As one of America’s favorite trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is back again and better than ever before. With numerous powertrain and package choices, the new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is as fun to configure as it is to drive. You can choose from a wide range of body styles, trim levels, and even a few new special editions. If you have been wanting to invest in a new truck, then you may want to get comfortable for a few minutes and read this article. We will walk you through all the juicy details about this robust pickup and why it is worth every penny.
Body Styles Changes
If you are already familiar with the Silverado 1500, then you know that there are many different body style configurations to choose from. For the 2021 Chevy Silverado, there have been a few edits to the lineup. First, the 4WD Double Cab Standard Bed body style will not be available for the LTZ trim. Also, the 2WD model with the same body style is not offered for the LTZ or RST trims. The last edit for body styles occurs with the 2WD Crew Cab-Standard Bed configuration. It is no longer an option for Custom, RST, LTZ, or High Country models.
The two-door Regular Cab with the short or standard bed is still available for drivers looking for a basic work truck. You can also get the Double Cab with the short or long bed on many other trims besides the ones listed above. Finally, the Crew Cab with either bed length is still available in many trims. Seating ranges from two to six people depending on which cab and seat configurations you choose.
Short and Standard Bed Options
As we mentioned in the previous section, there are three available bed lengths, though not every length is available with every cab style. The short box measures 69.9 inches and has 62.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the standard box is 79.4 inches with the ability to handle up to 71.7 cubic feet. Finally, the long box is 98.2 inches long and fits a best-in-class 89.1 cubic feet of cargo. These can come equipped with the Silverado Durabed package, which adds LED lighting inside the bed, 12 cargo tie-downs, and a 120-volt power outlet to hook up accessories.
There is one more thing that we love about the 2021 Chevy Silverado in regards to the bed. The new Multi-Flex Tailgate. With this capacity to support up to 375 pounds, this functional feature allows you to expand your loading capabilities. Using either the key fob or the buttons located on the tailgate, you can choose which of the six configurations you wish to use. You even have the option to transform the tailgate into a standing workstation, which is great to answer emails when you’re out of the office.
A Plethora of Powertrains
With the 2021 Chevy Silverado, you have complete control over how your truck performs. There are five engine options that all produce different outputs. It can get a little confusing with so many choices, but we’ve broken each one down for you. Please keep in mind that every powertrain is available in either 2WD or 4WD.
First is the standard 4.3L V6 engine. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain makes 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. With a fuel economy rated at 17 MPG combined (16 city/21 highway), this model can tow up to 7,900 lbs. As a side note, the gas mileage drops down to 17 MPG combined (15 city/20 highway) on 4WD models and 16 MPG combined (14 city/18 highway) on the Trail Boss trim.
Next on the list is the highly customizable 5.3L V8. This one can be fitted with a 6, 8, or 10-speed automatic transmission, which makes it a fan-favorite. Producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, this engine can tow up to 11,500 lbs. To understand the fuel economy ratings easier, here’s the breakdown by transmission and drivetrain.
- 6-speed automatic/2WD: This model gets 17 MPG combined (15 city/21 highway).
- 6-speed automatic/4WD: This combination gets 17 MPG combined (14 city/20 highway).
- 8-speed automatic/2WD: You can expect to get 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway).
- 8-speed automatic/4WD: This drops the numbers to 18 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway).
- 10-speed automatic/4WD: This combo gets 19 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway).
- Trail Boss: This trim level will only get about 18 MPG combined (16 city/21 highway).
The third powertrain option is a 2.8L I-4 motor. Pumping out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, this engine is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum towing limit of 9,300 lbs, you can expect to get 21 mpg combined (20 city/23 highway) with 2WD. If you opt for 4WD, the fuel economy drops to 20 mpg combined (19 city/22 highway).
The last conventional engine is a 6.2L V8. Generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, this motor is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is only offered with 4WD. It can tow up to 13,300 lbs without breaking a sweat, and it has an average fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined (16 city/21 highway). Of course, if you opt for the Trail Boss trim, those numbers will drop to 17 MPG combined (15 city/19 highway).
Lastly, the 3.0L turbodiesel I6 motor makes 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it can handle towing up to 9,500 lbs. The fuel economy is stellar on this model too. You can expect to get 27 MPG combined (23 city/33 highway) on 2WD models and 24 MPG combined (22 city/26 highway) on 4WD models.
Trailering Enhancements
The last thing we will cover today is trailering. With the new 2021 Chevy Silverado, it has never been easier to hitch a trailer and go. Equipped with up to 15 different camera views to give up eyes from all angles, these new enhancements are what every truck needs. Rear side-view enhancement, rear trailer view, and trailer angle indicator all transfer over from the 2020 model. These features provide you with a split-view of the right and left sides of the trailer. Working in drive and in reverse, these views help you to adjust the angle of your truck with ease. They even show guidelines that you can follow for a successful hitch.
As for the new trailering enhancement for the 2021 Chevy Silverado, we will start with the jack-knife alert. This feature keeps tabs on the position of the trailer in relation to the truck and alerts you if a dangerous jack-knife is imminent. Next is the trailer length indicator, which takes the extended length of the truck-trailer combo into account for safe lane changes. Lastly, the cargo bed view enhancement allows you to see a close-up of the truck bed, which is perfect for gooseneck and fifth-wheel hookups.
Find a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500
When it comes to new features on the 2021 Chevy Silverado, we’ve only just scratched the surface. There is so much to cover that we could write a book! It’s safe to say that this new pickup truck is well worth the price of a new vehicle. To learn more about it the latest Silverado 1500 and everything that it offers, get in touch with your local Chevrolet dealer.
