2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

History/Overview

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size light-duty pickup truck. It’s one of Chevy’s most popular models, thanks in part to North America’s love affair with pickups. The current generation of Silverado was introduced in 2019.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Chevrolet has added the option of a multi-flex tailgate first offered on the GMC Sierra truck.

Models powered by the 3.0L turbodiesel and 2.7L gasoline engines gain significant trailer-towing capacity, and there are high-tech tricks available to make hauling trailers and cargo safer, easier, and more convenient.

Various trims also gain new standard features.

Available Trims

Chevrolet Silverado trim levels include WT (for work truck), Custom, LT, Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Engine choices are a 2.7L turbocharged gas four-cylinder; a 4.3L gas V6, a 5.3L V8, a 3.0L turbodiesel six-cylinder, and a 6.2L V8. Depending on the engine and trim combo you choose, the transmission is an automatic with 6, 8 or 10 gears and the drivetrain is either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

Starting with WT, features include the 4.3L engine, a six-speed transmission, 17-inch wheels and tires, black door handles/bumpers/side mirrors, 12 cargo tie-downs, corner-step rear bumper, an engine oil cooler, air conditioning, locking tailgate, a 12-volt power outlet, a 3.5-inch driver info display, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, tilt steering, power windows/door locks, vinyl seats, tire pressure monitoring, and USB ports.

Custom trim brings body-colour bumpers, 20-inch wheels, LED cargo bed lighting, heated/power side mirrors, remote engine start, a rear window defroster, power-locking tailgate, satellite radio, LED taillights, a trailering package, carpeted flooring, cruise control, trailer hitch guidance, standard keyless entry, and cloth upholstery.

LT trim adds the 2.7L engine, the eight-speed transmission, a locking rear differential, auto engine stop/start, body colour door handles, chrome bumpers/side mirrors, dual-zone A/C, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, passive keyless entry, LED headlights, a rear-seat power outlet, a 4.2-inch driver info display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and tilt-and-telescopic steering.

The Trail Boss package (offered on Custom and LT trims) adds a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, hill descent control, 18-inch wheels with mud-terrain tires, and a lifted suspension.

RST models gain 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, black exterior trim, and LED fog lights.

LTZ trim brings the 5.3L V8, a transmission fluid cooler, integrated trailer brake controller, 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, power-folding side mirrors/driver auto-dimming, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a power sliding rear window, an integrated garage door remote, front and rear park assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change/rear cross traffic alert, a power tailgate, a power front passenger seat, a 120-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone integration.

Finally, High Country trim adds the 10-speed transmission, a dual exhaust, chrome side steps, a spray-on bedliner, high-intensity LED headlights, an 8.0-inch driver info display, a Bose stereo, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging.

Key Options

To WT trim, you can add convenience and safety packages.

A Z71 package brings extra off-road capability.

The safety confidence pack adds forward collision alert with automatic braking, and a 4.2-inch driver info display.

Multiple packages in LT trim add niceties like phone integration, and a safety package brings park assist and other safety assists.

A tech package in LTZ gains a rear camera mirror, a larger driver info display, a bed-view camera, and a head-up display.

A convenience package II gains wireless smartphone charging.

To High Country you can add a deluxe pack with a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, 22-inch wheels, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.

Fuel Economy

Chevrolet’s fuel consumption estimates for the Silverado 1500 range from 10.2/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for a diesel model with rear-wheel drive, to 16.5/13.1 L/100 km for the Trail Boss model with the 5.3L engine.

Competition

Chevrolet’s competition includes GM’s other big pickup, the GMC Sierra. Other competitors are the Ford F-150, Ram’s 1500, the Nissan Titan, and Toyota’s Tundra.