The Chevy Low Cab Forward truck line is comprised of 3500 and 4500 gas-powered models, 4500HD/XD and 5500HD/XD diesel-powered models, and the much larger 6500XD diesel model, which was added for the 2018 model year. For the 2021 model year, the trucks see very few changes, and the 4500HD/XD and 5500HD/XD models don’t see any changes at all.
Model Line
The 2021 Chevy Low Cab Forward Truck model lineup includes the following Regular Cab and Crew Cab models.
3500 and 4500 Gas Models
- 109-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 132.5-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 176-inch Wheelbase Crew Cab
- 176-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 150-inch Wheelbase Crew Cab
- 150-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
4500HD/XD and 5500HD/XD LCF Diesel Models
- 132.5-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 109-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 150-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 212-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 150-inch Wheelbase Crew Cab
- 176-inch Wheelbase Crew Cab
- 200-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 176-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
6500XD LCF Diesel Models
- 170-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 152-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 224-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 248-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 212-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 188-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 236-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
- 200-inch Wheelbase Regular Cab
Notes:
- All 6500XD models have a 25,950 pound GVWR
- All 6500XD models are available exclusively as a Regular Cab
Regardless of model, all 2021 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Trucks continue to be offered exclusively in rear-wheel-drive.
Exterior
On the outside, 2021 Chevy Low Cab Forward 3500 & 4500 gas models see the addition of two front end protection film options; one for models without chrome grilles (RPO code VO2), and one for models with chrome grilles (V22). The protection film is available for all trim levels, and is applied at the factory.
Notably, all Chevy Low Cab Forward trucks continued to be offered exclusively in Arc White.
Mechanical
The 2021 Chevy Low Cab Forward 6500XD models sees the addition of a rear air suspension option, which is available on all models. There is one restriction, which stipulates that the option cannot be combined with the 21,000-pound semi-elliptical rear suspension option.
Powertrain
Back in February of 2020, GM Authority was the first to report that the 6.6L V8 L8T engine was imminent for the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck. First introduced in the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD pickups trucks, the new L8T engine was later officially announced for the 2021 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck in March, offering more power and torque than the 6.0L V8 L96 engine which it replaces.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Horsepower (HP) / Kilowatts (kW) @ RPM | Torque (lb-ft) / Newton-Meters (N-m) @ RPM | Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6L V8 L8T | Gasoline | 6-Speed Automatic 6L90-E Hydra-Matic (MYD) | 350 / 261 @ 4500 | 425 / 575.8 @ 3800 | 4.10 for 3500 models, 4.30 for 4500 models |
| 5.2L I1B I4 | Diesel | 6-Speed Automatic Allison 2550RDS (MPQ) | 215 / 160.3 @ 2500 | 520 / 705 @ 1650 | 6.17 |
2021 Chevy Low Cab Forward Availability
The Chevy Low Cab Forward range is assembled by Isuzu for General Motors. 2021 models have been in production since the tail end of 2020.
Low Cab Forward News
Chevy Low Cab Forward Sales Up Four Percent To 1,423 Units During Q2 2024
LCF medium-duty truck lineup continues positive trend.
Read More »
GM Releases Fix For Chevy LCF 4500 And 5500 False Positive DTCs
Completed without any extra parts.
Read More »
Comment
While reasonably popular, it doesn’t outsell the Toyota Camry.
Surprised Barra hasn’t canceled these yet.