Used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is a versatile and recommendable full-size pickup. As with its best-selling archrival, the Ford F-150, plus the Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra, the Chevy Silverado half-ton truck is available in a dizzying variety of configurations. Engine choices range from a turbocharged 4-cylinder to a rumbling 6.2-liter V8, with GM’s venerable 5.3-liter V8 and a just-adequate V6 also in the mix. The recent arrival of a turbodiesel 6-cylinder makes the Silverado even more tempting.

With an all-new Ford F-150 around the corner, the Silverado continues to up its game. Improvements for 2021 include a multi-function tailgate like the one that’s been available on the GMC Sierra, enhanced towing capacity, upgraded tech like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Adaptive Ride Control suspension on top-line models.

In addition to the ability to tow over 13,000 pounds, the Silverado stands out for its advanced multi-camera trailering system that makes hooking up trailers and towing less them less stressful.

We’ve driven the Chevrolet Silverado in many iterations and with several of its powertrains and have found it commendable overall. In general, Chevrolet’s Silverado drives smaller than it is and has good ride quality considering this is a rugged, body-on-frame pickup truck. Handling is taut with little body roll. Moreover, everything works well and in harmony, from its brakes to its steering.

As for powertrains, the 5.3-liter V8 will satisfy the majority of buyers. It offers good grunt with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and is connected to a 6-, 8- or 10-speed transmission, depending on configuration. The power-hungry will be more than satisfied with the even larger 6.2-liter V8 that doles out 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque. This invigorating engine easily propels the Silverado and, as a bonus, puts out a gratifying growl.

The 2.7-liter turbocharged-4 is commendable in its own right. It moves the Silverado better than you’d think and makes the truck feel lighter. Still, possibly our favorite powertrain is the turbodiesel inline-6. This diesel Silverado is efficient at up to 33 mpg and provides locomotive force. Unless you only require the most basic work truck, you’re probably better off skipping the base 4.3-liter V6.

Given its vast variety of configurations, it’s no surprise that the Silverado’s cabin is just as varied. On one end, you’re looking at a very basic work truck with vinyl seats, manual door locks, and crank windows. In reality, few buyers outside of fleets will have this kind of Silverado. On the other end, a High Country model will treat you to leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, and premium amenities.

Seating ranges from a 3-person bench to the more comfortable 5-passenger setup. All Silverados come with a touchscreen display, either 7 inches or 8 inches in size. Lower trims are stuck with a tilt-only steering wheel and only 4-way adjustable seats. This combination makes it harder to find the perfect driving position. LT and higher trims have tilt and telescoping steering wheel and 10-way power-adjust seats.

Chevrolet’s interior treatment still can’t match the features of some of its rivals, such as the 12-inch touchscreen display in the Ram 1500 or the massaging seats and audiophile sound system of a high-end Ford F-150.

Continuing the Silverado’s many-things-to-many-people theme, it can be had in several configurations. Those simply using this truck for work have the choice of a regular cab and long bed (box length of 98.18 inches), double cab with standard bed (79.44 inches), or crew cab with standard or short bed (69.92 inches).

Even more variety and customization awaits in trims and packages. Aggressive black-out tones can be had with Midnight Edition models, there’s chrome galore on others, and even a camouflage motif on the limited Realtree edition.

The Silverado Trail Boss variants sit higher thanks to a lifted suspension.

As we mentioned in Favorite Features, a new feature for 2021 is the Multi-Flex tailgate, Chevy’s version of the GMC Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate. It will be available in early 2021 on all models.

TOWING TECH
The Silverado’s multi-camera towing system really must be seen to be believed. And even then, you may not believe it. Up to 15 camera views allow you to see what’s behind a trailer, and even what’s inside your trailer to monitor cargo or animal. A particularly cool mode is the “invisible trailer” that melds views to give the perspective of seeing through your trailer.

MULTI-FLEX TAILGATE
For 2021, the Chevrolet Silverado finally gets a feature that so far had been exclusive to its GMC Sierra sibling. The Multi-Flex tailgate offers half a dozen positions, including a standing workstation and step ladder. It is to be available in early 2021 on all models.

At its most basic, the 2021 Silverado Work Truck has a 4.3-liter V6, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 17-inch painted steel wheels. Buyers can choose either a vinyl or cloth 40/20/40-split/fold bench seat. If you need more proof of its bare-bones nature, this truck still has manual windows and door locks. There is, however, a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The beds come with 12 cargo tie-downs, while the rear bumpers have CornerSteps. Buyers can then add more equipment and different drivetrains by ascending the trim levels.

Most buyers will be happier in a higher trim. Just stepping up to a Custom, for example, gets you cruise control, power windows/door locks, and 20-inch wheels. For 2021, Custom and Custom Trail Boss models include the Custom Convenience and Infotainment packages that include EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate, LED bed lighting, remote start, and more.

Highlights of the Silverado LT model include chrome bumpers and mirror caps, GM’s OnStar connected services, semi-automatic single-zone climate control, and the availability of more options, including powertrains.

The street-style RST trims have black accents, LED fog lights and taillights, keyless open and start, and rear-window defogger.

Silverado LTZ trims have even nicer features, including 10-way power-adjust driver’s seat with memory setting, dual-zone climate control, leather interior, 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated seats and steering wheel, a high-def rearview camera with hitch guidance, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated side mirrors, plus integrated trailer brake controller, 120-volt power outlets, automatic locking rear differential.

Top-line Silverado High Country models include heated/ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, chrome assist steps, spray-on bedliner, high-intensity headlights, power-operated tailgate, 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and Bose premium audio.

All models of the Silverado are available with 4-wheel drive (4WD) in lieu of the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), with 4WD standard on the off-road-oriented Trail Boss models.

Several engines are also available, including the 6.2-liter V8 and inline-6 turbodiesel. Amenities like power driver’s seat and keyless entry with push-button start that are standard on higher trims are optional on lower ones. The Z51 off-road package includes an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control.

The Safety Package that’s standard on LTZ trims and optional on LT and RST models includes blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. A new and recommendable package for Work Truck and Custom models is the Safety Confidence package that includes forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

LTZ and High Country trims can be further enhanced with the Safety Package II that adds lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlights. Newly available at the High Country trim level is Adaptive Ride Control, a sophisticated and fast-reacting suspension system.

Then there are various special edition packages such as the Texas Edition. Additional options worth considering are navigation, Bose premium audio, wireless phone charger, the advanced trailering camera system, plus the slick Rearview Mirror Camera that turns the inside mirror into a digital display.

Several engines are available for the Chevrolet Silverado, providing a powertrain for a variety of tastes.

The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6, with a 5.3-liter V8 available in some variants (linked to a 6-, 8- or 10-speed automatic transmission), and a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder unit offered in others. The top engine is a 6.2-liter V8, which is now standard in the LT Trail Boss and optional in the High Country. Also available is a powerful yet efficient turbodiesel inline-6. It packs a lot of torque – 460 lb-ft – and fuel economy of up to 33 mpg.

Towing capacities have been enhanced for 2021. The turbo 4-cylinder is now rated to tow 9,600 pounds when configured as a regular cab/long box or 9,300 pounds with crew cab and short box. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel now has a max of 9,500 pounds.

With the 6.2-liter, a Silverado is rated to tow up to 13,300 pounds. As with most other new vehicles, many Silverado models use a start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle to save fuel. The system can be disabled with the press of a button.

4.3-liter V6 (6-speed automatic)
285 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 16/21 mpg (RWD), 15/20 mpg (4WD), 14/18 mpg (Trail Boss)

2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 (8-speed automatic)
310 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
348 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23 mpg (RWD), 19/22 mpg (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 (w/ 6-speed automatic)
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (RWD), 15/20 mpg (4WD), 14/18 mpg (Trail Boss)

5.3-liter V8 (w/ 8-speed automatic)
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (RWD), 16/22 mpg (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 (w/ 10-speed automatic)
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg (4WD), 16/21 mpg (Trail Boss)

3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg (RWD), 23/29 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg (4WD), 15/19 mpg (Trail Boss)