Chevy Silverado 3500HD Double Cab 2021 Review

There's something to be said for having the right tool for the job. When it comes to towing, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has the power and capabilities you need. Unlike the supporting Silverado 2500HD, this behemoth can be specified with dual rear wheels (dualies) that kick the maximum tow capacity up to a massive 36,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel/gooseneck rig. That's more than the weight of two fully grown African bull elephants, by the way. The Silverado 3500HD comes second to only the Ram 3500 when it comes to maximum towing, and only to the tune of 1,100 pounds.

Coming off a full redesign last year, the Silverado 3500HD returns with only a handful of minor changes that include some cosmetic options and available wireless phone integration. With only three rivals in the class — the Ford F-350 Super Duty, the aforementioned Ram 3500 and the Chevy's sibling, the GMC Sierra 3500HD — the competition is fierce. At this level they're all very close in terms of capabilities, possibly leaving the ultimate decision up to your personal preference.

Which Silverado 3500HD does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (a four-door crew cab but with a smaller rear seating area) and full crew cab. Depending on the configuration, you can choose between WT (Work Truck), LT, LTZ and High Country trim levels.

The Silverado's base engine is a 6.6-liter gasoline-powered V8 (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft) that's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) that comes with a 10-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional. A dual rear-wheel setup is also available to increase the maximum towing capacity.

WT The entry-level Work Truck is big on capabilities and short on creature comforts, with standard features that include:

• Steel wheels
• Black bumpers and exterior trim
• Locking tailgate
• Trailering mirrors
• Trailering equipment
• Power windows and door locks (on double and crew cabs)
• 40/20/40-split folding bench seats
• Vinyl upholstery
• Manual door locks and windows
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Bluetooth for two devices simultaneously
• Two USB ports
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

LT Stepping up to the next trim adds a lot of features to make the Silverado feel less like a U-Haul rental. Feature highlights that include:

• Alloy wheels
• Power-adjustable, heated mirrors
• Trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab)
• Chrome bumpers
• Low-effort tailgate (Chevy's EZ Lift)
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Cloth upholstery
• Carpeting and floor mats
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Chevrolet Connected Services with onboard Wi-Fi
• Satellite radio

LTZ The LTZ trim adds more refinement and luxury by including several features that are comparable to those on some upper-tier SUVs:

• Enhanced trailering technology (added security and monitoring)
• Electronic variable steering assist (reduces long-distance fatigue)
• Chrome exterior trim
• LED headlights and foglights
• Power-folding/extending and auto-dimming mirrors
• Keyless entry and engine start
• Remote engine start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• Household power outlets
• Heated steering wheel
• 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system
• Additional second-row USB ports
• Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• High-definition rearview camera with hitch guidance

High Country At the top of the lineup, the High Country goes all-in with a full complement of luxury features that include:

• Standard 4WD
• All-terrain tires
• Body-colored bumpers
• Chrome side assist steps
• Power-sliding rear window
• LED cargo bed lighting
• Spray-in bedliner
• Power tailgate
• Upgraded driver information display
• Navigation system
• Ventilated front bucket seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Bose premium sound system
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Bed-view camera
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Silverado 2500HD and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Many standard features on the upper trim levels are available on the lower trims as options. Other major options, depending on the trim level, include:

• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Trailering camera system (can display multiple trailer-based camera views on the touchscreen to aid with towing)
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Z71 off-road package (upgraded suspension, skid plates, hill descent control)