2021 Chevy Silverado HD Gains Class-Leading Tow Rating And Four New Special Editions [Update: Ford Begs To Differ, But Chevy Stands Firm]

Update 2: Chevrolet’s manager of truck and full-size SUV communications, Megan Soule, has dismissed Ford’s objections saying “We stand behind our best-in-class claim, which is based on a one-ton, 3500 series truck (e.g. Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, Ford Super Duty F-350 and Ram 3500), not a 1.5-ton truck like the F-450, which is not considered by consumers to be in the same class – and also starts at roughly $14,400 more.”

Soule went on to say consumers cross-shop by tonnage ratings, not GVWR classes, and that’s widely accepted by both the industry as well as the press. Given this, she said “The Ford F-450 doesn’t compete; the Ford Super Duty F-350 can tow up to 35,750 lbs (16,216 kg), while the Silverado 3500 HD can tow up to 36,000 lbs (16,329 kg).”

Soule added, “The bottom line is GM’s pickups have gained considerable share this year and the Chevy Silverado HD has played a big role in that thanks to its capability. Needless to say, it’s caught our competitor’s attention.”

It’s hard to argue with Chevrolet’s logic as virtually everyone agrees the Silverado 3500 HD competes with the Ford F-350 and Ram 3500. That being said, Ford has a point as both the F-450 and Silverado 3500 HD are technically Class 3 trucks. Of course, that’s largely a moot point since they’re not viewed as competitors.

Update: Ford’s Andrew Surma has reached out to dispute Chevy’s best-in-class towing claim. As he noted, the Ford F-450 has a max towing capacity of 37,000 lbs (16,783 kg) which beats the Silverado 3500 HD by 1,000 lbs (454 kg).

While the F-450 isn’t a direct competitor to the Silverado 3500 HD, Surma explained both are Class 3 trucks as they have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that tops out at 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg). As a result, Ford says the best-in-class towing title is rightfully theirs “despite Silverado’s misleading claims.”

For their part, a Chevrolet spokesperson told Fox News their original claim was “based on a 3500 series truck, a traditional ‘one ton’ (not 1.5-ton like the F-450) HD truck.”

The original story continues below:

We often talk about horsepower wars and the battle to have the biggest touchscreen but, when it comes to trucks, towing capacity is king.

That brings us to today’s news that the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD can now tow up to 36,000 lbs (16,329 kg) when properly equipped.

According to the bowtie brand, engineers were able to increase the max towing capacity of the Silverado 3500 HD Work Truck – specifically the regular cab, rear-wheel drive dually equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission and the max tow package – by 500 lbs (227 kg). That’s crazy specific, but it means Chevy can now claim a best-in-class max tow rating.

Also Read: 2021 Chevy Silverado Is Even More Clever Than Its New Tailgate Would Suggest

Speaking of towing, the truck gains new trailering technology including a trailer length indicator. It shows a red overlay twice the length of a compatible trailer, on the infotainment system, when a turn signal is activated. This helps drivers to easily see if there’s enough room to safety make a lane change.

Other new tech features include a jack-knife alert system, an upgraded rear trailer view with guidelines and a trailer-angle indicator, and an enhanced rear side view function which now works in reverse. There’s also an improved cargo bed view feature with a zoom function and bed hitch guidance to aid in hooking up a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer.

Putting towing aside, the 2021 Silverado HD gains four new special editions. The most notable is the Carhartt Edition which is available on LTZ variants and is distinguished by a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior with a Carhartt pinstripe. The truck also has Carhartt badging, a Carhartt-branded tonneau cover and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Rounding out the highlights are body-color bumpers and a body-color grille bar with chrome inserts.

Moving into the cabin, buyers will find exclusive Jet Black and Carhartt Brown leather seats with unique stitching and embroidered headrests. Last but not least, there are Carhartt-branded all-weather floor mats.

Moving on, the Midnight Edition is available on LT and LTZ trims with a black exterior. It features a number of black components including the grille, skid plate, badges and wheels.

The Z71 Sport Edition is also available on LT and LTZ trims, but it goes in a slightly different direction as it has a monochromatic look with “color-matched bumpers, grille bar and black door handles.” The special edition is available in three colors – Red Hot, Summit White or Northsky Blue – and features a number of black accents including the wheels, hood vent, mirror caps, skid plate and badges.

The Z71 Chrome Sport Edition is somewhat similar but, as the name suggests, it features plenty of chrome. The special edition also comes standard with 20-inch wheels and is available exclusively in Black or Summit White.

Rounding out the updates for 2021 are new standard equipment and options. A front center console with storage is now standard on Work Truck and Custom trims, while both models can also be equipped with a new Safety Confidence Package which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a driver information center and steering wheel audio controls.

LT trims gain OnStar and SiriusXM satellite radio, while they’re now optional on the Work Truck. There are also a handful of other minor changes as well as two new exterior colors known as Mosaic Black Metallic and Cherry Red Tintcoat.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is already in production and will be arriving at dealerships this fall.