Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500

Jun 7, 2021

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

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 Buick GMC for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.