Overview
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a widely respected full-size pickup truck, but it’s not quite as desirable as its equally respected domestic competitors. The half-ton Chevy does boast stout towing capacities and an assortment of excellent powertrain choices. The latter is headlined by a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 that’s impressively quick and surprisingly fuel efficient. The Silverado can also be equipped with an array of trailer-assist technologies and several handy features, such as a multi-function tailgate and a camera display in the rearview mirror that gives an unobstructed view of what’s behind you. Unfortunately, the Chevy’s cheap and uninspired interior as well as its harsh ride quality make it feel less refined than the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. While both of those alternatives offer better value, the 2021 Silverado is still a highly configurable and impressively proficient pickup.
What’s New for 2021?
For 2021, Chevy adds a host of new features to the half-ton Silverado. There’s a newly available Multi-Flex tailgate that opens and folds six different ways. Models with the diesel six-cylinder or turbocharged four-cylinder receive improved max-tow ratings, with the former up by as much as 1900 pounds (to 9500 total) and the latter increased by up to 2600 pounds (to 9600 total). Likewise, towing with the 2021 Silverado 1500 gets easier with a slew of trailer-assistance technologies that include a jackknife alert that does what its name suggests; a trailer-length indicator that helps the driver change lanes safely when towing; and a cargo-bed viewer that makes it easier to hook up a fifth-wheel trailer. The Silverado lineup also now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional adaptive dampers on the High Country, a wider selection of paint colors, and new special-edition packages.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A range of engines—including a V-6, a turbocharged four-cylinder, two V-8s, and a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six—means there’s a Silverado 1500 for any job. Of the two eight-cylinder engines, the 420-hp 6.2-liter is the quickest, propelling the Silverado High Country we tested to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. For comparison, the smaller 355-hp 5.3-liter needed 6.1 seconds. The 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder still offers decent towing capacity but needed 7.0 seconds to hit 60 mph. The diesel-powered Silverado had the slowest acceleration of the bunch, but the engine’s smooth and quiet operation is impressive. The truck’s handling is surprisingly agile and the brake pedal provides firm and reassuring feedback. Those looking for the most rugged half-ton Silverado will appreciate the Trail Boss models that feature a 2.0-inch lift, gnarly tires, and other upgrades that make taking the path less traveled easier and more entertaining.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Don’t expect the Silverado 1500 to save you money at the fuel pump, but some of its various powertrain options are more efficient than others. The optional diesel is the most economical, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the rear-drive version. However, adding all-wheel drive drops that highway rating all the way down to 26 mpg, which we were able to match on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which simulates real-world mpg and is part of our extensive testing regimen. Meanwhile, the gas-fed turbo-four with all-wheel drive is rated at up to 20 mpg city and 22 highway. Although the government estimates that the thriftiest 5.3-liter V-8 powertrain with all-wheel drive will earn up to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, our real-world testing revealed that it was more efficient than the Silverado’s smallest engine. The V-8 achieved 21 mpg whereas the turbo-four returned 18 mpg. The 6.2-liter V-8 has city/highway estimates of up to 16/21 mpg, and on our real-world highway test it also proved impressively easy on fuel compared with the turbo-four by delivering 19 mpg.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that doesn’t quite match the lengthy powertrain coverage of the Nissan Titan. However, every Silverado 1500 does get one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit