2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

header-image
$29,300 - $64,195
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Bold, masculine looks

Lack of refinement is beginning to show

Chevrolet decided to go with the feature-packing strategy for the model year 2021

Bonkers (and well-rounded) engine options offer versatility

Boring, utilitarian interiors

A new tailgate, trailer length indicators, a cargo-bed viewer, and even adaptive ride dampers

Confidence-inspiring, predictable driving manners, and brake feedback

Rivals offer better technology and lower running costs

The 2021 Silverado 1500 also has improved payload and towing capacities

Specs & Features

$51,395

price

350 hp @ 2700 rpm

horsepower

700 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automatic

transmission

6.6L 8cyl RWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Handsome looks, robust powertrains, dutiful interiors, and a multitude of trims, options, and features are just a few of the contributors towards the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and its reputation as a workhorse. However, Chevrolet marketing has taken the Silverado the furthest it can, and the lack of refinement is beginning to catch up to it. 

Buying Advice

As we mentioned above, the trims aren’t exactly the best way to look at the different features that can be had in your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If you are looking for quick delivery, you could pick one of the preset trims and get one at your nearest dealership as soon as possible, and for that, we wouldn’t recommend any other than the High country trim as it is loaded to the brim with features. Have a look at the trailer package and safety package when you’re out to buy one.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Rivals in a fiercely competitive segment simply do what they do better, beating the Chevy Silverado’s can-do-anything nature with a more purposeful attitude, which in turn highlights every niggle that one can have with the Chevy truck. With the introduction of electrified pickup trucks, it would be interesting to see where Chevy takes the Silverado brand, and whether it will continue to compete the way it used to against the likes of the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500

Features

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is available in so many different configurations that it would be nearly impossible to find the same config out on the streets if you put any bit of personalization into buying the pickup. A total of eight trims serve as a layout for what kind of features can be had, and the level of customization allows you to mix and match features from different trims to your own liking. 

Trim

Work Truck

Custom

LT

Custom Trail Boss

RST

LTZ

LT Trail Boss

High Country

MSRP (RWD)

$28,600

$35,900

$39,600

$40,800

$43,200

$49,100

$50,600

$53,400

Key Features

Synthetic seats

In addition to or replaces Work Truck trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Custom trim features with:

In addition to or replaces LT trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Custom Trail Boss trim features with:

In addition to or replaces RST trim features with:

In addition to or replaces LTZ trim features with:

In addition to or replaces LT Trail Boss trim features with:

 

Telematics

Remote ignition

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Heated front seats

Climate control

Premium sound system

Tire Pressure Monitoring system

Daytime Running Lights

 

AUX input 

4G LTE WiFi Hotspot 

Cloth seats

Reverse Camera

Blind-spot monitoring

Electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function

Universal Garage door opener

Dual-zone climate control

 

SiriusXM support

Power adjustable mirrors

Adaptive Cruise Control

Leather seats

Heated steering wheel

Ventilated seats

4 One-Touch Power Windows

8-way power-adjustable seats

Which trim should you buy?

As we mentioned above, the trims aren’t exactly the best way to look at the different features that can be had in your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If you are looking for quick delivery, you could pick one of the preset trims and get one at your nearest dealership as soon as possible, and for that, we wouldn’t recommend any other than the High country trim as it is loaded to the brim with features. Have a look at the trailer package and safety package when you’re out to buy one.

Fuel Economy
5.6/10

The V8 engines in powerhouse trucks such as the Silverado are tuned to offer the best they can when it comes to performance. Towing, hauling cargo, and making quick work of the roads are three very hard tasks that these trucks seem to have been doing for as long as we can remember. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado returns a commendable but average 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highways, resulting in a combined average of 18 miles per gallon.

Models

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

2021 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab

MPG (City)

16

19

16

17

MPG (Highway)

21

25

21

25

MPG (Combined)

17

22

17

20

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

28.3

23

28.3

32

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

448/588/476

437/575/506

448/588/476

544/800/640

The huge fuel tank in the RAM 1500 deserves all kinds of attention and praise, especially because it combines with a surprisingly fuel-efficient engine to allow for the longest range on a full tank in the whole segment. However, it is not the most economical engine. That title goes to the Ford F-150 Regular Cab, which can run 25 miles per gallon on the highways, and 19 miles per gallon in the city, leading to a best-in-class combined 22 mpg.

Interior
5.6/10

For those of you who like the old-school interior layout of cars, where everything wasn’t drilled with technology and fluidic surfaces, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 should be a breath of old but fresh air. It follows an archaic dashboard layout with more physical functions than touch. Uniform, simple styling makes it easy to get used to the interiors of the 2021 Silverado, but the cabin design is beginning to show its age. Having constantly seen the same interior for the past few years, we believe it is time for a change.

Models

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

2021 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab

Seating Capacity

2/3

2

2/3

3

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

43.1/66.0/44.5

40.8/66.7/43.9

43.1/66.0/44.5

39.9/66/41

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

89.1

77.4

89.1

61.5

The Regular Cab variant trucks come with different types of seating arrangements, with an option between a 3-person bench seat or bucket seats in the Chevy and GMC trucks. The Ford comes standard with bucket seats. The 2021 Silverado shares the same interior dimensions as the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, both of which offer best-in-class legroom and headroom, making them the best pickup trucks for taller personnel. 

The Ford F-150 offers excellent shoulder room, but the flatbed doesn’t seem to be as commodious in the Ford and RAM when compared to the Chevy and GMC trucks. Standout interior features in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab:

  • Heated seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Optional ventilated seats
  • Leather, synthetic, or cloth seats

How intuitive is the infotainment in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab?

The infotainment in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is far from obsolete but offers the bare minimum in connectivity features. When compared to the likes of Ford, Chevy and GMC are way behind in terms of infotainment refinement, with Ford offering best-in-class connectivity for quite some time now. A 7” touchscreen in the dashboard handles user inputs and comes with the basics including:

  • AUX input
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Telematics

Exterior
5.6/10

The 2021 Silverado uses LEDs and other modern elements to complement its bold styling. This maintains its imposing looks while keeping it up to date with the latest from rivals such as Ford, GMC, and RAM. Chevy has plans to revise the look of the Silverado for the next model year, as the exterior design is also beginning to get slightly old with time. 

Models

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

2021 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab

Curb Weight (lb)

4520

4,069

4,520

4,940

Length (inches)

229.5

227.7

229.5

209

Width (inches)

81.1

79.9

81.14

79.4

Height (inches)

75.6

75.6

75.63

74.6

Ground Clearance (inches)

8.2

8.7

8.2

8.7

Wheelbase (inches)

139.6

122.8

139.6

120

The largest dimensions certainly belong to the GMC and Chevy twins, with a significantly longer wheelbase as compared to the F-150 and RAM 1500. The Ford truck is only 2 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Silverado though while boasting better ground clearance, which is matched by the RAM truck. The lower ground clearance of the 2021 Silverado Regular Cab can be improved upon with the Z71 off-road package. Highlights of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab exterior:

  • Multi-flex tailgate
  • LED DRLs
  • Heated outer rearview mirrors
  • 17” alloys

Safety
8.6/10

According to the Chevy website, ‘safety is their strong suit’. However, the 2021 iteration of the Silverado has received some criticism for its poor safety standards. These safety standards are reactive to the competition, and the 2021 Silverado isn’t all that unsafe for occupants, offering plenty of safety features and driver assistance programs that include:

  • Emergency Braking Assist
  • Hitch guidance
  • Lane-departure warning 
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Forward-Collision Warning
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • 6 airbags
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Competition
9.0/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab vs 2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

The Chevy and Ford trucks are the bestselling of the four in contention. Both have different approaches towards their design that allow them to cater to different demands from those looking for a pickup truck. The 2021 Ford F-150 is incredibly tech-savvy and puts electronics to good use at making tough tasks like trailering, and even normal driving much easier than they should be. Chevy uses sturdy mechanisms to achieve the same, but cannot match the refinement in the Ford F-150.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra may look different, but it is impossible to miss all the similarities between them that let you know of the lack of difference between the two. Both are plagued with the same drawbacks of a lack of development, like the unnecessarily harsh ride quality, not to mention obnoxious interiors. Nevertheless, the GMC truck is an even more ancient-looking version of the Silverado, and anyone with respect for technology would pick the Chevy if not the Ford.

2021 Chevrolet SIlverado 1500 Regular Cab vs 2021 RAM 1500 Regular Cab

Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford seem to be stuck in a rut of trying to outdo one another, especially on paper. RAM lies on the other side of the competition, putting up viable alternatives to the likes of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado without matching them on paper, as you can see in the seemingly lackluster flatbed volume, among other figures. 

Final Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is without a doubt one of the most capable trucks on the market and offers the best flatbed storage you can get with a regular cab layout. However, the competition also offers capable trucks that could offer features to your liking, and if the segment-best towing and payload capacities aren’t necessary for you, you should check out the other trucks in order to get a more financially viable option.

Trims

    Work Truck
    $29,300 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo, Radio
    • Manual front air conditioning
    Custom
    $36,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.7L 4cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 118 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    LT
    $40,300 onwards
    • Engine: 2.7L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 310 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 348 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    Custom Trail Boss
    $41,700 onwards
    • Engine: 4.3L 6cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 285 hp @ 5300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    RST
    $43,900 onwards
    • Engine: 2.7L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 348 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 118 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    LT Trail Boss
    $48,900 onwards
    • Engine: 5.3L 8cyl 4WD 10A
    • Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 122 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    LTZ
    $49,400 onwards
    • Engine: 5.3L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 122 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    High Country
    $53,900 onwards
    • Engine: 5.3L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 122 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$29,300- $64,195

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.48

Horsepower

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

700 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

6

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8.03

395 hp @ 5750 rpm

265 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

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429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

-

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7.62

370 hp @ 2800 rpm

429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

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Gasoline

7.87

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

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Gasoline

7.87

385 hp @ 5750 rpm

430 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

-

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Gasoline

7.67

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

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$35,745- $87,375

Gasoline

7.82

385 hp @ 5750 rpm

430 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

3

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$30,100- $61,190

Gasoline

8.1

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$35,900- $65,100

Gasoline

7.98

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.7 sec15.9 sec116 mph
    6 sec14.5 sec-
    6.2 sec14.8 sec-
    6.5 sec--
    6.6 sec15.2 sec-
    6.9 sec--

    2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg21 mpg17 mpg28.3 gal.448/588 mi.
      20 mpg24 mpg21 mpg23 gal.460/552 mi.
      15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg28 gal.448/588 mi.
      ---36 gal.-
      2021 RAM 2500

      Ranked #3

      ---32 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-

      2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        229.5 in.81.14 in.75.63 in.8.2 in.139.56 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.80.9 in.11.2 in.141.6 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.80.94 in.11.2 in.141.55 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.79.94 in.10.2 in.141.55 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.79.94 in.10.2 in.141.55 in.
        2021 RAM 2500

        Ranked #2

        232 in.79.4 in.80.2 in.13.1 in.140.5 in.

        2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          89.1 cu.ft.39.8 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.
          83.5 cu.ft.-137.4 cu.ft.
          11.6 cu.ft.98 cu.ft.44.1 cu.ft.
          89.1 cu.ft.-89.1 cu.ft.
          83.5 cu.ft.119.7 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.
          8.8 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.62.3 cu.ft.

          2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            76.3 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            2021 RAM 2500

            Ranked #3

            74.7 cu.ft.-74.7 cu.ft.98 ft.
            2021 RAM 3500

            Ranked #4

            ---98 ft.
            83.5 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.98 ft.
            100.7 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.44.1 cu.ft.98 ft.

            2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              10000 lbs.-2250 lbs.4369 lbs.
              22800 lbs.13100 lbs.4160 lbs.5877 lbs.
              21500 lbs.17200 lbs.4481 lbs.6339 lbs.
              2021 RAM 2500

              Ranked #3

              19990 lbs.14540 lbs.3690 lbs.6307 lbs.
              18510 lbs.17370 lbs.3857 lbs.5924 lbs.
              18510 lbs.17370 lbs.3857 lbs.5914 lbs.

              2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              7

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              635

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

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