2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review: Third Of The Pickup Truck Trinity

The epic battle to nab the number one spot as America's favorite half-ton pickup truck has been raging on for years. To strengthen its standing against its long-time rivals - the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 - Chevrolet presents the 2021 Silverado 1500 with an extensive array of improvements. With its commanding presence, selection of powerful engines ranging from a 285-horsepower V6 to a 420-hp V8, and its spacious cabin and large cargo bed, the Chevy already impresses in several areas. It's one of the most versatile and practical vehicles money can buy in the USA, but, even so, the Ford F-150 continues to outsell it as the leading workhorse, and the Ram 1500 draws more attention with its more composed and polished ride. Last year, both Ford and Ram outsold Chevy once again, but with its strong all-rounder qualities and additional features, the 2021 Silverado 1500 is certainly a truck worth considering.

Silverado 1500 Exterior

Dimensions

Silverado 1500 Performance

Engine and Transmission

Chevrolet provides enough engines throughout the Silverado 1500 pickup line to cater to just about every need. Starting off the selection is a 4.3-liter V6 engine that produces 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, all of which is managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 355-hp, 383-lb-ft 5.3-liter V8: when paired with the active fuel management system, it gets the 6-speed auto, while an 8- or 10-speed automatic is available if you opt for the dynamic fuel management system. Further along in the line you get a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor that produces up to 310 hp and 348 lb-ft. Power is modulated by an 8-speed auto. With 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, the 6.2-liter V8 is the most powerful engine in the range and comes standard-fit with a 10-speed auto. For an optimal balance between performance and efficiency, there's a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel motor that spits out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft and comes paired with a 10-speed automatic. In most models, power can be sent to either a rear-wheel drivetrain or all-wheel-drivetrain, the latter coming standard on the Trail Boss models.

In terms of performance, all of the powertrains provide more than enough grunt for pleasant daily driving and light work, with only the V6 exhibiting some noticeable strain under a full load. When properly equipped, the 6.2-liter V8-equipped Double Cab Silverado 1500 with 4WD is availed with a 13,300-pound towing capacity.

Silverado 1500 Interior

Silverado 1500 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 A Good Truck?

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 isn't a perfect car, but it impresses in many of the right ways. All of the powertrains are competent and fairly refined, and there are gas, diesel, and even turbocharged options to choose from. The Silverado is not the most polished cruiser on the road, but it's still pleasant enough for daily driving. In the proper configuration, the Silverado 1500 pickup truck also delivers some pretty decent off-roading potential. Chevrolet presents several cab configurations and bed lengths, too, which means buyers can design a Silverado 1500 that perfectly fits their needs. Whatever the case, the Silverado 1500 pickup is a capable workhorse that can carry oodles of cargo on board and drive with plenty in tow. Chevrolet could certainly make some improvements to its truck's crashworthiness for a better safety rating, however, as both the NHTSA and the IIHS's review of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 return mediocre results. The automaker also doesn't have the best reputation for reliability. Nevertheless, the truck continues to perform confidently alongside its respected competitors, the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, and is certainly worth considering.

What Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Model Should I Buy?

With the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck's price ranging between $30,000 and $60,000 between eight trim levels, choosing which model to go for will really come down to your personal requirements and budget. If you're an avid off-roader, the Custom Trail Boss is a good option as one of the more affordable trims that sports a more adventurous aesthetic and comes equipped with the Z71 off-road package, Autotrac two-speed transfer case, and the heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential. If you're more into just the commanding presence of pickup trucks and would prefer something that prioritizes comfort and convenience, then the LT is the go-to trim. Option it with the CrewCab body config for a dashing 4-door truck with a spacious cabin.