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The 2021 Chevy Silverado is a powerful towing machine that’s comfortable for everyday use. Ride along with us as we check it out.
What’s New for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
2021 Chevrolet Silverado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2021 Chevrolet Silverado on Carsforsale.com
As challenging as 2020 was for carmakers, it didn’t stop the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado from passing the RAM for 2nd place in selling 594,094 pickups. Although it’s a distant 2nd from Ford’s F-series pickups, the Chevy Silverado was the only pickup brand to post a sales increase. Buyers are attracted by the power of Chevy’s 6.2-liter 420 horsepower V8’s towing capacity. But will you feel the same way when looking for a pickup? Let’s load up and check out the Silverado.
The Breakdown
Aggressive exterior styling
The powerful 6.2L V8 is nice
That tailgate is awesome
Interior design could use work
No competition with Raptor or TRX
2021 Silverado Specs
- 285 horsepower from base engine
- 305 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- Payload capacity of 2198 lbs
- Towing capacity of 9700 lbs
- 7-inch infotainment on base trim
- NHTSA 4-star safety rating
2021 Chevrolet Silverado Powertrain
These days, pickups seem to come with more engine and drivetrain options than menu items at the Cheesecake Factory. Chevrolet continues that trend in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado starting with a standard 285 horsepower V6 engine on the WT trim. But you can also get a 310 horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the strong 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, or upgrade to the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 in the High Country. That’s not all. For low-end grunt and longevity, there’s also the 277-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Duramax diesel.
The V8s are powerful, quick, and well-muffled in the interior of the Silverado. The 420 horspower 6.2-liter can push a 0-60 mph of 5.6 seconds. It’s a fast and big pickup. Speaking of power, if you’re towing, we’d recommend staying with the turbo-four, turbodiesel, or V8s. The V6 is suitable for driving to work and using as a passenger vehicle, but it doesn’t have the towing and hauling power you need.
One of the more amazing accomplishments of big Chevy Silverado’s these days is how they drive. Quick steering, controlled handling and a sport-oriented feel through the chassis make driving the Silverado fun. You won’t seek your next corner like you would in a Corvette, but the Silverado drives like a sedan on the road.
Of course, for more aggressive off-roading, you’ll want the Trail Boss or a Z71 off-road package. Surprisingly, the Trail Boss doesn’t have the fantastic Multimatic suspension that we love so much on the Colorado ZR2, but it does have the Z71 off-road packaged two-inch lift, Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, Hill Descent Control, and automatic rear locking differential. That should get you through some deep stuff.
Towing & Payload
Chevy says the Silverado can pull 13,300 lbs while hauling 2,280 pounds of your stuff in its bed when equipped with the 6.2-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. Heck, even the turbo four-cylinder can tow up to 9500 pounds. Every 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, except the V6, can tow over 11,000 pounds. Silverado for the win.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado Fuel Economy & MPG
With big engine choices come significant mpg differences. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado ranges in the low 20’s for the V8s to 33 mpg with the inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel. The diesel is one of the more fuel-efficient powertrains in the class. Other than the turbodiesel, the Silverado’s fuel economy reminds you you’re in a pickup.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
We aren’t huge fans of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado interior. Like the Colorado, the materials, textures, and design look like they’re holdovers from the 2014 parts bin. These are expensive vehicles, but the interior doesn’t look the part.
There are still convenience features to be had. Silverados can come with heated and ventilated leather seats, a heads-up display for speed and alerts, multiple USB ports, and a nice looking 8-inch touchscreen that responded quickly. The optional Bose sound system is decent and the wireless phone charger is always welcome.
The back seat is why you get a full-sized pickup, and Chevy doesn’t skimp on the room. There’s more than enough space for three adults and the legroom was excellent. We also like the Silverado’s innovative rear seatback that opens up to access a storage compartment. Impressive. It didn’t adversely affect the comfort of the seatback, either.
We also appreciate the impressive 15 camera views that the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado can offer. The Pic-N-Pic side view and transparent trailer view are especially beneficial when towing. You would need a personal drone to get better camera views than what Chevy offers. Overall, even though the cabin had its plastic quality issues, it is still a very comfortable place to carry on the business of play or work.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado gives you an industry-standard touchscreen system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although we’ve complained about the interior design, it’s nice to have big knobs to adjust the control functions. When you have gloves on, knobs are better than touchscreens. If you choose, there’s the Bose Audio system, navigation, and a wireless phone charging system.
Lastly, it’s not necessarily entertainment, but we loved the tech of Chevy’s MultiFlex Tailgate. It gives you six various functions, including a desk function that gives you space to put a laptop and documents. Innovation that helps you do work is always welcome.
Safety Features
Like other Chevrolets, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado comes with driver assistance features like pre-collision warnings, pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, a following distance indicator, and adaptive cruise control. Like many manufacturers, other than the required basics, some of the Silverado’s safety systems are extra-cost options.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims & Pricing
WT – $28,600
The Silverado WT includes a rearview camera, Teen Driver safety system, manual seats, 7-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth. Also included are two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Extra value convenience and safety packages are available.
Custom – $32,500
The Custom trim adds power convenience items like windows, door locks, remote start, plus Chevy’s Z Lift power lock and release tailgate. Also included are cloth seats, hitch guidance, cruise control, and a WIFI hot spot.
LT – $39,600
The LT adds to the safety package with front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Inside, you’re treated with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. An upgraded audio system with an 8-inch screen is also standard.
LTZ – $49,100
The LTZ comes with the 355 horsepower V8 with cylinder deactivation technology for gas savings. Towing upgrades include a trailer brake controller, an in-bed power outlet, and front and rear parking sensors. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also added.
High Country – $53,400
The top-of-the-line High Country comes with a seven-speaker premium Bose audio system, navigation, and wireless device charging. An 8-inch digital gauge cluster is also included.
Warranties
Chevrolet gives the Silverado their standard 60,000-Mile/5-year powertrain limited warranty and three years/36,000-mile limited warranty coverage on everything else. Chevy doesn’t offer the 2-year free basic maintenance you would get on other makes. So, you’re stuck with the one oil change freebie.
What we think
2021 Chevrolet Silverado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2021 Chevrolet Silverado on Carsforsale.com
Even though the interior looks dated and is due for a refresh, we enjoyed the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado’s overall package. You won’t find more towing power in Ford or Ram, and it’s very comfortable – especially if it’s your one car. As a dedicated work truck, you’d be hard-pressed to find reasons to hate on it. There’s a reason Chevrolet is generating more pickup sales. Load it up and see what you think.
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