2021 Chevrolet Silverado

Pros: Broad range of powertrains, models, and body configurations to choose from; passenger and cargo room; simple controls

Cons: Ride comfort still doesn’t match Ram 1500; front and side roof pillars impede visibility

CG Says: The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado gains a newly available Multi-Flex Tailgate with 6 functions for easier tailgate access. New trailering aids include a Trailer Length Indicator that helps with lane changes, jack-knife alert, cargo bed zoom view, and bed-hitch guidance. Rear trailer-view now has guidelines and trailer angle indicator. The rear side-view camera now works with reverse. The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-sized pickup truck available in regular cab, extended cab (double cab), and crew cab configurations. Engine options include a 285-hp 4.3-liter V6, a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, a turbodiesel 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine that has 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, and a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8. The 6.2-liter V-8 and a version of the 5.3-liter V8 engine have fuel-saving Dynamic Active Fuel Management system that can run on two, four, six, or eight cylinders as driving conditions warrant. Active Fuel Management can deactivate only up to half of the cylinders and is on the 4.3-liter V6, 2.7-liter turbo, a version of the 5.3-liter V8, and the turbodiesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, certain 5.3-liter V8s, and the 6.2-liter V8. Other engines have a 6-speed or an 8-speed automatic transmission. (See chart below for transmission availability.) Full-time four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case is available.
Available features include power-opening and closing tailgate, head-up instrument display, push-button start, rearview camera mirror, and a camera that can be affixed to the back of a trailer to aid reversing. Available safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Silverado was redesigned for 2019. Although the current Silverado is slightly larger than the previous-generation model, it is up to 450 pounds lighter. The cargo bed is now almost seven inches wider between the walls to increase capacity. The Ram 1500 might still the best-riding full-size pickup, but the Silverado also rides quite well; it also has fine handling for a large pickup. With its wide range of powertrains and features, the new Silverado should have something to satisfy any full-size truck buyer.