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Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500

Red Chevy Silverado next to a black Chevrolet Silverado

If you're looking for a highly capable pickup truck, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best options available. This truck comes with potent engines that enable it to deliver impressive tow and payload ratings. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can opt for the 1500, 2500HD, or 3500HD version of the Silverado. Check out this department-by-department comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD to make a better-informed buying decision.

Weight and Dimensions

The main difference between the three versions of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is that they belong to different weight classes. With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,800 pounds, the Silverado 1500 is classified as a half-ton pickup truck. The 2500HD has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, which makes it a ¾-ton truck. Finally, the 3500HD falls into the one-ton category with its 10,750-pound GVWR.

The three types of Chevy Silverado not only vary in terms of weight, but they also have different dimensions. The Silverado 1500 is the smallest among them, measuring 229.5 inches long, 81.2 inches wide, and 75.6 inches high. Due to its size, it's easier to drive in tight spaces and feels more agile around corners. However, its maximum ground clearance of 8.2 inches makes it less capable of handling rough terrain.

Both the 2500HD and 3500HD are 235.5 inches long and 81.8 inches wide. The 2500HD is 79.9 inches high, making it exactly an inch shorter than the 3500HD. Also, its ground clearance of 10.2 inches is one inch lower than that of its larger sibling.

Despite their different exterior dimensions, the Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD offer equally roomy seating. Front passengers in any of these models can stretch out with 44.5 inches of legroom and 43.1 inches of headroom.

Trims and Configurations

Interior of a Silverado HD with brown and black leather seating

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers more options for truck buyers than the 2500HD and 3500HD. It's available in eight trim levels: the base WT (Work Truck), LT, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, RST, and the top-of-the-line High Country. If you decide to get the 2500HD, you have five trims to choose from, which are WT, LT, LTZ, Custom, and High Country. The 3500HD has the same trim lineup as the 2500HD, minus the Custom.

Regardless of which version you pick, the Chevy Silverado comes in three configurations: Regular Cab, Double Car, and Crew Cab. Also, it offers a choice of three bed lengths, including the 5-foot-10-inch short bed, 6-foot-7-inch standard bed, and 8-foot-2-inch long bed.

Engines

Besides more trim levels, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also has a more extensive engine lineup than its big brothers. It comes with five engine options to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including:

  • 4.3-liter V-6: The standard engine of the Silverado 1500 is a 4.3-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels or optionally all wheels. When paired with all-wheel drive, it enables the truck to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.2 seconds. Its fuel-economy rating is 15/20 mpg (city/highway).
  • 2.7-liter turbo-four: The available 2.7-liter turbo-four produces 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it enables an all-wheel-drive model to post a sprint time of 7.1 seconds. This engine is more efficient than the V-6, giving you 20/23 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 19/22 mpg with all-wheel drive.
  • 5.3-liter V-8: Rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the 5.3-liter V-8 is available with a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic transmission. A Silverado 1500 equipped with this engine can reach 60 mph in as quick as 6.4 seconds and return up to 17/23 mpg.
  • 6.2-liter V-8: As the largest engine in the lineup, the 6.2-liter V-8 generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and connects exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It propels the truck to 60 mph in an impressive 6.0 seconds. Fuel economy is about 16/21 mpg.
  • 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder: The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder is the Silverado 1500's most efficient engine, earning 23/33 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 22/26 with all-wheel drive. With this 277-horsepower engine and rear-wheel drive, the truck can sprint to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds.

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD offer only two engine options: a 6.6-liter V-8 with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque and a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas-powered engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel power plant gets a 10-speed automatic.

Towing and Hauling Capacities

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 achieves its maximum payload capacity of 2,280 pounds when it's in the Regular Cab configuration with rear-wheel drive and a long bed. The least capable hauler is the Double Cab Trail Boss, which manages only 1,780 pounds. Rated at 7,200 pounds, the Crew Cab Trail Boss with a standard bed is the model with the lowest tow rating. If you want your Silverado 1500 to deliver its maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, you have to get a Double Cab model with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, all-wheel drive, and the maximum towing package.

The maximum payload capacity of the Silverado 2500HD is 3,979 pounds, when it's equipped with the gas engine and rear-wheel drive. A model with the diesel engine can haul up to 3,715 pounds. With a conventional or gooseneck hitch, the 2500HD has a tow rating of 18,500 pounds.

The 3500HD is by far the most capable version of the Chevy Silverado. It can carry up to 7,442 pounds with its gas engine and 6,523 pounds with its diesel power plant. To enable the 3500HD to reach its highest towing potential, opt for a Regular Cab model with the diesel engine and rear-wheel drive. With this combination, the truck can pull up to an incredible 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch.

If you want to know whether the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500HD, or 3500HD is the best option for you, consider stopping by Rydell Chevrolet GMC for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

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All About the 2022 Chevy Silverado

The 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado lineup is one of the most capable, versatile, and powerful truck lineups in the United States today. We'll go into detail below on three of the six Silverado sizes: 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD. more The Silverado 1500 This pickup can tow up to 13,300 pounds and sports 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space. It is most popularly powered by a Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder granting 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, but three other engines are available. This engine setup includes an improved exhaust system, a tuned-air induction system, and special sound-absorbent materials. The 1500's advanced trailering system monitors tire trailer pressure, lighting, and other factors so that you tow safely every time. Camera packages with up to 15 units are available, so you'll be able to see everything around your truck on the road ahead. The 1500's trim levels include the Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. The second engine option is a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder with automatic stop and start and an active fuel efficiency management system. It gets 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. The third engine option is a 5.3-liter V-8 EcoTec3 engine granting 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It has the same special features like the 2.7-liter but is also available without automatic stop and start. The fourth available engine is a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8, providing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It is also available with and without automatic stop and starts. The Silverado 2500HD The Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 18,510 pounds and comes with a more heavy-duty grille. Two 6.6-liter V-8 engines are available with this truck: one diesel and one regular gas. The diesel version provides 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The regular gas version grants 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine comes with a range of special attachments, including a special exhaust brake, an engine block heater, a winter grille cover, and capped fuel filler. The gas engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel comes with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The 2500 HD comes in five trim levels: the Work Truck, LT, Custom, LTZ, and High Country. Its standard exterior features include high-visibility vertical trailering mirrors, an integrated BedStep unit, 17-inch wheels, tinted solar-absorbing glass, and 12 cargo tie-downs that can handle 500 pounds each. It comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice command activation, and app mirroring through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Silverado 3500HD The 3500HD version can tow up to 36,000 pounds and comes with a metallic grated grille and a body-colored front bumper. The 3500HD comes with the same engine options and transmissions as the 2500HD. An Autotrac 2-speed transfer case with push-button controls is standard, as are brake pad wear indicators, chrome recovery hooks, digital variable steering assistance, and Durabed heavy duty bed lining. The trailer brake controller is integrated, the StabiliTrak system greatly increases stability and traction, and skid plates are available. If you want to off-road drive on top of your heavy-duty work, go with the suspension package for maximum ride quality. The Silverado 3500HD comes in four trim levels: the Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and High Country. It comes with 18-inch wheels, black beltline bolting, cargo area cab lamps, 12 cargo tie-downs, and a CornerStep rear bumper. Its interior features include vinyl upholstery, a pair of USB ports, a 12-volt DC power outlet, and an exterior temperature display. It comes with the same infotainment system as the 2500HD, but it can be upgraded to carry the 360L premium version of SiriusXM satellite radio, which can be played through its crystal-clear seven-speaker Bose sound system. Exterior Paint and Interior Upholstery Options The 2022 Silverado 1500 and the HD Series 3500 and 2500 trucks have different options where exterior paint and upholstery are concerned. The 1500 is available in Cherry Red Tintcoat, Oxford Brown Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic, Black, Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, Northsky Blue Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Red Hot, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint colors. Upholstery options for the 1500 include Jet Black Cloth, Jet Black Leather-Appointed front seats, Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere Cloth, and Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere Leather-Appointed front seats. The 2500HD and 3500HD share sets of available paint colors and upholstery options. Their available paint colors are Northsky Blue Metallic, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Mosaic Black Metallic, Greenstone Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat. Their upholstery options include Jet Black leather front seats and cloth back seats and Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere leather front seats and cloth back seats. Towing Package, Suspension Systems, and Training Systems If you're going to be towing, choose the Trailering Package. It comes with a 7-pin connector, a trailer hitch, and a hitch guidance system. 1500 comes with a new four-leaf spring rear suspension system. The 2500HD comes with multi-leaf spring suspension in the back and short and long arm suspension in front. The 3500HD has short and long arm suspension reinforced by torsion bars in front with a three-stage multi-leaf suspension in the back, granting it far more stabilizing power than the other Silverado versions. The Chevrolet Teen Driver Technology safe driver training system is programmed to help you teach positive driving habits to your young driver or trainee. This system allows you to set maximum speed limits, maximum radio volume, and maximum range limits. When the new driver is done with their trip, the system will generate a driving report card to send to your personal smart device. This report card will aid you in refining the new driver's skills. No matter which tier of 2022 Silverado you choose to tackle your work with, you're making a solid decision. They can handle incredible loads and carry you in comfort. Contact us at Rydell Chevrolet GMC in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to find out more about these amazing vehicles. Our kind and attentive staff will happily guide you through our impressive inventory to the truck of your dreams.

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Do all Chevys have MyLink?

Chevy MyLink comprises excellent technologies that transform your drive by enhancing safety and overall handling experience. The system combines and organizes all in-vehicle technology, including integrating your smartphone into multiple apps for a flawless user experience. At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we help the residents of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and nearby areas understand what the MyLink system offers through hands-on demonstrations. Our experts will explain all the features and show you our Chevy model line-up with MyLink. more What Is the Chevy MyLink System? Image via Unsplash by Niklas Du Chevy MyLink is an infotainment system that debuted in 2012, and Chevrolet started including the technology in all their vehicles in 2017. The system has a touchscreen and voice recognition, enabling you to control everything on the dashboard easily. For convenience, the auto manufacturers divided the interface into several sections for navigation, media, weather, phone, and text. Find local maps of Grand Forks, North Dakota, on the inbuilt navigation system when creating a route to your destination. MyLink searches using points of interest and street addresses. A voice gives you directions as you make every turn after activating the feature. The system also allows you to make phone calls or find directions through voice commands while keeping your eyes on the road. You can purchase almost everything, including food, gas, and theater or hotel tickets, from the marketplace feature in the infotainment system. Chevy MyLink is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Setting Up Chevy MyLink After you buy a Chevy with MyLink, you will set up the system using your smartphone to enjoy all the excellent features. Customize the home screen to make your favorite apps more accessible. First, turn on the car and the touchscreen radio on the dashboard. Proceed to connect your smartphone to the system via Bluetooth through the following steps: Press the phone icon on the screen. Choose “Pair Device.” Choose “Chevy MyLink” in your phone's Bluetooth menu. Enter the number you will receive on your phone's display to the vehicle's touchscreen. Click the “Yes” option on the screen. You can also use a USB cable to connect your smartphone to the system. After completing the setup, you access your phone's data, including the address book, messages, music, and videos. The Siri Eyes Free gives iPhone users excellent hands-free control of the infotainment feature. Popular Apps on Chevy MyLink After connecting your phone to the internet, you will see a wide selection of apps you can choose from, including: OnStar App: Drivers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, love it because it elevates the driving experience through several remote connectivity features. 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How do I set up Bluetooth in my Chevy?

Our smartphones are an ever-present part of our lives, and anyway you can make them more useful is a welcome opportunity. One of the easiest and effective ways to make your smartphone more valuable to you is to connect it to your Chevrolet vehicle. When you pair your smartphone and your car, truck, or SUV, you can make both of them more functional every time you get behind the wheel. more What Is Bluetooth Pairing? Bluetooth pairing is a method of connecting your smartphone to your Chevrolet vehicle. it provides you with a broad range of improved functionality for your cell phone while operating your Chevrolet car, truck, or SUV. Once initiated, you can set your smartphone to pair with your vehicle automatically every time you get inside and turn it on so that you have access to Bluetooth pairing features every time you drive. Benefits of Pairing Your Phone to Your Chevy Vehicle Choosing to pair your smartphone with your car, truck, or SUV provides you with a broad range of benefits. It not only makes your smartphone easier to use but also keeps you safe for driving in order to provide protection for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. If you have a smartphone and a Chevrolet vehicle, here are some of the best reasons to pair your phone to your Chevrolet with Bluetooth: Increased Driving Focus: Driving with your phone and Chevrolet vehicle synced together is the safest way to take advantage of the functions of your phone. It enables you to operate your phone without having to pick it up — and often without needing to divert your attention from the road at all. Hands-Free Calling: One of the best features of integrating your smartphone with your Chevrolet vehicle is the ability to answer phone calls and place calls without having to pick up your phone or hold it. Your Chevrolet vehicle plays the individual you're speaking to over the sound system, while your in-vehicle microphone enables you to speak normally in response. Sending and Receiving Texts: Verbal communication isn't the only way smartphone integration makes it easier to stay in touch with others when you use Bluetooth to connect your smartphone to your Chevrolet vehicle. In addition to reading your text messages aloud so you don't need to look away from the road, a Bluetooth link enables you to dictate responses, making it easy to carry out a text conversation safely. Integrated Navigation: If you prefer using the navigation system on your smartphone, then a Bluetooth link can help there as well. When you connect your phone to your car, truck, or SUV, it lets your navigation system play its directions through your vehicle's sound system. This makes it easy to hear and can enable you to integrate with a music or podcasting app to stop your entertainment automatically while the directions play so that you can hear them clearly. Stream Your Entertainment: Podcasts and music streaming apps are increasingly popular forms of entertainment with each passing year. By connecting your smartphone to your vehicle with Bluetooth, you make it easy to stream your music or podcasts over your vehicle's sound system for the clearest, most high-fidelity sounds possible. Use Your Phone's Assistant: Modern smartphones come with digital assistants that make it even easier to use the functions of your phone. When you connect your phone to your Chevrolet vehicle via Bluetooth, you can use your vehicle's microphone to activate your digital assistant and maximize the functionality of your smartphone while in your vehicle. How to Set Up Bluetooth in Your Chevrolet If you're ready to add smartphone pairing to your Chevrolet car, truck, or SUV, the good news is that the process is simple and takes less than a minute. Just follow these steps to set up your initial Bluetooth connection with your Chevrolet vehicle, and your phone will automatically pair with it every time you get inside in the future so that you can enjoy your Bluetooth features: Prepare Your Phone: In order to connect your phone to your Chevrolet vehicle via Bluetooth, you first need to make sure your cell phone's Bluetooth is on and that its settings make it discoverable. This process differs by phone and operating system, so refer to your owner's manual for help if needed. Prepare Your Chevrolet With Voice Commands: If you prefer to use your voice commands to link your phone to your Chevrolet, simply press the push-to-talk button and then say, "pair phone." Prepare Your Chevrolet With Your Touch Screen: To pair your phone to your vehicle manually using the touch screen, first click on the phone icon and navigate to "Phone Settings." Choose "Bluetooth" and then "Pair Device." Locate Your Chevrolet on Your Phone: On your smartphone, choose to scan for available Bluetooth connections, and choose your Chevrolet vehicle from the available options. Enter the Generated Pin: Once you initiate a pairing, your Chevrolet vehicle will generate a four-digit PIN that it will display for you on your touch screen. Enter this number into your phone when prompted in order to establish a connection. Accept and Sync Your Phone: After entering the PIN, your phone may request that you confirm the connection, so quick accept if so. Your phone will also ask about syncing your contact information with your Chevrolet vehicle, and we recommend you do so, as this enables you to more easily access features such as voice calling and texting. If you have questions about smartphone integration for your Chevrolet vehicle, the experts at Rydell Chevrolet GMC are ready to field your questions and provide you with the answers you're seeking. You can contact us online, call us on the phone, or come to the dealership in person — whichever is best for you. Our team will answer any questions you have about Chevrolet vehicles in order to help you get the most out of your next new or used Chevrolet purchase. We are happy to help!