The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a heavy-duty asset and, after last year’s redesign, this workhorse is roomier and more comfortable than ever. Tech features are designed to help you get through a tough workday, but you can also add a little high-end luxury to your model. Still have questions? Our buying guide is here with everything you need to know about Chevy’s heavy-duty truck.
New for 2021
Last year, the Silverado 3500HD received a few drastic revisions, including roomier cabins and heftier towing capabilities. In addition to updated powertrains and modern comfort, this year’s shoppers also enjoy a longer list of work-friendly tech features. The latest rendition of Chevy’s heavy-duty truck offers standard USB ports and wireless connectivity for its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration features.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available
- Standard USB ports
- Z71 Sport and Z71 Chrome Sport packages
Power and Performance
The 2021 Silverado 3500HD offers two flavors: powerful and even more powerful. The gas-powered V8 engine comes standard, ramping up your hauling potential with 401 horses and 464 pound-feet of torque. You can maximize your towing projects by choosing the optional 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8 engine, which makes 445 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque. For an even stronger towing performance, add dual rear wheels to your Silverado 3500HD.
This heavy-duty truck also has a fun side: add optional four-wheel drive, off-road-ready suspension, and skid plates to hit the trails in style.
Standard:
- 6.6L V8 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft)
- Six-speed, heavy-duty, electronically controlled automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- 170-amp alternator
- 3.73 rear axle ratio
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes
- Air filtration monitoring
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Digital Variable Steering Assist
- External engine oil cooler
- Heavy-duty air filter
- Heavy-duty 720 cold-cranking amps battery
Optional:
- 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft)
- Allison 10-speed automatic transmission
- Allison 10-speed automatic transmission with integrated Power Take-Off
- Four-wheel drive
- Dual rear wheels
- 220-amp alternator
- Dual 220-amp and 170-amp alternators
- 3.42 rear axle ratio
- 3.73 rear axle ratio
- Autotrac two-speed transfer case with push-button controls
- Auxiliary 730 cold-cranking amps battery
- Diesel exhaust brake
- Dual rear wheels
- E85 FlexFuel capable
- Electronic shift two-speed transfer case with push-button controls
- Engine block heater
- Heavy-duty dual batteries with 1460 cold-cranking amps
- Off-Road suspension
- Power Take-Off
- Skid plates
- Trailering wiring provisions for camper, fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer
- Advanced trailering system
- Cruise control
Towing and Payload Capabilities
This year, the Silverado 3500HD becomes more capable than ever. Equipped for gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing, this heavy-duty truck can tow up to 36,000 pounds(500 pounds more than last year).
When it comes to conventional towing, the Silverado 3500HD can tow max loads of up to 20,000 pounds, depending on body style and equipment.
Chevy’s heavy-duty pickup truck is also a strong hauler. Payload capacities vary according to body style and equipment, with max ratings of up to 7,442 pounds.
Exterior Features
The Silverado 3500HD is easy to spot. Chevy’s heavy-duty truck looks as rugged as it feels, with its high stance, expansive grille, and huge "CHEVROLET" imprint across the front end.
Drivers can outfit this heavy-duty truck as they see fit, with flashier wheels or sturdy all-terrain tires. Utility upgrades — including power-retractable assist steps and bedside storage boxes — make work life a little simpler. This heavy-duty Chevy also offers some upscale features, including chrome trim and a power sunroof.
Standard:
- 18-inch steel painted Silver wheels
- 18-inch LT275/70R18E all-terrain, blackwall tires
- 18-inch LT275/70R18 all-terrain, blackwall spare tire
- Black recovery hooks
- Capless fuel fill
- Durabed
- Fully boxed frame
- Pickup bed delete
- Black beltline moldings
- Black door handles
- Black front bumper
- Black mirror caps
- Black vertical trailering mirrors
- Black rear bumper
- Cab-mounted cargo area lamps
- Cargo tie-downs
- Daytime Running Lamps
- Front grille bar with CHEVROLET molded in Black
- Halogen reflector headlamps
- Incandescent tail lamps with stop and reverse lights
- Locking tailgate
- Side BedStep
- Single rear wheels
- Solar-absorbing glass
- Spare tire carrier lock
- Tailgate and bed rail protection caps
Optional:
- 17-inch forged polished aluminum wheels
- 17-inch steel painted Silver wheels
- 18-inch six-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Silver painted accents
- 20-inch 10-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Grazen Metallic painted accents
- 20-inch 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels
- 20-inch 6-spoke polished aluminum wheels
- 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels
- 20-inch high gloss Black painted wheels with Black center caps
- 20-inch high gloss Black aluminum wheels
- 20-inch high gloss Black aluminum wheels with machined finish
- 17-inch LT235/80R17E all-season highway, blackwall spare tire
- 17-inch LT235/80R17E all-season highway, blackwall tires
- 17-inch LT235/80R17E all-terrain, blackwall spare tire
- 17-inch LT235/80R17E all-terrain, blackwall tires
- 20-inch LT275/65R20 all-terrain, blackwall tires
- Capped fuel fill
- Chrome horizontal recovery hooks
- Dual rear wheels
- 4-inch Black round assist steps
- 4-inch Chrome round assist steps
- 6-inch Black rectangular assist steps
- 6-inch Chrome rectangular assist steps
- Black Work steps
- Bedside storage boxes
- Black power-adjustable mirrors
- Black power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors
- Black power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors with power folding/manual extending auto-dimming driver upper glass
- Power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors with power folding/extending auto-dimming driver and passenger upper glass
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color front bumper
- Body-color mirror caps
- Body-color rear bumper
- Rear bumper delete
- Cargo bed LED lighting
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome front bumper
- Chrome mirror caps
- Chrome rear bumper
- Chrome wheel trim and chrome center caps
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Deep-tinted glass
- Hard-folding tonneau cover
- High-intensity LED reflector headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- Stainless steel beltline moldings
- Off-Road Black assist steps
- Painted center caps
- Polished exhaust tip
- Power Up and Down Tailgate
- Power sliding rear windows with rear defogger
- Power sunroof
- Power-retractable assist steps
- Rear wheelhouse liners
- Smoke Amber LED roof marker lamps
- Tailgate with EZ Lift assist, power lock and release
- LED signature taillamps
- Tri-fold soft tonneau cover
- Winter grille cover
Truck Bed and Body Configurations
One thing the Silverado 3500HD certainly has in abundance is options, such as the four trim models: Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and High Country. However, there are also three cabin configurations, two bed lengths, and you can also choose between a single-rear-wheel setup or dual rear wheels, the latter of which help you move extra weight.
- Regular Cab, Long Bed (single rear wheels or dual rear wheels)
- Double Cab, Long Bed (single rear wheels or dual rear wheels)
- Crew Cab, Standard Bed (single rear wheels only)
- Crew Cab, Long Bed (single rear wheels or dual rear wheels)
Interior Features
All three Silverado cabins have everything you want in an everyday driver, with tons of passenger space and innovative storage options. This heavy-duty truck is also big on modern creature comforts, like dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. These days, even heavy-duty workhorses like the Silverado 3500HD will impress you with their luxury features so, if you want an opulent cruise to work, check out the Silverado’s leather upholstery options.
Standard:
- Four-way manual driver seat
- Four-way manual front passenger seat
- 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with covered armrest storage
- Assist handles
- Day/night rearview mirror
- Manual tilt steering column
- Manual windows
- Rear window defogger
- Vinyl seat trim
- Single-zone climate control
Optional:
- 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar
- 10-way power front passenger seat
- 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with under-seat storage
- 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
- Cloth seat trim
- Heated front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Leather-appointed seating
- Perforated leather-appointed seating
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- All-weather floor liners
- Carpeted floor covering
- Console insert organizer tray
- Driver memory settings for power seats and exterior mirrors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Front bucket seats
- Front carpeted floor mats
- Front center console
- Front floor liners with removable carpet inserts
- Front rubberized-vinyl floor mats
- Power windows with driver express up/down
- Power windows with driver and front passenger express up/down
- Power windows with rear express-down
- Rear air vents
- Rear carpeted floor mats
- Rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts
- Rear rubberized-vinyl floor mats
- Rear under-seat storage
- Rubberized vinyl floor covering
Technology
Every Silverado 3500HD is loaded with savvy tech features, including a touch-screen infotainment system and smartphone integration options that allow you to use voice controls to access your phone, maps, or music apps.
As you move up the trim levels, the Silverado rolls out even more tech features, including a bigger touch screen and integrated navigation. The Head-Up Display projects performance data onto your windshield and a Wi-Fi modem brings your internet connection along for the ride.
Standard:
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 with 7-inch color touch screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Two front USB ports
- Bluetooth
- 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center
- Two-speaker audio system
- 12-volt auxiliary front power outlet
- Outside temperature display
Optional:
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus with 8-inch HD color touch screen
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with navigation and 8-inch HD color touch screen
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
- HD Radio
- Onstar and Chevrolet Connected Access capable
- 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center
- 8-inch digital Driver Information Center
- Head-Up Display
- Compass
- Six-speaker audio system
- Seven-speaker Bose premium sound system
- 120-volt power outlet
- 120-volt box-mounted power outlet
- 12-volt auxiliary rear power outlet
- SiriusXM three-month All Access Trial subscription
- SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Two rear, charge-only USB ports
- Upfitter switches
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Wireless phone projection
Safety and Security
Driving such a huge truck is much simpler with modern technology. For example, the Silverado 3500HD helps you out with a standard Rear Vision Camera. Optional technology lets you add up to 15 cameras, giving you a view of just about every angle. A Trailer Length Indicator helps you switch lanes safely and the Trailer Angle Indicator with Guidelines helps you line up truck hitch and trailer. A Jack Knife Alert system can also help you back your trailer in the desired direction.
The Silverado 3500HD can also alert you to danger. Optional safety features, like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, tell you when you need to take action. Another is the Automatic Emergency Braking system which actually does the work for you, automatically applying the brakes to help you avoid a potential crash.
Standard:
- Rear Vision Camera
- Six airbags
- Manual door locks
- Brake pad wear indicator
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control
- Manual door locks
- Teen Driver
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Optional:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Seat Reminder
- Auxiliary Trailer Camera
- Bed View Camera
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- HD Surround Vision
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Hill Descent Control
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
- Following Distance Indicator
- Hitch Guidance
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Keyless Open and Start
- Power door locks
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Rearview mirror with partial video display
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Remote Start
- Safety Alert Seat
- Steering column lock control
- Theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system
- Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Sensors
- Universal Home Remote
Silverado 3500HD Trim Models
Not only does the Silverado 3500HD ensure a powerful performance, but it also offers a range of trim models that cater to both your budget and sense of style.
Work Truck
The entry-level Work Truck keeps costs low and delivers everything you need for a sturdy performance. It also makes smartphone connectivity easy, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Chevy’s easy-to-use infotainment system (USB ports are also standard equipment).
- Infotainment 3 with 7-inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Vinyl seats and flooring
LT
The LT adds cloth upholstery and power accessories for an increasingly modern cruise and with a data subscription, the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot provides a reliable internet connection for your travels.
- Cloth seating
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi capable
- Power door locks
- Chrome bumpers
LTZ
With the LTZ, cruising becomes a little more luxurious. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control sets up two separate comfort zones and the EZ Lift tailgate provides a little assistance accessing your cargo, making it easy to both open and close the tailgate.
- LED headlights
- EZ Lift tailgate
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Variable assist steering (adjusts setting based on speed/road conditions)
High Country
The top-tier Silverado 3500HD adds more in luxury and utility features while the power tailgate makes cargo access effortless. Inside, leather upholstery and a Bose premium audio system will impress your favorite passengers.
- Power tailgate
- Bose premium audio system
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
Technology Package
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Multicolor 15-inch Head-Up Display
- 8-inch Digital Driver Information Center (LTZ models)
Suspension Package
- Helps maintain ride and handling quality while towing a trailer or moving heavy payloads
Advanced Trailering Package
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Advanced Trailering System
- Chevrolet Infotainment System with 8-inch color touch screen
- USB port to play stored audio files through the audio system
- SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription
- HD Radio technology
- HD Rear Vision Camera
Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition
- Snow Plow Prep/Camper Package contents
- 18-inch high gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- Roof marker lamps
- Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition bedside decal with bear graphic
- Rubberized-vinyl flooring (LT models)
All Star Edition
- Convenience Package contents
- Safety Package contents
Cloth Rear Seat with Storage Package
- Seats three
- Includes child seat top tether anchors
- Can fold one or both sides up
- Seatback storage on left and right side
- Center fold-out armrest with two cup holders
- Underseat storage
Convenience Package
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar
- Heated driver and front passenger seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column
- Rear-window defogger
- Keyless Open and Start
- Remote Start
- Content theft alarm
- LED cargo bed lighting
- LED fog lamps
- Rear wheelhouse liners (single rear wheel models)
- Front 40/20/40 split-bench seat with under seat storage (Crew and Double Cab models)
- Auxiliary power outlet (Crew and Double Cab models)
- Two charge-only, second-row USB1 ports (Crew and Double Cab models)
Convenience Package II
- 120-volt power outlet on the instrument panel
- 120-volt bed mounted power outlet
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System with 8-inch color HD touchscreen
- Two USB ports
- SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription
- HD Radio
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Advanced Trailering System
- Rear sliding power window (Crew and Double Cab models)
- Universal Home Remote (Crew and Double Cab models)
- Cloth Rear Seat with Storage Package contents (Crew Cab models)
Dark Essentials Package
- Black Silverado 3500 HD and trim nameplates
- Front Black bowtie
- Black tailgate decal lettering
Gooseneck/5th Wheel Package
- Hitch platform to accept gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch
- Hitch platform with tray to accept ball and stamped bed holes with caps installed
- Bed-mounted seven-pin trailer harness
Gooseneck Hitch Package
- Gooseneck ball
- Chain tie-down kit with case
High Country Deluxe
- Safety Package II contents
- Technology Package contents
- Gooseneck/5th Wheel Package contents
Interior Convenience Package
- Console insert organizer tray
- Rear under-seat storage
- All-weather floor liners
LTZ Convenience Package
- Bucket seats
- Center console
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Rear heated outboard seats
- Rear sliding power window
- Universal Home Remote
- Power up/down tailgate
- LED cargo bed lighting
LTZ Convenience Package II
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system with connected Navigation and 8-inch HD color touchscreen
- Seven-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with Richbass woofer
- HD Surround Vision with Two Trailer View Camera Provisions
- Bed View Camera
- Wireless charging pad
LTZ Plus Package
- LTZ Convenience Package contents
- Safety Package contents
LTZ Premium Package
- LTZ Convenience Package contents
- LTZ Convenience Package II contents
- Safety Package contents
- Safety Package II contents
- Technology Package contents
- 20-inch six-spoke polished aluminum wheels (single-rear-wheel models only)
- 20-inch all-terrain blackwall tires (single-rear-wheel models only)
LTZ Premium Texas Edition
- LTZ Convenience Package contents
- LTZ Convenience Package II contents
- Safety Package contents
- Safety Package II contents
- Technology Package contents
- Texas Edition badging
- 20-inch six-spoke polished aluminum wheels
- 20-inch all-terrain blackwall tires
LTZ Texas Edition
- Texas Edition badging
- LTZ Convenience Package contents
- Safety Package contents
Leather Package
- Front leather-appointed seats
- Up-level Rear Seat with Storage Package contents (Crew Cab models)
Midnight Edition
- Black grille bar with CHEVROLET
- Black grille inserts with Z71 badge
- Black skid plate
- Black Silverado, trim level, tailgate and door tonnage badging
- Black bowtie on horn pad
- Gloss Black mirror caps
- Black hood vent surround
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- 18-inch high gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 4-inch Black round assist steps
- High-intensity LED headlamps (LT models)
- Power-adjustable exterior vertical trailering mirrors (LT models)
- Black belt line molding (LTZ models)
- Black door handles (LTZ models)
Remote Start Package
- Remote start
- Rear-window defogger
Safety Confidence Package
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Steering wheel audio controls
- 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center
- Cruise control
Safety Package
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Perimeter Lighting
Safety Package II
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- IntelliBeam (high beam assist)
- Following Distance Indicator
- Safety Alert Seat
Snow Plow Prep/Camper Package
- Power feed to accommodate a backup and roof emergency light
- A single 220-amp alternator
- Heavy-duty front springs
- Under body skid plates to protect transfer case
Technology Package
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Multi-color 15" Diagonal Head-Up Display
- 8-inch Digital Driver Information Center (LTZ models)
Texas Edition
- Texas Edition badging
- Convenience Package contents
- Safety Package contents
Trailering Package
- Trailer Hitch
- Trailering hitch platform
- 2.5-inch receiver hitch (with 2-inch insert), four-pin and seven-pin connectors
- Seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed connector for connecting trailer lights and brakes
Up-Level Rear Seat with Storage Package
- Full-length bench seat
- Seatback storage on left and right side
- Center fold out armrest with two cup holders
- Underseat storage (full cab width)
Work Truck Convenience Package
- Remote keyless entry
- Cruise control
- EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate
- Tinted glass
- Rear-window defogger
- Black outside power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors
- Power windows and door locks (Regular Cab models)
Work Truck Safety Package
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Chrome front and rear bumper
Z71 Chrome Sport Edition
- Body-color grille bar with CHEVROLET
- Black mesh with Chrome grille accents and Z71 badge
- Chrome skid plate
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- 20-inch all-terrain blackwall tires
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Grazen Metallic painted accents (LT models)
- High-intensity LED headlamps (LT models)
- Outside power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors with Chrome mirror caps (LT models)
- Stainless beltline moldings (LT models)
- Chrome door handles (LT models)
- Chrome hood vent (LT models)
- 4-inch Chrome round assist steps (LT models)
- 20-inch six-spoke polished aluminum wheels (LTZ models)
- 6-inch Chrome assist steps (LTZ models)
Z71 Off-Road Package
- Z71 Off-Road suspension with Rancho twin tube shocks
- Hill Descent Control
- Skid plates
- Z71 hard badge (Work Truck, LT and LTZ models)
- Z71 grille emblem (LT and LTZ models)
Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package
- Z71 Off-Road suspension with Rancho twin tube shocks
- Hill Descent Control
- Skid plates
- All-weather floor liners with Z71 logo
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 20-inch six-spoke polished aluminum wheels (LTZ models)
- 20-inch all-terrain blackwall tires (LTZ models)
Z71 Sport Edition
- Body-color grille bar with CHEVROLET
- Black grille inserts with Z71 badge
- Black skid plate
- Black Silverado, trim level, tailgate and door tonnage badging
- Black bowtie on horn pad
- Painted body-color mirror caps
- Black hood vent surround
- Painted front and rear bumpers
- 18-inch high gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 4-inch Black round assist steps
- High-intensity LED headlamps (LT models)
- Outside power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors (LT models)
- Black beltline moldings (LTZ models)
- Painted body-color door handles (LTZ models)
Heavy Duty Front Spring/Camper Package
Max Trailering Package
Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the EPA doesn’t rate heavy-duty trucks like the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD.
Chevy Warranty
Chevy protects your brand new Silverado 3500HD with all-inclusive warranty coverage so, when the unexpected happens, simply bring your truck back to the dealership service department for a reliable fix.
- Bumper-to-bumper limited warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain limited warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Diesel powertrain limited warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
- Corrosion limited warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Rust-through corrosion limited warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance program: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Diesel roadside assistance program: 5 years/100,000 miles
- One scheduled maintenance visit in the first year of ownership
What’s next for the Silverado 3500HD?
The Silverado 3500HD was redesigned for the 2020 model year, so we don’t expect big changes in the near future. However, Chevy is rumored to be working on a hands-free driving feature for the light-duty Silverado 1500. With any luck, that technology will eventually make its way to the heavy-duty segment.