“This is a great truck for pulling a travel trailer. It has a built in brake controller and trailer wiring. The backup camera is a huge help when hooking to the trailer. Lots of room in the bed of the truck for extra gear.”
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is a higher maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds in the right diesel configuration. Otherwise, this is a light-update year for the heavy-duty truck introduced for 2020.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
4th-generation Silverado HD, second model year after the all-new 2020 redesign; pre-2024 facelift.
Chevrolet positions the Silverado 3500 HD as a heavy-duty truck built for hard towing, hauling and jobsite use, but with enough trim spread to serve everyone from fleet buyers to luxury-truck shoppers. Its core appeal is big capability, a wide range of cab and bed layouts, diesel or gas power, and towing-focused hardware and camera tech. Compared with lighter pickups, the Silverado 3500 is the choice for buyers who need real one-ton capability, upfit potential or serious trailer duty.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the basic, work-focused Work Truck to the more comfortable LT, leather-trimmed LTZ and luxury-oriented High Country. LT has an 8-inch touchscreen and integrated trailer brake controller, while LTZ adds leather seating and hitch-view technology. High Country tops the range with standard 4WD, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, a power tailgate and a surround-view camera system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 6.6-liter gas V8 and diesel engine choices carry over, but maximum towing rises to 36,000 pounds for the properly equipped regular-cab dually diesel. Gas-powered versions also have revised towing ratings, reaching up to 20,000 pounds in several trims.
Safety
The surround-view camera system becomes standard on High Country. There is no new driver-assistance suite across the full lineup.
Tech
LT gains a standard 8-inch touchscreen. LTZ and High Country gain standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while satellite radio changes from standard to optional on LTZ. Work Truck gains a standard 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with covered armrest storage.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 6.6 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, 6.6 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, 6.6 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, 6.6 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd Allison | Automatic, 10-Spd Allison | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd Allison |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 401–445 hp | 401–445 hp | 401–445 hp | 401–445 hp |
| Torque | 464–910 lb-ft | 464–910 lb-ft | 464–910 lb-ft | 464–910 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13900–20000 lb | 20000 lb | 13900–20000 lb | 20000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2–43.4 in | 43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 43.4 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 6 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 compared with the 2020 model?
The biggest change is higher maximum towing capacity. A properly equipped 2021 Silverado 3500 HD regular-cab dually with the diesel engine can tow up to 36,000 pounds, while the rest of the truck remains closely related to the redesigned 2020 model.
Can every 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 tow 36,000 pounds?
No. The 36,000-pound maximum applies to the properly equipped regular-cab dually with the diesel engine and the required towing hardware. Cab style, engine, drivetrain and equipment affect the rating of an individual truck.
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2021 Silverado 3500 HD is a light update to the heavy-duty truck introduced for 2020, with no major styling, chassis or body-structure overhaul.
Which 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
LTZ and High Country have wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard equipment for 2021. LT has a standard 8-inch touchscreen but uses wired phone integration.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 get new engines?
No. The engine choices carry over for 2021. The capability headline comes from higher towing ratings rather than a newly introduced engine.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
(117 reviews)
“Vehicle has outstanding looks and style. Plenty of power for towing. Very comfortable to ride and drive.”
“This is a very capable vehicle for towing or driving off road, and it looks great too!”