The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 represents the status quo for a full-size light-duty truck. Its acceleration and braking performance are pretty average, while comfort and interior appointments are nothing special — at least not special enough to attract new buyers who currently own competing trucks. The Silverado's draw will likely be at the upper trim levels, which benefit from tech upgrades such as adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking, and there's also an industry-first power up/down tailgate.
For the second year in a row, Chevrolet's full-size light-duty pickup truck gets a round of updates designed to add value and make it more appealing in comparison to primary rivals from Ford and Ram. Highlights include a new configurable tailgate (the Multi-Flex) that opens a variety of ways plus upgraded infotainment and trailer-towing technology. There's also an adaptive suspension option for the top trim level that should smooth out the ride quality.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Chevy does give you a lot of choice for the 2021 Silverado 1500. It comes in regular-, extended- and crew-cab styles with a short, standard or long bed. Eight main trim levels are available, including the Trail Boss version that aims to capitalize on the lifted off-road truck trend. Four engines are available too, including a diesel-powered six-cylinder and Chevy's tried-and-true 5.3-liter V8.
Is the Silverado the truck for you? Maybe. The Ram 1500 bests it in our expert evaluation ratings, and Ford's new 2021 F-150 looks like it has the potential to raise the bar for the whole class. But check out our Silverado Expert Rating to learn more about this truck's pros and cons.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.2
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Silverado 1500 drive? We tested a Silverado crew cab (High Country trim) with the 5.3-liter V8, 4WD and eight-speed automatic. Acceleration and braking are average but totally sufficient for daily driving or towing. Our test truck covered 60 mph in 7 seconds from a standstill at our test track. An equivalent F-150 is a little quicker, but there's nothing wrong with the Silverado's power. Around town, the transmission shifts smoothly and makes the most of the engine's low-end torque.
The truck tracks straight on the highway, but the steering effort is a bit too light. Handling is secure, and body roll is held nicely in check as you drive around turns. But midcorner bumps can upset the Silverado pretty easily. Going off-road? A regular 4WD Silverado will do OK, but consider getting the Z71 off-road option package or the Trail Boss trim level to enhance its potential.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the Silverado 1500? The Silverado's seating isn't quite as plush as the seats in the F-150 or Ram 1500, but there's enough padding and support to keep you comfortable on long drives. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck ably absorbs most small impacts. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.
The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the optional ventilated and split-heated front seats (separate settings for the seatback and seat cushion), a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you go hard on the throttle, at which point it gets a bit unpleasant.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The Silverado crew cab has plenty of space for four or five adults, even tall ones. The back seat is absolutely massive and offers lots of legroom. Getting in and out is relatively easy, but the rear doors don't open as wide as we'd like. The power-adjustable seats have enough range of motion to accommodate almost any driver, and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment range.
There's a familiar look to the layout of the controls; it's the same basic design Chevy used in the previous-generation Silverado. They're easy to use but don't give off a particularly modern vibe. Another demerit relates to visibility — the tall and broad hood and thick windshield roof pillars impede your view ahead.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Silverado is available with a lot of high-tech features. But the key word is "available." Systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist can only be had from the LTZ trim and up.
Considering the Silverado's size and weight, the adaptive cruise system follows the vehicle ahead at an unusually close distance in the shortest setting. The surround-view parking camera system is helpful, though the display could stand to be sharper. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. We were able to connect phones quickly and easily access music.
As for the High Country trim's power up/down tailgate, most of our test team thought it little more than a novelty.
Towing and Storage
8/10
How are the towing and storage? We tested a 5.3-liter V8-powered, short-bed 4WD crew-cab truck that had the standard 3.23 axle gearing. This configuration provided an impressive 9,600-pound tow rating. The payload capacity for this truck was a similarly strong 2,060 pounds. As for the bed itself, it's a bit longer, deeper and wider than its rivals, and it has more tie-downs.
The Silverado's boxy center console contains multiple pockets, but we'd expect more space given that this truck has a column-mounted gear shifter. For family duty, the crew cab's back seat has two sets of lower car seat anchors and three top tethers, so child safety seats will fit in any of the three positions. But loading the seats, not to mention the kiddos, might be difficult due to the truck's ride height.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Silverado High Country we tested had the 5.3-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic and 4WD, which earns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We found that number to be reasonably achievable in the real world. The best fuel economy for the Silverado comes from the available diesel-fueled six-cylinder.
Value
6.5/10
Is the Silverado 1500 a good value? The Silverado isn't outrageously expensive, but it is priced higher than its key rivals without offering any advantage in features, style or interior quality. The buttons and dashboard plastics are similar to those in the previous-gen truck: sturdy but somewhat cheap-looking. Chevy's warranty coverage is average, though you do get the first scheduled maintenance for free.
Wildcard
7/10
Full-size trucks such as the Silverado aren't necessarily fun to drive. But with its commanding view of the road, lots of towing power and a brutish front-end styling, the Silverado can put a smile on your face. However, the interior looks dated and borrows many pieces and design cues from the previous generation. It may or may not be a personality you want.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim level differences
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup available in eight trim levels: Work Truck (WT), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ and High Country. Like most full-size trucks, the Silverado is offered in varying cab and bed configurations including two-door regular cab, four-door extended cab (Double Cab), and four-door crew cab with full-size rear doors and generous rear-seat room. Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim levels in-depth.
Which Silverado 1500 trim does Edmunds recommend?
Chevrolet builds a 2021 Silverado for nearly any purpose, but the LT and LT Trail Boss trims are where style, value, equipment and capability intersect. You can get the LT trim with extended-cab and crew-cab styles, four of the Silverado's most appealing engines, and with a choice between cloth and leather seats. A Safety package adds parking sensors and a blind-spot monitor system with rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #5 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#5 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$630/yr
vs. $752/yr for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
0.69x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
19.1%
vs. 19.9% for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
8 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
26V083000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N252516560
Manufactured from:
2021-10-19 to 2022-02-28
Number of vehicles affected:
1055
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Defect Consequence:
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Recall Number:
25V274000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N252494000
Number of vehicles affected:
597571
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Defect Consequence:
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall Number:
24V797000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N242454440
Number of vehicles affected:
463295
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Defect Consequence:
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Recall Number:
21V985000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212346510
Number of vehicles affected:
626
Defect Description:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Defect Consequence:
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Recall Number:
21V495000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212336560
Number of vehicles affected:
12
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
Defect Consequence:
The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212336560.
Recall Number:
20V811000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202322230
Number of vehicles affected:
470
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 6, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Recall Number:
20V792000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202314670
Number of vehicles affected:
624216
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Defect Consequence:
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Recall Number:
20V684000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202319030
Number of vehicles affected:
7516
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Defect Consequence:
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 21, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Catastrophic ENGINE FAILURE 2021 Trail Boss Chevro
1 out of 5 stars
Waiveringloyalist, 08/28/2021
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
2 TRUCKS - 90,000 TOTAL MILES - 1 FAILED ENGINE - 1 FAILED TRANSMISSION.
After my 2017 GMC Sierra dropped its poorly engineered, and now discontinued 8 speed transmission at 74,000 easy hwy miles, my 2021 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss LT now has a catastrophic engine failure with only 16,000 miles.
GM is breaking my heart. I have always been a GM loyalist. Both my grandfathers spent … their entire careers working for GM. Nothing else has ever been allowed in the driveway. Seriously. Today, I am sadly rethinking that position.
Let me detail my latest experience (still underway):
- Repeated engine lights kick "service exhaust warning".
- Take into the dealership who gives it back to me saying they followed the GM bulletin and could not service the vehicle because they could not get the issue to duplicate within 50 miles.
- More engine lights. Make another appointment at dealership
- Two days before appointment the lifters on one side of engine ail. Vehicle is undriveable. Service emergency brake light comes on. Service traction control comes on. Service ABS brakes comes on.
- GM reported faulty parts on the engine's lifters, but will only fix the side that has already failed. They told me if it had failed with less miles on it then they would of replaced both sides.
Remember I brought it in once already and they gave it back to me - "nothing wrong". Today it only has 16k miles on it.
- So... I call GM. 3 Days to get my case advanced to a case manager - Shrazondalyn (who is very nice but neutered in her ability to help me)
- I request a replacement engine or both sides of the engine's lifters replaced. 7 more days waiting on a response.... no call.
- Call Shrazondalyn back who informs me my request for a new engine or full lifter replacement bas been denied.
- My case is still open today waiting on a second "escalation" request which I've already been informed will take 2 to 4 more business days to get a response, and will likely result in the same denial of a proper repair, and that I will not be able to speak with the actual staff member making the decision.
So where does that leave me...
It leaves me with a brand new truck whose other lifters are likely to fail and leave me stranded on the road.
It leaves me with a potentially damaged cam that will fail in another 10 - 15,000 miles and again leave me on the side of the road.
It leaves me in a position where I am forced to sell the truck, or pay myself to fix it properly.
The dealership quoted me $3500 to replace the other side of the engine's lifters. I am broken.
Last year I forked out $4400 to replace a transmission, and now after patronizing GM and purchasing what I thought would be a reliable 2021 Silverado Trail Boss, I am left with the option of another huge vehicle expense or a forced sale of my truck.
I am terribly disappointed in not only my personal experience, but discouraged by the the response of a company I have chosen to support my entire adult life.
I currently own three GM vehicles, but if they don't get this one right, I am afraid it will be my last three.
UPDATE: I sold it and bought a Tundra with the old and reliable 5.7
Be Cautious!!!!
1 out of 5 stars
Shawn, 05/03/2021
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
The problems started with just 300 miles with A/C issues. I have had my Trail Boss 5.3l since December 2nd, and it has been in the shop 7 times. It has been in for A/C issues 5 times, purge valve once, and then a lifter failure which damaged 2 injectors and bent 2 push rods. Needless to say with just 6700 miles on it, I got rid of it. GM has no answers for the A/C issues and there are … multiple trucks in the shop with lifter failures.
Check engine problems do not buy
1 out of 5 stars
Darnell , 04/17/2021
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and I have been to the dealership 3 time with issues with my check engine light coming on with less then 3000 miles on the truck. Each time I go it’s the same code. They tell me we could not find any issues so we just reset the light. I am sick of this truck I will be going back to the dealership in the morning due to the fact my check engine light is … back on for the 4th time in less then 3 months.
Bad lifters
1 out of 5 stars
Mell, 05/26/2021
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A)
Have a new 2021 Silverado and engine stared with a ticking sound then went to a knocking sound then every light on the dash came on Check engine traction control brakes transmission everything so we brought it to the dealer they said it was a bad lifter her car is been there for five weeks now I know there’s more issues with the car than that lifter the sound of the engine was so bad