2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Sometimes a regular full-size, half-ton truck just isn't enough for your needs. For these situations, Chevrolet offers the 2021 Silverado 2500HD. This heavy-duty pickup has greatly increased hauling and towing capacities when compared to its 1500 counterpart. It also offers some nice trailer-assist features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offers both gasoline- and diesel-powered V8 engines. There are three different body styles and two different bed lengths to choose from. Most trim levels come in two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) variations. Speaking of trim levels, Chevrolet offers a total of five of them for the Silverado 2500HD.

One thing buyers will notice immediately is that this is one sharp-looking truck. It may be a heavy-duty performer, but this is a truck built for more than just work. It makes a great daily driver and family vehicle as well. We will cover each of the five trim levels in detail to see what the differences are.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

The WT trim level is your entry-level truck in this series. WT stands for work truck to signify that this is a stripped down, bare-bones model. It does, however, still come with some nice modern tech. It is also available in every configuration that Chevrolet offers for the Silverado 2500HD. You can get a WT in either 2WD or 4WD. It can be purchased with a standard 6.75-foot cargo bed or an extended 8-foot bed.

There are three main body styles to choose from. There's a Regular Cab with two doors. There's a Double Cab with small rear doors and room for six. The front and rear seats are bench seats that can each accommodate three people. Finally, there is a Crew Cab with much more room in the rear for passengers. This model can also seat six and offers four full-size doors for easier access to the back seats.

A stock WT will come with a 6.6-liter V8 engine with variable valve timing. This powertrain cranks out 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. There is also an optional 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. This impressive motor produces 445 horsepower with a monstrous 910 pound-feet of torque. All of that power and torque allows the Turbo-Diesel to tow up to 18,500 pounds when the truck is properly equipped.

Choosing the Turbo-Diesel also gets you an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission system. The transmission is an Allison brand model that's electronically controlled for smooth shifting. There is a special Tow/Haul mode that changes the shifting dynamics for those specific jobs. This setup also offers Auto Grade Braking that downshifts for optimal engine braking. This leads to less wear and tear on your brakes.

The WT comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with a set of all-season tires. The bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors are all painted black. There's a corner step on the rear bumper for easier access to your cargo. There are LED headlights and turn signals with incandescent tail lamps, stop lights and reverse lights.

The tailgate features Chevrolet's EZ Lift technology. Opening and closing the tailgate feels as light as a feather. This comes in handy when holding cargo in one hand and trying to operate the tailgate with the other. Solar-absorbing glass is used for all of the windows to minimize damaging sun rays entering the cabin.

The WT comes with a nice Trailering Package that includes a hitch, the hitch platform and a receiver hitch that's compatible with 4- or 7-pin connectors. A 7-wire electrical harness allows you to connect a trailer's brake lights and turn signals to your Silverado 2500HD.

The inside of the WT is very basic. There are manually-adjustable seats with 4-way settings. You get Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 System. This includes an AM/FM stereo and a six-speaker sound system. There's a 7-inch color touchscreen display. Bluetooth technology makes streaming your favorite tunes easy.

The infotainment system is compatible with the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps. Power windows and door locks are standard. There's both heat and air conditioning with single-zone climate control. A hitch-guidance system lets you keep tabs on your trailer. A Rear-Vision Camera gives you a better view of what's behind you.

Safety features are basic here. There are six airbags. There's a Tire-Pressure Monitor and available OnStar services. You can also add on Chevrolet's Connected Services. The GMC Teen Driver technology is installed on every trim level for the Silverado 2500HD. This allows parents to customize settings and to disable features to keep teen drivers safer.

The LT trim level has the same body-style, bed length and powertrain options. You can get one in 2WD or 4WD configurations. Performance and handling are basically the same between these two trim levels. One of the few mechanical differences is the addition of an integrated trailer-brake controller for the LT.

For the exterior, the LT gets upgraded 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels. The exterior mirrors are now power adjustable. The front and rear bumpers get the chrome treatment and all windows now have deep-tinted glass. The tailgate once again gets the EZ Lift assist and now also has power locking and releasing.

The LT trim adds on carpeted floors and cruise control. The seats are a little more comfortable but still manually adjustable. The infotainment system is almost the same but you now get access to a WiFi hotspot. Remote Keyless Entry is added on for the LT models. It also comes with a 3-month trial of SiriusXM radio.

The LT has access to an upgraded infotainment system via an optional Convenience Package II. Controls to the stock infotainment system are added on to the steering wheel for the LT. All of the safety features are the same between these two trim levels with the exception that the LT already has OnStar equipped.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT vs Custom Trims. What is the difference?

The Custom trim level is available in Double and Crew Cab versions. There is no Regular Cab choice here. You can get a standard or long bed. They come in 2WD and 4WD variations. As always, this model gets the gasoline V8 engine. This time, there's no option for the Turbo-Diesel or Allison transmission system.

On the outside, this truck comes with a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels with a 10-spoke design. These come outfitted with all-terrain tires. The Custom trim gets halogen reflector headlamps. You get a simplified locking tailgate with this model. On the inside, there's a new monochromatic Driver Information Center.

Most of the standard interior features are the same between the LT and Custom models. The infotainment system is the same as before. OnStar moves back to only being optional. Otherwise, all of the safety features found on the LT are included for the Custom. The main difference for the Custom trim comes from some additional options that can be tacked on.

Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert are new options at this level. Camper Packages and a Snow Plow setups are available. The Plow package includes heavy-duty front springs and under-body skid plates. Wiring is in place for a roof emergency light as well. A safety and Confidence Package tacks on all of the new safety features just mentioned along with a larger driver-info display screen.

The main idea with the Custom trim is a kind of blank slate that can be customized to your liking. Packages and single options can be added to make it perfect for your specific needs. With certain setups, this can end up being a good bargain.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom vs LTZ Trim Level. What Is the Difference?

Like the Custom model, the LTZ trim is available in either Double Cab or Crew Cab versions. Both body styles can be had with either the regular cargo bed or the long bed. It comes in 2WD and 4WD variations. The LTZ has the gasoline V8 engine with the Turbo-Diesel once again available as an option.

The LTZ trim comes equipped with an Advanced Trailering Package. This includes customizable profiles for different trailers. The tech provides trailer-security alerts, mileage information and maintenance reminders. There is even a separate Tire Pressure Monitor just for the trailer and an electrical-diagnostics system.

Digital Variable Steering Assist tech changes the steering dynamics depending on your driving conditions. The LTZ also has a 2-speed transfer case with push-button controls. The driver can select the optimal mode here for towing, regular driving or for wet or snow-covered roads.

The LTZ comes with 18-inch wheels, but Chevrolet provides numerous options for wheels and tires at this trim level. There are sizes from 17 inches to 20 inches with a variety of spoke designs and paint schemes. This trim also gives buyers access to two different Convenience Packages. Some highlights of these packages include bucket seats, heated and ventilated seats and a Universal Home Remote.

LTZ purchasers will also get the option to upgrade the infotainment system with a navigation system and larger display screen. The audio system can be upgraded to a 7-speaker system by Bose. You get Keyless Open and Start here. There are also Premium Packages that allow you to add on every extra safety feature, driver assist and convenience feature that we've covered so far.

The standard safety features are mostly the same. The seats get upgraded with power adjustments and optional leather upholstery. The steering wheel comes wrapped in leather at this trim level. An HD Surround Camera and Bed Camera are both available as well.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ vs High Country Trim. What Is the Difference?

The High Country trim is basically the luxury model of the Silverado 2500HD lineup. It's only available as a Crew Cab for maximum passenger room and comfort. It only comes with 4WD for the best handling and safest driving experience. You can get a High Country with either the gasoline or diesel V8 engine.

This trim level has all of the mechanical features of the LTZ except for where upgrades have been made. The exhaust tips are polished. It comes with a set of 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires. The wheels are 20 inches with other sizes being available as well.

The High Country comes with a spray-on bed liner. The tailgate now has a power up and down function. All of the top-tier trailering packages previously covered are standard on this model. This model gets bucket seats and a center console with some extra storage space.

On the inside of the High Country, the seats now have 10-way power adjustments and lumbar support. The Driver Information Center gets expanded to 8 inches. The infotainment touchscreen is 8 inches as well. This trim level comes stock with the premium sound system by Bose.

Everything on the inside of the High Country is made just a little bit better. The rear seats get the heated feature just like the front seats. Full leather upholstery is optional. Extra stock safety features include Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Front and Rear Park Assist.

Wireless charging is available for your phones and other devices. This model also includes a rear-window defogger. The Universal Home Remote is now a standard feature. There are additional USB ports up front and in other strategic locations throughout the cabin. The High Country also gets premium carpeted floor mats.

Which Trim to Choose?

If the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD will strictly be a work vehicle, then go with the WT or LT trim level. The LT may be worth it if you will be spending several hours each day inside of your truck. Both of these trim levels come in every cab style and with regular or long cargo beds. Both can be had in 2WD or 4WD variations too. These two models can also have the gasoline engines swapped out for the turbo-diesel.

Since the WT and LT give buyers every configuration option, these trucks can be set up perfectly for the type of work that you need them to do. If this will primarily be a family hauler, then go for the LTZ trim. It has all of the best comfort and convenience features. It also has the best trailering features for those family vacations. The LTZ still has plenty of capabilities to tackle the occasional heavy load too, or it can simply pull double-duty as your work vehicle.