The 2021 Chevy Silverado HD is sticking with the major stylistic changes it received for 2020, but not everyone is a fan of the new look. If you’re car shopping, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of opinions out there. Ultimately, though, the opinion that matters most is your own. The Car Connection gave the Silverado HD low points for style, but found that it excelled in many other areas — so if you’re a fan of the way it looks, don’t discount this truck just yet.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado HD’s new styling

With its enormous exterior and plain cabin, the 2021 Chevy Silverado HD only received a score of 5/10 from The Car Connection in the styling category. It has a flat face that reviewers describe as “made for the rail yard” — good for engine cooling, but not the best if you’re going for a more subtle look. If, however, you want a truck that looks large and intimidating, the Silverado HD’s exterior styling might be right up your alley.

The interior is fairly bland, and definitely not the right choice for anyone who prioritizes aesthetics. The cabin is filled with plastic panels, although it does have large buttons and knobs on the dash. Reviewers point out that these are easy to use even when wearing gloves, which could be a major benefit to many drivers. Overall, though, the cabin is more utilitarian than anything. Whether that’s a deal breaker depends on the preferences of the driver.

Specs and features of the Silverado HD

The 2021 Chevy Silverado HD’s base engine is a 6.6-liter V8 that makes 401 hp. There is also a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 option that makes 445 hp. The Silverado HD’s price can start at under $40,000, but if you equip it with higher trim levels, it can go as high as $75,000.

Its towing capabilities are particularly impressive: the turbodiesel option has a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds. The base version can tow up to 17,370 pounds and can carry up to 3,800 pounds in the truck bed. Four-wheel drive is available.

The Silverado HD has a large cabin that can seat six passengers, and regular or extended cabs are also available. At higher trim levels, additional storage space is available under the rear seats. 

Because the Silverado HD weighs over 10,000 pounds, the NHTSA does not require crash testing. Although its large size means that it should hold up well in collisions, The Car Connection notes that even on the higher trims, many advanced safety features are available only as options.

This truck comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and power doors and locks. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

What this truck does well

With a 6.3/10 overall rating from The Car Connection, the 2021 Chevy Silverado HD was pretty badly impacted by its mediocre styling score. Even so, it certainly excels in other areas, particularly when it comes to towing. It has the power to tow just about anything you could possibly want it to and doesn’t struggle with heavy loads even when moving from a complete stop.

The Silverado HD also has a quiet cabin. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it is comfortable and has a good suspension that prevents the bouncing that big trucks are prone to.

Overall, the 2021 Chevy Silverado HD is a highly capable truck, and it’s an especially great choice for folks who will frequently be towing heavy loads. While it may not have the most extravagant styling, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If it has the other qualities you’re looking for, it’s worth seeing the Silverado HD for yourself to decide how you feel about its looks.