Silverado 3500HD

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sports Car

The most visible pickup truck war being waged in the US right now is between the Detroit Big Three's full-size light-duty trucks, with GM and FCA both clamoring to take some market share away from the ever-popular Ford F-150. But only slightly less visible is the all-out war being waged between the biggest-selling medium-duty trucks, the Big Three caught in a never-ending scuffle to claim bragging rights in areas like payload and towing capacity.

There's news on that front, as Chevrolet has just announced a new, higher tow rating for the refreshed 2021 Silverado 3500 HD: 36,000 pounds. That's more than five times its own weight.

That tow rating, which Chevrolet claims is the best in its class, applies only to the Regular Cab 2WD Work Truck model with dual rear wheels and the 6.6L Duramax diesel. Chevy's optional Max Tow Package is a must.

That new, higher tow rating gives the Silverado 3500 HD some extra ammunition as it continues to compete with the Ram 3500 HD and Ford F-350 Super Duty, but it's not all that's new for 2021. Other changes include the addition of some useful towing tech that trickled up from the Silverado 1500 - things like a Trailer Length Indicator to help with changing lanes safely, a Jack-Knife alert that warns the driver when they're about to jack-knife, and a Cargo Bed View enhancement that makes it easier to get lined up properly for hooking up a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer.

All of those additions might just make the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD the ultimate truck among those who tow, but even for those who don't, the new model brings some welcome changes. For instance, a rearview mirror bed view camera display is now available on Work Truck, Custom, and LT, with a similar display in the infotainment screen available on LT and LTZ, standard on High Country.

Further, there are four stylish special edition models on offer - Carhartt, Midnight, Z71 Sport, and Z71 Chrome Sport - and an available Safety Confidence Package on Work Truck and Custom trims. That package hits all the important marks, incorporating Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Information Center, and steering wheel audio controls.

The improved 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD officially started production last month.