2021 Silverado 2500HD: Here’s What’s New And Different
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It has been just shy of a year since Chevrolet launched the all-new 2020 Silverado HD and yet we’re already finding out exactly what’s in store for the second model year of the heavy duty pickup truck. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is getting a bunch of changes and updates, including to the exterior, interior, package structure, powertrain and even a few new features. GM Authority has put together a thorough guide of what’s new and different for the 2021 Silverado 2500HD. Let’s dig right in.
Trim Levels
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD trim level structure remains the same as for the 2020 models, with the Work Truck serving as the base trim, followed by Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country. We will reference these trim levels throughout this piece, and the chart below outlines the trim hierarchy so you can follow right along.
| Trim Level: | Work Truck | Custom | LT | LTZ | High Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEG: | 1WT | 1CX | 1LT | 1LZ | 3LZ |
Exterior
The 2021 Silverado 2500HD exterior remains the same as the 2020 model, while getting a few minor changes and updates.
First, two exterior colors are replaced with two new ones.
Deleted colors:
- Shadow Gray Metallic
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
New colors:
- Mosaic Black Metallic
- Cherry Red Tintcoat
Shadow Gray Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
The manual tailgate function with EZ Lift is replaced with the EZ Lift, power lock and release tailgate function on the LT trim level.
There are also all kinds of wheel changes, as follows:
- Deleted: 20-inch machined aluminum 10-spoke wheels with High Gloss Black painted accents (RQ9)
- For the 2020 model year, these wheels were standard on the Custom model and available on LT
- Added: 20-inch machined aluminum 10-spoke wheels with Grazen Metallic painted accents (Q86)
- Standard on Custom
- Available on LT when Z71 Chrome Sport Edition is ordered
- Available on LTZ only with Carhartt Special Edition
- Added: 18-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels (PTW)
- Available on Work Truck when equipped with Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition
- Available on LT when equipped with Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition, Midnight Edition or Z71 Sport Edition
- Available on LTZ when equipped with Midnight Edition or Z71 Sport Edition
- Added: 20-inch Black painted wheels with Black center caps (NZD)
- Available on LT and LTZ and requires LT275/65R20 all-terrain, blackwall tires and either Z71 Sport Edition or Midnight Edition
- Added: 20-inch Chrome aluminum wheels as LPO-level item (SKW)
- Available on LT, LTZ and High Country
- Truck ships with transit aluminum 20-inch wheels (Q7Q) from the factory with alignment specs set to the LPO-level 20-inch wheels, which are installed by the dealer
- Added: 20-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels with machined finish as LPO-level item (SKX)
- Available on LT, LTZ and High Country
- Truck ships with transit aluminum 20-inch wheels (Q7Q) from the factory with alignment specs set to the LPO-level 20-inch wheels, which are installed by the dealer
- Added: 20-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels as LPO-level items (SHH)
- Available on LT, LTZ and High Country
- Truck ships with transit aluminum 20-inch wheels (Q7Q) from the factory with alignment specs set to the LPO-level 20-inch wheels, which are installed by the dealer
- Added: LT275/70R18 mud-terrain blackwall tires (QG3)
- This tire has a reduction in conventional trailering capacity
- Requires 4WD model
- Available on Work Truck with Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition.
- Available on LT with Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition, Midnight Edition or Z71 Sport Edition
- Available on LTZ with Midnight Edition or Z71 Sport Edition
It’s also worth noting that the Alaskan Snow Plow Package now includes a different set of wheels. For the 2020 model year, the package included 18-inch, 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Silver painted accents (PYV) as standard. For the 2021 model year, the package swaps those wheels for 18-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels (PTW).
Finally, there is a small yet important change in the way the Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Package is ordered on the 2021 Silverado 2500HD High Country: instead of ordering the Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Package (CMT), dealers must now order the free flow option Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package (Z6A) on the High Country trim.
Interior
Inside, the 2021 Silverado 2500HD sees various changes and updates, starting with the front seat configuration: the front 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with no storage that was standard on the 2020 Silverado 2500HD Work Truck and Custom is replaced with the front 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with upper covered armrest storage. This is the only front seat option on the Work Truck and Custom trims. This configuration is also standard on LT, but this trim level also offers the ability to upgrade to one of two other seat options:
- Front 40/20/40 split-bench with covered armrest storage and lockable under-seat storage
- Front bucket seats with center console (only on Crew Cab and Double Cab models)
On the technology, side, the 2021 Silverado 2500HD now features two USB ports on the instrument panel for the Work Truck and Custom trims. For the 2020 model year, these models previously made do with a single port. Meanwhile, SiriusXM becomes optional on the Work Truck trim and standard on the LT trim. For the 2020 model year, the Work Truck trim did not offer the SiriusXM option, while it was optional – rather than standard – on LT. The Custom trim continues to offer SiriusXM as an option. The more advanced SiriusXM 360L is optional on LT, and standard on LTZ and High Country. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are added; the features are optional on LT and standard on LTZ and High Country (not available on Work Truck or Custom).
The 2021 Silverado 2500HD also sees the introduction of a new inside rearview auto-dimming mirror with partial video display. The new mirror shows the video feed of the cargo bed, captured by an equally-new Bed View Camera, which is located in the CHMSL. The features are available via the new rearview mirror with partial video display on Work Truck, Custom and LT models. Meanwhile, LT and LTZ models equipped with the Convenience Package or the Advanced Trailering Package offer the Bed View Camera function, but show the image on the higher-resolution center screen instead of in the partial video display mirror. Meanwhile, the High Country now gets the Bed View Camera as standard (it was optional for the 2020 MY), displaying the image in the center screen.
Note that the Bed View Camera was optional for the 2020 model year on LT, LTZ and High Country models. However, the output on these models was shown on the center screen, rather than in the rearview mirror. As such, it would seem that the new auto-dimming mirror with a partial video display is a lower-cost way of giving lower-end models the Bed View Camera ability.
Rounding things out is a new Jet Black / Carhartt Brown interior color combination for the Carhartt Special Edition. The last change to the interior is the introduction of front and rear floor liners, with removable carpet inserts available on LT, LTZ and High Country models.
Packages
Chevrolet’s 2021 Silverado 2500HD also gets a whole bunch of package-level changes, with six packages added and several changes as well, as follows:
New Packages:
- Safety Essentials Package:
- Features:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Driver Information Center
- Availability: available on Work Truck and Custom trim levels
- On Work Truck, package adds cruise control
- Features:
- LTZ Premium Texas Edition:
- Features:
- LTZ Convenience Package II:
- Chevrolet Infotainment System with Navigation and 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen
- Bose Premium Audio System
- Bed View Camera
- HD Surround Vision with Two Trailer View Camera Provisions
- Wireless Charging
- Safety Package:
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safety Package II:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- IntelliBeam headlamps
- Following Distance Indicator
- Safety Alert Seat
- Technology Package:
- Rear Camera Mirror
- 15-inch Diagonal Head-Up Display
- 20-inch polished aluminum wheels (RTH)
- LT275/65R20 all-terrain blackwall tires
- Texas Edition badging
- LTZ Convenience Package II:
- Availability: available on LTZ models, only available to dealers located in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
- Features:
- Midnight Edition:
- Features:
- Black grille bar with “CHEVROLET” script
- Black grille inserts with Z71 badge
- Black skid plate
- Black Silverado trim level and tonnage badging
- Black bow tie on horn pad
- Gloss Black mirror caps
- Black hood vent surround
- Painted front bumper
- Painted rear bumper
- 18-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- LT275/70R18 mud-terrain blackwall tires
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 4″ Black assist steps (LPO-level item)
- Availability: available only on LT and LTZ models
- Features:
Silverado HD Z71 Sport Concept serves previews 2021 Silverado HD Z71 Sport Edition
- Z71 Sport Edition:
- Features:
- Body-color grille bar with “CHEVROLET” script
- Black grille inserts with Z71 badge
- Black skid plate
- Black Silverado trim level and tonnage badging
- Black bow tie on horn pad
- Painted mirror caps
- Black hood vent surround
- Painted front bumper
- Painted rear bumper
- 18-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- LT275/70R18 mud-terrain blackwall tires
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- 4-inch Black assist steps (LPO-level item)
- Availability: available only on LT and LTZ models
- Features:
Silverado HD Z71 Sport Concept serves previews 2021 Silverado HD Z71 Sport
- Z71 Chrome Sport Edition:
- Body-color grille bar with “CHEVROLET” script
- Black mesh with Chrome grille accents and Z71 badge
- Chrome skid plate
- Body-color front bumper
- Body-color rear bumper
- LT275/65R20 all-terrain blackwall tires
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
2021 Silverado HD Carhartt Edition
- Carhartt Special Edition:
- Features:
- Mosaic Black Metallic grille bar with “CHEVROLET” script
- Chrome grille inserts with Z71 badge
- Black Z71 badges
- Black skid plate
- Black beltline moldings
- Black bowtie on horn pad
- Painted mirror caps
- Painted door handles
- Body-color front bumper
- Body-color rear bumper
- Black hood vent surround
- Carhartt badging on doors and tailgate
- Exterior pinstriping in Carhartt Gold
- Carhartt interior trim (including stitching and seat panels)
- Carhartt embroidered headrests
- All-weather floor liners with Carhartt logo
- Soft roll-up tonneau cover with Carhartt logo
- Roof marker lamps
- 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Grazen Metallic painted accents (Q86)
- LT275/65R20 all-terrain blackwall tires
- Chevytec spray-on bedliner
- Safety Alert Seat
- 4-inch Black assist steps (LPO-level items)
- Availability: only available on LTZ
- Features:
2021 Silverado HD Carhartt Edition
Package changes:
- LTZ Convenience Package II now includes Bed View Camera, HD Surround Vision with Two Trailer View Camera Provisions
- Technology Package no longer includes Bed View Camera, HD Surround Vision with Two Trailer View Camera Provisions
- Alaskan Snow Plow Package now includes 18-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels
Mechanical
Only one mechanical change is made to the 2021 Silverado 2500HD, and it’s a pretty important one: the addition of optional E85 FlexFuel capability for the new 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine. This option is only available on the Work Truck trim level with the Regular Cab, requires the JL1 trailer brake controller and is not available with the pickup box delete option.
The L8T gasoline engine remains the standard motor in the Silverado HD. It’s mated to the GM six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum output is rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque.
The 6.6L V8 L5P turbo-diesel Duramax engine is optional. It’s mated to the “Allison” 10-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.
Looking Ahead
Having launched for the 2020 model year, 2021 represents the all-new Silverado HD’s second year on the market. We expect the vehicle to remain in its current form for the 2021 and 2022 model years. For the 2023 model year, we expect the entire Silverado HD line to receive a mid-cycle enhancement (MCE/refresh), complete with a redesigned interior about which GM Authority was first to report. These changes will make their way to the Silverado 1500 for the 2022 model year.
We’ll have a lot more on the 2021 Silverado HD in the days and weeks ahead, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
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Great they have come back to the midnight and sport editions with the body color bumpers. Love my 2017 2500HD with the Custom Sport package , Z71 in white. This is the news I have been waiting for for 2021 model. Now can not wait to build one online. May build a Carhart one too, really liking that edition too.
A forward facing camera is needed to be sure no kids are in front of the truck when leaving your driveway or pedestrians when you are stopped at a crosswalk.
It is visible by installing a small mirror
I agree, George. It’s a safety item on a big truck as much as luxury feature. Make it automatically turn-on with a proximity sensor. Certain packages already have sensors in the bumpers. Cost to implement should be real low.
THAT INTERIOR IS BUTT UGLY!!! WHO EVER IDEA THAT WAS SHOULD BE ” FIRED ” !!! THAT COLOR COMBINATION IS SO HIDEOUS !!!
It’s one of many color combinations offered. If you don’t like it, then get another color. I personally like it.
I truly don’t understand why people get all pissy when they don’t like something and demand people be fired only because they don’t like it. Have you thought about the possibility that others might like it, and that there are more people who like it than those who don’t? If we went around firing people just because someone doesn’t like something, nobody would be employed.
I agree. But…… GM has to start allowing people to order anything they make available, ALA CART! Having to buy stuff one doesn’t want, or need, is VERY costly. The combos, don’t even make sense, when you really look at them. We should be able to build a truck, the WAY WE want, not how GM wants it. The reason they do it this way is, more PROFIT! Enough already. IF GM puts it in it some how, we should be able to build it OUR WAY. These things cost an arm and a leg as it is. Just saying’
THOSE PEOPLE GETTING PAID BIG BUCKS TO DESIGN , NOT WHAT THEY LIKE! ITS UGLY!!!!! THE SEATS WOULD LOOK BETTER BUCK SKIN LETHER LIKE GM HAD I THE 1978 ! I KNOW I OREDED A NEW K10 4X4 SHORT BED SILVERADO IT WAS BLACK PAINT AN BUCK SKIN LEATHER BUCKET SEATS AN THE DASH AN DOIR PANELS WAS THE SAME COLOR AS THE LEATHER SEATS! THE WAS REALLY CLASSY!
I would like the option to get northsky blue with the Umber ( brown/ black) interior. Why can’t this be an option in the 2500 HD.? I am waiting for a better screen interior- maybe 2023. Wish it was sooner- if its 2022 for 1500;, then please make it available for Hd 2022 as well. For 65k, i would like to choose any color/ int. Combination. In addition, everyone likes a different grill, i have to buy the ltz grill extra to swap into the High Country, because thats like my liking- just saying “LET US CUSTOMIZE . customer= custoMIZE
In addition, the catalog shows a beautiful brighter blue HD 2500, while in reality it is a dull listless “northsky blue”. With the optional umber interior not available. Trick advertiseming;(
If it’s about Silverado, I think the interior is ok for a truck. I like it. At least the trucking division of GM seems to be on the right track, as for the midium and big car division they keep making mess after mess and brands like Buick that is respected in luxury vehicle segment is failing us and switching to SUV sector that is so competitive that it will just fail. Just go back to luxury cars and dedidgn American cars like previous Electra and the likes of Lincoln
I see a lot of comments on exteriors & interiors of which I agree. That said, I’m more flexible on interiors but would just like to see a lot less problems and recalls!!!! The 2500HD Silverado Diesel I’m looking at is like a mortgage payment, and consumers should be able to expect fewer problems for their money. If they can’t do that then extend the warranty if you have confidence in your product. I do think the bed is the best quality & design on the market & the corner steps rock!
I love the tan and black…AWESOME!
Alex,
Any pic’s of the midnight edition? Any word if there will be a dually version or a “sport appearance package” equivalent?
-Joe
2019 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab Dually Diesel, all black :>)
Sorry guys but that front end is butt ugly. I had a 2001 2500HD which was conservative but didn”t scare little children.
Yeh!!!! Tim, you are super right on. I have had Chevy trucks since the first full year production Full size Blazer. (1970). Also had many step side 4×4 short box Silverado’s. My last.Stepside, was a 1999. They still had a very classy look back then. THEN…. GM swallowed a few “Ugly Pills”. GM trucks have gotten uglier and uglier year after year. Now this! I LOVE Chevy trucks!! But, it’s getting tuffer to take the “new” body styles. They need to take a step back, and take hard look at their designs. And before anybody jumps on the “Eye of the beholder “stuff, One cannot deny, GM trucks are far from great looking anymore. And….. Very over priced! Just sayin’
Tim,
Your not wrong. That’s why I ended up with a 2019 HD, I just could not take the 2020. But I like EVERYTHING else about the truck except the front end, and all black should tone it down a bit.
Maybe the 2023 MCRF will give it a more appealing face lift…or maybe I will buy a new Vette instead. Hard to say…
Driving is a feeling, you can’t be stressed with it, you have to enjoy it. When driving, the driver must interact with the outside world from the inside of his car. Be patient.
I like driving, it’s a game for adult people. I hope I will drive the car from this article when I withdraw my winning from online casino. Do you want to make the same winning? Here is an instruction.
I’m not in a position to give advice and I’m sure all of you will drive more experienced and better than me, but this car has a special design.
” NEWS FLASH ” IT’S A TRUCK THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE TOLD THEM TO FIX THE EXTERIOR AN INTERIOR AN THE KNOW ALL OVER PAID DESIGNERS AN THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF GM DIDN’T LISTEN TO THE BUYER’S ,ITS TIME GM STARTS LISTENING TO THE BUYER’S AN STOP FORCING CRAP ON THE MARKET!! My how times gave changed from back in the day! FROM who was running GM an now who is. HOW MANY PEOPLE REMEMBER WHEN GM LEAD THE WAY WITH STYLING AN INNOVATION DESIGNS!?? WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??!
AMEN, Brother. I couldn’t have put it any better. Consumers have been bitchin’ for years. (At least since 1988) Your right. Over paid millennial designers, given free reign to design what ever krap comes up on the drafting board. Enough, is enough. Bring back the “Square Body”. It will sell like hot cakes! Just sayin’
I would love to be put in a Chevrolet focus group or what ever group that they bring in to check out designs of future trucks. They must have a open bar going on before showing off the designs.
I wish they would use real leather and make the seating more comfortable. I in my truck for hours and the seating sucks
Mick , I agree. The lumbar support is useless compared my 2001 Sierra and 96 Diesel Tahoe. It does not inflate far enough. Seems as if they did the minimum to provide features on the seats.
was really hoping to see the high country grille available as an option on LTZ or even LT models. until the bowtie is back on the front you can count me out.
High Country Grill? How about a total redesign, back to what the Square Body looked like. Has anyone seen how crazy the auction prices are on these trucks. All GM has to do, is put even a little bit, of that retro design back into the “New” trucks. It would take off like a Elon Musk rocket. (Especially, the 1981-1987 front end look). Just sayin’
Now, GM needs to educate their dealerships so salespeople can actually explain all the various options to buyer. My experience is that most oh the sales staff at dealer haven’t a clue.
What was Chevy thinking with that front end???
They need to take the front ends on the 1500s and put them on these bigger trucks. Kinda has the modern day cat-eye look to them.
I think it looks good in the Carhart edition.
When is production starting on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD diesels . I want to order a LTZ and was told they are not in production yet.
I sent an email to Gm about their designs 2 years ago. I was a fan for years. I love the 88-98 body style.
I saw a 2021 3/4 ton on the road last week. With the new grill, it should be offered in pea soup green with wood grain vinyl accent.
You GM designers know the family truckster was suppose to be a joke, right?
Finally a good looking Chevy truck. I love the front end. Interior isn’t great but might finally jump from Ford even if less reliable. Thank you GM.
GM needs to get onboard with ford and dodge with the ability to get the 2 colors like they use to, this will keep me from ordering the truck I’ve always owned.
When is the 2021 2500 going to be available?