The new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is brimming with changes that will make any true Chevy fan’s heart flutter! This light-duty pickup truck has been an American favorite for years now due to its full-size body style and high-value performance. The latest production run for this magnanimous model is now more customizable than ever before.
Undergoing several changes, the new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is more streamlined. New tires, wheels, and paint colors have all been added to the lineup. Inside the cabin, you will find newly carpeted floors and plenty of upgraded tech features. Also, sparkling new packages are now available, as well as some special editions models, including the Texas Edition Plus, the LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition, the RST Rally Edition, and the Custom Rally Edition.
Another exciting feature that is available on this powerful beast is the Multi-Flex tailgate, which allows the tailgate to serve multiple purposes. With all of these changes, one might expect the new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 to be unrecognizable. However, you can rest assured that these edits are for the best, and the truck is even more glorious to look at now than ever before.
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One of the first things people generally ask about the new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is about the performance specs. While the output may vary depending on the cab style and bed length, we’ve crunched the numbers to keep you informed on just how powerful these trucks are. Let’s pop the hood and see what’s underneath!
First, we have the 4.3-liter V6 engine that generates 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with the option of changing to 4WD, his engine has an estimated fuel economy set at 17 MPG combined (16 city/21 highway). This engine comes standard on the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trims.
Next is the 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with a 6-, 8-, or 10-speed automatic transmission and your choice of RWD or 4WD. While the fuel economy ratings might fluctuate slightly when different trims are chosen or transmission equipped, the rating will stay around the same throughout the line for this engine. You can estimate that a RWD model will get around 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway), and a 4WD model will also get about 19 MPG combined but distributed as 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. This engine can come with dynamic fuel management, which is standard on the LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country, and available for the LT and RST. Or this engine is available for the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss with active fuel management.
Moving to the 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, this motor pumps out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission for this engine is the 8-speed automatic. However, it can be fitted with RWD or 4WD. The RWD option gets 21 MPG combined (20 city/23 highway), and the 4WD option gets 20 MPG combined (19 city/22 highway). Look for this standard on the LT and RST or available for the WT and Custom models.
Stepping up, the 6.2-liter V8 provides you with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is only available with the 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It has an estimated fuel economy set at 18 MPG combined (16 city/21 highway). This engine is available for the Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country trims.
Lastly, the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 motor generates 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. You may choose RWD or 4WD, but the only available transmission for this engine is the 10-speed automatic. The RWD configuration gets 27 MPG combined (23 city/33 highway), and the 4WD configuration gets 24 MPG combined (22 city/26 highway). You can have this engine put in the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trim models.
With three body styles and two bed lengths to choose from, you can find the perfect match best suited to your needs. There is the Regular Cab with two doors, seating for two, and a long bed. Then, there is the Double Cab with two doors, an extended cabin, seating for four, and a standard bed. Finally, the Crew Cab features four doors, seating for five people, and your choice of the short or standard bed.
The short bed for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has 62.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume. The standard bed upgrades you to 71.7 cu.ft. and the long bed is going to give you 89.1 cu.ft. of cargo volume. The maximum payload capacity is up to 2,280 pounds, and each model comes with the Silverado Durabed. This includes in-bed LED lighting to help you see what’s in the back of the truck at night. A dozen cargo tie-downs are also included as well as an in-bed 120-volt power outlet. You can use the outlet to plug-in accessories for a job site or a camping trip.
One other thing to note about the bed is the new Multi-Flex Tailgate. Offering six functions, this versatile tailgate allows you to easily access the cargo in the bed with a built in step and inner gate that folds down. This tailgate also helps you keep your cargo secure with a primary gate load stop to keep long items from sliding out and an inner gate load stop for those items that are just a little too long for the tailgate to be up. You can even use the tailgate as a workbench if needed. The Multi-Flex Tailgate can handle up to 375 pounds, and you can operate the tailgate using the key fob or the tailgate-mounted buttons to select the tailgate configuration you require.
Chevrolet definitely doesn't hold back when it comes to adding technology and functionality to their trucks. There are plenty of new tech features available on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. Each trim and edition of this model is going to offer you a variety of unique features, so you can choose what is best for you.
Starting with the advanced trailering technology, many new systems have been put in place to help you tow with confidence. There are now 15 camera angles to monitor all of your surroundings when you are towing a trailer. Carrying over from last year’s models are features like rear side-view enhancement and rear trailer view with the trailer angle indicator.
The rear side-view enhancement offers you a split-view showing the left and rights of the truck/trailer based on the angle of the trailer. New for 2021, this enhancement is no longer only available for forward driving. It is now also available for reversing, which can help with trailer positioning. Similarly, the rear trailer view enhancement with the trailer angle indicator provides guidelines for you to follow when reversing with a trailer in-tow. The trailer angle indicator will show you exactly how the trailer and truck are lining up.
New trailer enhancements for 2021 include the trailer length indicator, jack-knife alert, and cargo bed view. The trailer length indicator works when you are about to change lanes. As you switch on the turn signal indicator, a red overlay will appear on the center monitor. This shows you how much space you need to safely change lanes with a trailer. It will also let you know when other vehicles are present so that you don’t cause an accident.
Next, the jack-knife alert uses cameras to track the trailer’s position in relation to the truck. No one wants to get stuck in a jack-life position, and these high-tech features will help you avoid that. Finally, the cargo bed view enhancement will display a zoomed-in view of the truck’s bed and offer hitch guidance. This is great for getting your trailer lined up on the first try.
Other tech features vary depending on the trim level and package options. The safety oriented technology includes adaptive cruise control, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. You will also find a series of alerts, including the forward collision, rear cross traffic alert, the safety alert seat, and a lane departure warning. This model year also comes with a head-up display so you can keep your eyes on the road.
For infotainment, keep an eye out for the remote start technology, OnStar telematics, and satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the LTZ and High Country trims. However, this advanced smartphone integration technology can also be added to the LT, LT Trail Boss, and RST trims. Don't forget to download the myChevrolet App so you can keep track of your plans, services, and diagnostics and send commands to equipped technology in your vehicle from your phone.