Drivers of pickup trucks are known to be rather decisive when it comes to their truck performance and looks. This makes perfect sense as pickup trucks aren’t just a ride to and from places. A truck has to be able to work, which means having the ideal amount of payload and towing capacity, a reliable engine with the power and ability to get in and out of tough spots, and enough comfort and convenience tools to help a driver get through a long day of driving. Enter the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Thankfully, Chevrolet understands that drivers have a lot of requirements for their trucks. They’re looking for a work partner, an office on wheels, a magic vehicle that can hit the road, splash through the mud, haul through the night, and maybe offer a quiet place for a little bit of rest. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers an intense number of options to allow drivers to create the truck that best fits their needs. The five available engines, eight possible trims, three cabin options, three bed choices, and a slew of optional packages may seem like overkill to the average driver. But to a pickup truck driver, this is pure driving nirvana.
A Look at the Engine Options
From just about any perspective, five potential engines seems like a lot. Rest assured, however, that Chevy knows what they’re doing. Not every engine is available on every trim of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Instead, each engine has been purposefully designed for a specific job and a specific type of driver.
The 2.7L Turbo I-4, which is standard on the LT and RST and available on the Custom and WT, has been tweaked to increase trailering capacity. This 310 horsepower, 348 lb-ft torque engine, which is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, is capable of towing up to 9,300 pounds when installed in properly equipped. A 4.3L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trims. This engine generates 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow up to 7,900 pounds, depending on configurations.
The only diesel engine option for the 2021 Silverado is a Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel. This engine is available on the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country and comes paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It offers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This particular engine is able to tow up to 9,500 pounds.
The 5.3L V8 engine with Direct Fuel Management is standard on the LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country, but you can also add it to the LT and RST. This engine is paired with a choice of an eight-speed or ten-speed automatic transmission. An active fuel management version of this engine is also available for the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss and includes a six-speed automatic transmission only. Each 5.3L V8 provides 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, leading to towing maximums up to 11,500 pounds.
Last- but absolutely not least- is a 6.2L V8 with Direct Fuel Management. This engine can be added to the High Country, LT Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and Custom Trail Boss. Also paired to the ten-speed automatic transmission, this engine tops the power charts with 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque, and a towing maximum of 13,300 pounds, making it the most mighty option across the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 engines.
What’s New for 2021
With so many options and features, it may seem like it’s easier to list what is NOT available with the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 than to list what is included. However, there are a few notable additions, adjustments, and enhancements for 2021. For example, Chevy has provided the lower trim levels with more standard features than ever before.
The Custom Convenience and Infotainment packages were previously optional for Custom and Custom Trail Boss trims but are now standard offerings. This adjustment adds the EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate to these trims, along with LED lighting in the cargo area, remote start, and increased connectivity features, such as available SiriusXM radio and OnStar subscriptions.
Safety features have been increased across the lineup, with WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss models receiving more safety features than ever before. This makes some of the most valuable driver assistance technology available on all trims, including forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking that can detect and prevent forward-moving accidents with vehicles, objects, or even pedestrians. Also included with this package are steering wheel mounted audio controls and a 4.2-inch driver information screen, both of which help drivers keep focused on the road.
Additionally, Chevrolet has added several features to its available trailering technology. This includes a brand new Trailer Length Indicator feature, which activates a red guideline via camera to help drivers change lanes safely when the turn signal is activated. Jack-Knife Alert is another new feature for 2021, which is able to provide an alert when a jack-knife is possible by tracking the position of the vehicle and trailer. The Cargo Bed Views have been enhanced for the 2021 Silverado, allowing drivers two new views that allow for a zoom in on the cargo bed, along with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch view. Rear Trailer View and Rear Side View have also been upgraded to include guidelines and split views that provide greater insight into the trailer’s angle and space between the trailer and the truck.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trims and Packages
The official trim levels offered for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 include the Work Truck (WT), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. However, in keeping up with the customizability aspect of the line, there are several sub-trims and special editions added to the mix. No matter what features you want or need, there is a Chevy Silverado configuration that has them.
The LT can be upgraded to the LT All Star and LT All Star Z71 Plus. The All Star is equipped with the Convenience Package and Trailering Package, which adds ten power-adjustable heated front driver and passenger seats, two extra USB ports, a household power outlet, and a hitch guidance system. The Z71 Plus version adds the Convenience Package II and Z71 Off-Road Package with bed protection. This adds a power sliding rear window, two 120V household power outlets, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, 20-inch wheels, Z71 off-road suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, making it a bolder, more rugged version of the trim.
The RST can also be upgraded to the All Star Z71 and All Star Z71 Plus. While both include off-road readiness, provided by the Z71 package features, the All Star Plus adds bucket seats, a universal home remote system, extra power outlets, HD radio and rear vision camera, and leather upholstery with a rear seat storage system. You can also add an additional safety package or a power sunroof.
While the High Country maintains its position at the top of the trims with all the bells and whistles, the LTZ is offered with Z71 Plus and Z71 Premium versions. The LTZ Plus Package includes heated and ventilated front bucket seats, heated rear seats, two USB ports, all of the excitement of the Z71 package, and a safety package that features front and rear parking assistance, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with blind zone monitoring. Stepping up to the LTZ Premium adds the Chevy Infotainment System with navigation, which connects via an 8-inch color touchscreen, a Bose audio system, wireless charging capabilities for your devices, and a power sunroof. The safety features of the LTZ Premium include adaptive cruise control, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and automatic high beam headlamps.
The Silverado Can Be Whatever You Need
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is an obvious top choice for drivers who need a dependable truck that can work like a beast but still has the soft touches that make driving all day enjoyable. Of course, that’s the easy choice. From there, drivers can select the engine, configurations, and trim that make the most sense for their job, day in and day out. There is quite literally a Chevy Silverado 1500 configuration that can fit almost any job or truck need out there. What will yours look like.
