Country. The basic Work Truck starts from $36,595 including destination, but a High Country model sets you back at least $64,095.
Engine Choices
The 2500HD is available with two engines, but they’re both huge 6.6-liter V8s. The upcharge for the turbodiesel engine is typically around $10,000.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
6.6L V8 | 401 hp | 464 lb-ft | Not Rated |
6.6L Turbodiesel V8 | 445 hp | 910 lb-ft | Not Rated |
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for $2,800. The gas engine comes paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the torque-heavy diesel gets a 10-speed automatic and an optional PTO system. The diesel is also the towing champ, with a maximum capacity of 18,500 pounds.
The EPA doesn’t test heavy-duty trucks, so there are no official fuel economy numbers. The turbodiesel will be the thriftier of the two – don’t expect the gas engine to exceed the mid-teens.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The 2500HD’s seating capacity varies by cab style. Regular cabs seat only three, but double and crew cabs can carry up to six. The crew is by far the most comfortable, with an impressive 43.4 inches of rear leg room.
The standard-length bed is rated at 69.5 cubic feet, while the long box holds an impressive 83.5. Maximum payload is nearly 4,000 pounds, which is average for the class.
Safety Features
The 2500HD doesn’t make many safety features standard, but it does include them on the options list. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and a bevy of advanced trailering features are on the menu.
The IIHS and NHTSA don’t test heavy-duty trucks, but the 2500HD’s considerable bulk gives you good odds in the event of a collision.
Connectivity
Even Work Truck models get a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An 8-inch screen is available, but you’ll need at least the LTZ trim to get it standard. Also on the options list are wireless charging, satellite radio, and a wi-fi hot spot. The 2500HD’s tech has some nifty features for trailering, like storing multiple trailer profiles and monitoring maintenance.
The Work Truck is all about utility. The seats are manually adjustable and covered in cloth, and the floors are easy-to-clean vinyl. The interior gets two USB ports, but don’t look for luxury here. The WT is available with either engine and any cab configuration, and power windows and locks aren’t included unless you spring for the double or crew cab.
Cruise control also isn’t included – to get it, you’ll need the Safety Confidence Package ($615), which also includes automatic emergency braking. The rest of the safety features are bundled in the Work Truck Safety Package ($1,090). For a touch more convenience, the Work Truck Convenience Package ($1,185) adds keyless entry, tinted glass, power-adjustable trailering mirrors, and a power locking tailgate.
The LT jazzes up the 2500HD’s exterior with extra chrome and LED taillights. Standard features include an easy-lift tailgate and a trailer brake controller.
The LT is desirable primarily for its options list, which is much more extensive. The LT Convenience Package ($2,350) includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated outboard front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The LT also opens up leather upholstery ($760), an 8-inch infotainment system ($1,015), and a few of the limited-edition appearance packages.
Feature-wise, the Custom is more basic than the LT. It gets a higher starting price because it’s only available with the double or crew cabs, while the LT can be configured with the regular cab. The Custom ditches the exposed cladding of the WT, then adds 20-inch aluminum wheels and LED taillights. The power-adjustable trailering mirrors are included, as are basics like cruise control.
Thanks to the inclusion of cruise control, the Safety Confidence Package is only $390 at this trim. A few more popular features are bundled in the Custom Value Package ($1,880), which includes remote start, LED bed lighting, and a trailer brake controller, among other things.
The LTZ adds more luxury features, creature comforts, and trailering tech. Among them are keyless start, a power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and the 8-inch infotainment screen. The Advanced Trailering System allows drivers to customize trailer profiles, create departure checklists, check maintenance reminders, and monitor mileage and diagnostics.
The packages get even more luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats in the LTZ Convenience Package ($1,555), Bose sound in the Convenience Package II ($1,670), and a head-up display in the Technology Package ($1,475).
The High Country trim turns the 2500HD into a true luxury cruiser. It’s only available with all-wheel drive and the crew cab. The Bose sound system comes standard, as do heated and ventilated seats front and rear upholstered in perforated leather. In addition to chrome assist steps, the box gets movable cargo tie-downs and a spray-on bedliner.
Where non-standard, the bundles from the LTZ remain in place. If you’d like to take your palace away from the pavement, the Z71 Off-Road Package ($325) adds skid plates and an off-road suspension to let you do just that.
Compare Silverado 2500HD Trims Side-By-Side
The LT and LTZ trim are the sweet spots in the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD lineup. The LT is more customizable, but if you have the budget, the trailering features and creature comforts of the LTZ make it a satisfying ride.