2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Buyer’s Guide

2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 General Overview

A terrific 6.2-liter powertrain, improved brake pedals, and an excellent driving position are what make the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 a coveted choice in the market. As a versatile and capable pickup truck, the Silverado has traditional interiors and is widely reputed in the market. As a light-duty full-size pickup truck, it boasts of high towing capacity, making it popular.

Starting at an affordable USD 28,995, the Chevy Silverado is a tempting option for individuals and families, especially those that spend a lot of time on the road. Fuel efficiency and quickness are two features that make this vehicle a top choice for many. Highly proficient, one of the best features of this vehicle is that it can be configurable to the driver’s requirements. It comes with many handy features and is technologically sound, making it highly sought after.

One of the main reasons the 2021 Silverado 1500 is so desirable is that it has upgraded features such as a multi-flex tailgate that can fold in 6 different ways.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pricing and Trims

The starting MSRP of the 2021 Chevy Silverado is at a highly affordable price point for a pickup. There are many trim levels to choose from to suit your requirements and budget.

Exterior 

Dimensions

Styling

The Chevy Silverado is a comfortably sized pickup that has a bare WT trim and goes up to a luxurious High Country trim. The vehicle can be configured in many ways, on the interior and the exterior. The Silverado comes in an exciting range of colours – from metallics to tint coats. On the inside, the front seats are manually adjustable, and the vehicle has vinyl seats and manual locks. As you add-on features, the vehicle has the capability of heated front seats, a head-up display, and even wireless charging. On the outside, the vehicle has a traditional body design, similar to its previous models. The crew cab boasts a lot of rear and headroom and the car also has storage cubbies cleverly spread across the vehicle.

Interior

Let’s have a look at the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Interior:

Dimensions

Quality, Space, and Comfort

One of the best qualities of the Chevy Silverado is the spacious headroom and enormous rear seat. The front seats can be adjusted manually and can be configured to be heated. With a predicted reliability score of 82/100, the car is very capable and versatile. The interior cabins are upscale and comfortable, and the car delivers polished handling, along with several safety features. The stout engine performance is another plus, however, a drawback is that the rear seats are not cushioned. While the seats are not as plush as its rivals, the car delivers good performance.

Cargo

In terms of cargo space, the Silverado offers 62.90 cubic ft of space with a bed length of 69.92 ft, which can carry up to 2,280 lbs of payload. Considered to be a reputed hauler, the Silverado provides convenience and efficiency.

Entertainment

In terms of connectivity and infotainment, the Silverado is a class apart.

Each variant of the Silverado 1500 comes equipped with a highly advanced touchscreen infotainment system. These systems support Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and even offer mobile hotspots.

The overall interaction between the driver or passenger and the system is also an easy experience. There are easy-to-use physical knobs and buttons in the vehicle, and the screen offers prompt responses upon being provided with touch inputs.

Most Silverado trims can easily have an 8.0-inch touchscreen installed which is larger and makes the vehicle more desirable. Other features that can be included in the Silverado include a built-in navigation system, Bose audio system, and wireless charging.

Features

Chevrolet Silverado WT

The entry-level 2021 Chevy Silverado includes:

• Rubberized vinyl floor for effortless cleanup
• Durable vinyl or available cloth seats
• 40/20/40 split-bench front seat (featuring covered armrest storage)
• Chevrolet graphic grille and tailgate
• Durabed including 12 standard tie-downs
• Blacked-out grille, bumpers, and trim

Chevrolet Silverado Custom

With the Custom 2021 Chevy Silverado, buyers have the option to configure the Work Truck (WT) trim with highlights like signature LED taillamps, rear-window defogger, remote start, theft alarm, 20-inch silver painted aluminum wheels, LED cargo area lighting, EZ lift power lock and release tailgate and more features.

Chevrolet Silverado LT

The LT trim level has many features such as –

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• LED cargo area lighting
• Content theft alarm
• 17-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels
• Trailering Package – 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, a trailer hitch, and Hitch Guidance
• Two charge-only USB ports for the second row (Crew Cab)
• Manual tilt/telescoping steering column
• Auxiliary power outlet
• Heated driver and passenger seats
• LED headlamps with LED signature daytime running lamps
• Chrome center bar, bumpers, and mirror caps
• Remote Start
• 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen display
• Keyless Open and Start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear-window defogger
• 10-way power driver seat including power lumbar
• Heated steering wheel
• Front 40/20/40 split bench with under-seat storage

Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss LT

Looking to take your Chevy outdoors? This LT Trail Boss has many features that make the car perfect for the outdoors, such as –

• Convenience Package II
• Bed Protection Package
• 18-inch Black Wheels with Goodyear® Wrangler DuraTrac® Mud-Terrain Tires
• Convenience Package with Bucket Seats
• Safety Package
• 2-inch Factory Suspension Lift with Z71 Off-Road Package

Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss

With top features, the Trail Boss can be customized to make it even more suitable for outdoor travel. Features include –

• Remote Start with a content theft alarm
• SiriusXM Radio Capable
• Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case
• Rear-window defogger
• Onstar capable
• 18-inch High Gloss Black-painted wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac® tires
• EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate
• Z71 Off-Road Package
• LED cargo area lighting
• 2-inch factory suspension lift
• Trailering Package – 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, a trailer hitch, and Hitch Guidance 

Chevrolet Silverado RST

Need enhanced features on your Chevy? Check out the features offered on the Chevy Silverado RST trim –

• Manual tilt/telescoping steering column
• LED cargo area lighting
• Keyless Open and Start
• Auxiliary power outlet
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• LED headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps, and cargo area lighting
• Front 40/20/40 split bench with under-seat storage
• Content theft alarm
• Heated steering wheel
• Two charge-only USB ports for the second row (Crew Cab)
• Body-color center bar, door handles, and bumpers
• Remote Start
• 10-way power driver seat including power lumbar
• 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 60/40 folding rear bench seat for Crew Cab models
• Rear-window defogger
• Trailering Package – 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, a trailer hitch, and Hitch Guidance
• Heated driver and passenger seats

Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

Wondering whether to upgrade your Chevy Silverado to a higher LTZ trim? The LTZ trim offers amazing features like –

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• A chrome grille, bumpers, center bar, door handles, mirror caps, and beltline accents
• Rear sliding power window
• Front bucket seats with center console
• Forward Collision Alert
• Rear heated seats
• 4.2-inch diagonal Driver Information Center
• Perforated leather-appointed front seating
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power Up/Down tailgate
• 20-inch painted aluminum with machined face wheels
• Advanced trailering features

Chevrolet Silverado High Country

The top-end trim level, the High Country has almost all the features one needs in a pickup truck. The Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country features –

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 20-inch painted aluminum with machined face wheels
• Rear heated seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• The exclusive grille and center bar with 2-tone Bronze and Chrome finish
• Rear sliding power window
• High-intensity LED headlamps
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Front bucket seats with center console
• 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center
• Wireless Charging
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Power Up/Down tailgate

What’s the best Trim Option on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500?

Based on market popularity and trim features, our recommendation would be the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT trim. This model is well-equipped with features such as a 5.3-liter V-8, crew cab, all-wheel drive, and a standard-length bed. But to ensure that this purchase remains highly fruitful, we suggest investing a little more in your LT trim to make the investment worthwhile. Add some off-road features that can enhance the vehicle’s overall trail capabilities and looks. You can do this with the Off-Road package, or even go in for the Safety package where you can add features like blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and cross-traffic alert. Go in for heated seats in the front and the remote start option which put the car in a luxury bracket.

Engine Specs and Performance

• 5.3-liter V8 engine VVT DI equipped without Dynamic Fuel Management (L84 with YK9)
• Power: 277 / 207 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
• Torque: 460 / 623 @ 1,500 rpm
• Automatic Transmission: 8-speed
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Source

There is a Chevy Silverado trim level available for any job you want to undertake – that’s right, with variable engine specifications, this car has something for everyone. The engine range goes from a V6 engine to V8 engine. On the High Country variant, the 420 hp, 6.2 liter is rapid, to say the least, and can jump to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Compare this to the smaller variant where the 355 hp 5.3 liters can go to about 60 mph in 6 seconds. Even the smallest trim level offers good towing capacity. The slowest Silverado trim is probably the diesel-powered one, however, even then the vehicle offers a smooth and quiet ride.

A surprisingly agile vehicle, what’s reassuring about the car is the firm brake pedal and feedback received from the market. Most go in for the Trail Boss trim which offers gnarly tires, a 2.0-inch lift, and several other features that upgrade the vehicle to a more luxurious and entertaining feel.

Ride and Handling

The 2021 Chevy Silverado is the version that offers Adaptive Ride Control which can be configured as part of the High Country Deluxe package. For buyers that are looking for the best ride and handling capabilities from their pickup, this feature is a must-add. As compared to a traditional ride setup, this configuration adds to the vehicle’s overall tech responsiveness and refinement.

Fuel Economy

An efficient and powerful engine is what makes the Silverado highly appealing. One of the best pickups in terms of both performance and fuel efficiency, the vehicle is safe, stylish, and capable, making it a cut apart from its competition. With 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle’s two-wheel drive models estimate about 23 mpg in the city, which can go up to 33 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel drives are at about 22 mpg in the city and offer 26 mpg on the highway.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Safety Ratings

Safety Features

The Silverado comes with standard and advanced safety features. The top 5 safety features of this vehicle are –

• Forward Collision Alert is equipped with an Automatic emergency braking
• Front pedestrian braking
• Lane change alert with side blind zone alert
• Lane Keep assist with lane departure warning
• Front & Rear park assist
• Rear Cross-traffic alert
• Rear camera mirror
• Adaptive Cruise Control

How the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Compares Against Key Rivals

Here’s how the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 compares to its rivals:

Vs 2021 GMC Sierra

With identical performance specifications and horsepower, it’s a tough battle to compare the Silverado with the Sierra. The main differentiating point between the two cars is their towing capacity, and that’s where the Silverado wins. With similar powertrain options, it becomes tough to decide which vehicle to opt for, but if towing capacity is what you’re looking for, then look no further than the Silverado with a capacity of 13,300 pounds. In terms of interior and body quality, the GMC does a better job with better quality materials and premium equipment.

Vs Ford F-150  

If we’re talking performance, then the Silverado definitely wins. Compared to the Ford F-150, the Silverado offers 285 hp with 305 lb/ft torque capability. The car can tow up to 7,900 at the starting trim level as compared to Ford’s starting level which has a lower towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. If comfort is what you’re seeking, then the Ford ranks higher; however, if you’re looking at affordability, efficiency, and truck bed size, then you can’t go wrong with the Silverado.

Conclusion Review with (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Strong performance
• High Efficiency
• Powerful engine capacity
• High towing capacity
• Intuitive infotainment system
• Multifunctional tailgate
• Turbo diesel engine and turbo-four engines

Cons

• Top features are available on expensive trims
• Budget interiors, less upscale than competitors
• The quality of materials used on the exterior is not as high
• Ride quality is not as smooth

Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a good and efficient full-size truck. At the price point, the vehicle is highly affordable and offers several engine options. The towing capacity is very high and the car can easily haul weight. With potent engines, configurable features, and a spacious interior, it is an excellent vehicle when compared with its rivals.

FAQ’s