The 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is the strongest and most capable Silverado ever made, and that’s impressive considering the Silverado’s rich history. The Silverado name was originally the top-tier trim on the Chevy C/K, but the Silverado earned its own lineup in 1999 when it replaced the C/K. A show-stopper with its classic body style, the first-generation Silverado earned the Silverado name its place as a capable workhorse with multiple engine options and various cab styles and bed lengths.
The first-generation Silverado paved the way for models like the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD that offer exceptional capability whether you’re cruising down the highway with a trailer or navigating a busy city street. The 3500 HD can handle it all with ease, and that’s exactly what Chevy intended. Starting at $36,500,* the 3500 HD offers best-in-class available towing of 36,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 7,742 pounds that make hauling any load a breeze.
At the heart of the Silverado 3500 HD’s capability is its multi-engine lineup that delivers a wide range of power in every driving condition. You’ll also find a suite of innovative tech features that keep you connected, safe, and focused when you’re on the road. Here’s a closer look at what makes the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD the most capable and connected truck in the Chevy fleet.
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You’ll find the heartbeat of the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD under its hood. Chevy offers several engines to choose from depending on the power and capability that you need from the 3500 HD. The Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine is the most powerful in the lineup and is paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. This combination produces a jaw-dropping 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, which explains its best-in-class towing capability of up to 36,000 pounds when fully equipped.
If you’re looking for a capable gasoline option, then you don’t have to look far, thanks to the Silverado 3500 HD’s available 6.6-liter V8 engine. Offering state-of-the-art technology like variable valve timing and direct injection to maximize efficiency, performance, and capability, the engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to produce 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. Its capability is still impressive, albeit nearly half of the Duramax, with a max trailering weight of 17,370 pounds.
With plenty of power under the hood, Chevy gives you the confidence you need to tow heavy loads with an innovative suite of trailering technology. This new technology pushes the Silverado 3500 HD ahead of its competitors and includes tools like Jack-Knife Alert, Cargo Bed View enhancement, Rear Trailer View, Trailer-Angle Indicator, Rear Side View enhancement, and a Trailer Length Indicator. The Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and works with the Trailer-Angle Indicator to show you the relationship between the truck and the trailer. The Cargo Bed View offers a zoom feature and works with Bed Hitch Guidance to help you align the truck with the trailer for easier hitching and unhitching.
You can use the Trailer Length Indicator to ensure the neighboring lane is clear of traffic when you prepare to change lanes. The Rear Side View tool is enhanced for 2021 and now offers a split view based on the angle of the trailer and the truck to give you a view of both sides of the entire rig, whether you’re driving forward or in reverse. Lastly, you can avoid the hazards of jack-knifing thanks to the Jack-Knife Alert that notifies you when a jack-knife situation is imminent.
The 2021 Silverado 3500 HD proves that you don’t have to sacrifice performance and capability for luxury and comfort. From its rugged exterior to its premium interior, the 3500 HD is loaded with features that are designed to work with you and make your job easier, whether you’re behind the wheel or loading and unloading equipment. So, what features make the 3500 HD one of the most practical and capable workhorses on the road?
Chevy knows that a truck like the 3500 HD will be pushed to its limits, and that’s why the American automaker designed the rugged Durabed to match the truck’s rugged capability. The Durabed offers the most cargo volume of any HD truck and is the most functional in its class, with 12 standard tie-downs and available options like LED lighting and a 120-volt outlet to charge your tools. Accessing the bed has never been easier thanks to the integrated BedSteps that comfortably fit oversized work boots and give you quick access on both sides of the wheel well.
When you’re towing a trailer, you don’t have to worry about visibility, thanks to the oversized trailering mirrors that fold, extend, and are power-adjustable. They offer four types of lighting, including turn signal indicators, perimeter lighting, and puddle lamps. But what if you’re not hauling a heavy load and, instead, need to use the Silverado 3500 HD as a snowplow? The truck is more than capable of handling the job thanks to the removable skid plate and front air dam that allows you to easily install and uninstall a snowplow as needed.
Inside, you’ll find a host of comforts that make your time in the 3500 HD even better. Since the Silverado 3500 HD is a workhorse, it only seems fitting that the interior doubles as an office with its spacious center console that gives you a flat space to work. Also offering best-in-class front head and legroom, you can store all your gear and other items in the segment-first rear seatback storage compartments or under the rear seat in the 24-liter storage compartment. These storage areas reduce clutter in the cabin and allow you to keep all your tools organized and within reach at all times.
There’s no shortage of technology on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD, and that’s a reflection of Chevy’s commitment to keeping you connected and safe when you’re on the road. This technology extends from the truck’s connectivity features to its safety and driver-assist tools that are designed to enhance your visibility and minimize the potential for collisions. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look at what you’ll find in the 3500 HD’s connectivity and infotainment suite.
The heart of the 3500 HD’s connectivity sits in the 8-inch color touchscreen display, where you’ll find the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with available navigation. You’ll have access to your smartphone and favorite apps using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, or you can take advantage of numerous in-vehicle apps that allow you to stream music and podcasts, catch up on the news, and more. With a simple voice command, you can use the built-in Amazon Alexa to add items to your shopping list, send text messages, or make phone calls, all of which allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Through the myChevrolet mobile app, you have even more control over the 3500 HD whether you’re standing next to the truck or you’re further away. You can use the app as a command center to lock and unlock the doors, start and stop the engine, honk the horn, or flash the lights. Through the Vehicle Management tab, you can schedule service, access the owner’s manual, or utilize the available Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also use the Trailering section to conduct a trailer light test and calculate your trailer load to give you more confidence when towing.
Beyond keeping you connected, the 3500 HD’s technology is also designed to keep you safe. The available 15-inch head-up display puts all the data you need in a crisp display on the windshield so that with a quick glance, you can see speed, navigation cues, and safety alerts. So, what safety alerts are included? You’ll find a variety of standard and available tools like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam, and a Safety Alert Seat. These features monitor the front, rear, and sides of the truck to give you better visibility to minimize the potential for collisions.