After
enjoying a thorough refresh last year, the 2021
Chevy Silverado is proudly rumbling onto lots like ours here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse soon. The Silverado
HD is the heavy-duty version of our very popular half-ton pickup, and the
staff on duty at Kelley Blue Book took the time for a detailed
review in their latest blog feature. Now available as a 3-4 ton 2500 or one-ton
3500, the Silverado HD trucks are larger than the Silverado 1500, boast more
power, and can accomplish heftier towing and payload amounts.
The
35,000-pound max tow rating is situated a healthy notch above sworn rival the Ram
Heavy Duty truck. You have the choice of gasoline or diesel V8 engines, trims
that span from your basic work truck to primo haulers loaded with extra
features. We pride ourselves on using some of the best towing technology
available, and dual-rear wheels are available on 3500 models for the times when
the job demands strength and size. The Kelley Blue Book team also
had heaps of praise for the active safety systems and tech features that
drivers love, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Once
you get a truck on the road you quickly get a feel for one of the most
important traits of any vehicle: what it really boils down to during on-road
performance. Both the gas and turbodiesel models served up a big and brash
handling experience, and the group set up to test both the 2500 and 3500 models
in the mountains and plains of Oregon, topping 6,500-ft tall peaks while towing
14,000 pounds. The diesel was the obvious winner in the towing category,
brandishing “locomotive force” while tirelessly tugging away with its solid
mating to the ten-speed Allison transmission.
Once
the group reached a closed course, the opportunity arose to up the towing to
roughly 32,000 pounds in the 3500 “dually” model. The new gas engine still
works amazingly well to tow and is by no means a slouch when you must depend on
it most. The KBB crew claimed regarding the HD towing aids that
they “must truly be seen to be believed,” as they were memorized by the
transparent trailer feature. The driver has the ability to link an image from the
tailgate camera and a remote trailer-mounted camera, and then a startlingly
clear rendering allows you to “see through” your actual cargo.
Just
like its close relative in the form of the half-ton Silverado 1500, the
Silverado HD can seat anywhere from 3 to 6 depending on your final choice of
cab configuration. Up front, the controls were ranked as very easy-to-use and
the layout clean yet modern. The High Country trim was swooned over here as
well, as you enjoy the addition of features such as heated and ventilated
seats, leather upholstery, and a heads-up display. Do not forget to check out
the special custom offerings for 2021: you can snag up a Carhartt edition, LTZ
Premium Texas edition, and others tied to the off-road ruler at the Z71.
