2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 vs GMC Sierra 2500

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 has a more distinctive look on the outside from a redesign in 2020. It is roomy and comfortable on the inside, but lacks interior quality materials and design as other rivals. The Silverado offers three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (a four-door crew cab but with a smaller rear seating area), and a full crew cab. The three available bed sizes are an 8-foot-long bed, a 6.5-foot bed and a shorter 5-foot-8-inch bed. Depending on the configuration, you can choose between five trims: WT (Work Truck), Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country, with a starting price of $41,185 for the WT and ranging to $77,485 for the High Country. The WT trim comes with some basic features, but higher trims will include cloth or available leather upholstery, LED headlights, power-adjustable, heated front seats, power tailgate, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Sierra 2500 HD comes in 2WD and 4WD Crew Cab and Double Cab models, with a 6’9” standard bed or available 8’ long bed that is standard in the Regular Cab. Sierra’s bold design is shown in its sculpted headlamps, prominent hood, and distinctive grilles. The Sierra has a roomy interior with high quality materials, extra-wide beds, and handy built-in steps for easy access, as well as 12 cargo tie-downs. It seats five comfortably and offers plenty of head- and legroom, with crew models providing nearly three inches of additional rear-seat legroom. Convenient and spacious storage solutions include a lighted center console storage with available lockable console vault accessory, rear seat back storage, and rear-folding split bench with under-seat storage (Crew Cab). A leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, HVAC system with dual-zone climate control and rear-seat outlets, and heated rear outboard seats are available. You can choose between four trims: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Starting price is $44,595 for the SLE trim and ranges to $66,495 for the Denali trim.

The basic Silverado WT trim comes with a locking tailgate, trailering mirrors, and manual door locks and window. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and Bluetooth are standard. Higher trims will come with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and electronic variable steering assist. An 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system is also available. High Country trim will come with a bed-view camera, surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional options include a head-up display, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, trailering camera system, and a digital rearview mirror.

The Sierra 2500 HD offers smart driver assistance technology, though none of it is standard. It is equipped with a comprehensive camera system that features up to 15 different viewing modes, including a transparent mode that allows the user to virtually see through an attached trailer as if it wasn’t there. Available key safety features include, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, and available lane-departure warning. Every Sierra HD has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger touchscreen can be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, Sirius XM with 360L and satellite radio, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a rear-seat entertainment system. GMC also offers a smartphone app that can be used to remotely control trailer functions. Also, the infotainment system allows users to store different trailer profiles to monitor maintenance.

Chevrolet offers a standard 6.6-liter V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission on each trim. A turbocharged 6.6-liter V8 with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque is optional, and it is paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine will take you where you want to go with power and quick acceleration. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional. The Silverado and tow up to 18,500 pounds of conventional or gooseneck trailer and haul as much as 3,979 pounds of cargo. Additionally, a Z71 off-road package that includes upgraded suspension, skid plates, and hill descent control is an option.

The Sierra comes standard with a gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 that makes 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. An optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V8 will give you 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque and comes with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are confident and propel the truck easily, but the diesel engine is more confident with a trailer attached. The Sierra can tow up to 18,500 pounds and a payload of 3,979 pounds.