The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a half-ton pickup offering numerous cab configurations, bed lengths, and engine options. Despite its powerful engine lineup, the Silverado still falls short of the towing numbers put up by the Ford F-150 and the payload figures of both the Ford and Ram 1500. However, the misses are not by much, and it handily surpasses the towing and payload numbers for the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan.
The Silverado also has a good reputation for durability and longevity, as well as an expansive trim lineup that offers something for everyone.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT (Original starting price when new: $29,300)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT starts at $29,300.
The WT (Work Truck) is the most basic Silverado, with little luxury or high-tech interior features. It’s the only trim that offers a Regular Cab and long-bed configuration. The WT also offers a Double Cab with a standard 6.5-foot bed or a Crew Cab with the standard or short (5.8-foot) bed.
Standard on the WT is a 4.3-liter V6 good for 285 horsepower, but buyers can upgrade to a 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or 355-hp 5.3-liter V8. 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all configurations. Max trailering with the V6 is rated at 7,900 pounds, while the turbo can pull 9,600 pounds, and the V8 up to 11,500 when properly equipped.
Standard equipment for the WT includes manual air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, manual windows and door locks (upgraded to power on the Double and Crew Cab), plus front, side-impact, and head-curtain airbags. The standard audio setup consists of two speakers (jumps to six in the Double Cab and Crew Cab), a 7-inch color touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Bluetooth phone and music streaming.
The WT’s interior is pretty stark, with vinyl flooring and a vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench seat with manual controls.
Outside, the WT rides on 17-inch steel wheels, has black bumpers with integrated corner steps on the rear bumper, a locking and removable tailgate, and black manual mirrors.
The WT includes electronic traction and stability control on the safety front, a rearview monitor, Teen Driver (lets you set limits on certain features such as speed and radio volume), and a tire-pressure monitor.
Chevy offers a few option packages for the WT, most notably ones that add driver-assist technology.
The WT Safety Package adds front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Safety Confidence Package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, steering-wheel-mounted cruise, and audio controls, plus a 4.2-inch driver information screen.
The Work Truck Convenience Package adds power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, tinted glass, cruise control, an EZ Lift tailgate, a rear defroster, and power mirrors.
Other upgrades include alloy wheel packages, SiriusXM satellite radio, skid plates, trailer brake control, and a power driver’s seat.
Who is this trim level for? The WT is the most basic of trucks, meaning it’s well suited to budget-minded buyers or as a worksite truck that’s going to take a beating and not have its owner worry about a few dents or a scratched bed.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado WT includes:
Air conditioning – Manual air conditioning keeps the cabin cool and dry when needing to defog the windows.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – Allows your smartphone to stream through the infotainment system, granting access to apps, maps, music, and messages.
Tilt wheel – Helps drivers of all sizes find a comfortable perch.
Locking tailgate – Helps keep the bed secure, and when equipped with a bed topper, the contents inside are safe.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom (Original starting price when new: $36,500)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom starts at $36,500.
The Custom trim is the one we’d pick if looking for a basic truck with a few more features and options. It comes only in Double Cab and Crew Cab form and the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine.
Building off the WT, the Custom adds 20-inch bright silver alloy wheels, LED taillights, the EZ Lift tailgate, a rear defroster, body-colored bumpers, and heated power side mirrors.
The Custom’s interior is a bit more civilized, with cloth seating, a carpeted floor, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, cruise control, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Trailering Package comes standard and includes a two-inch receiver hitch, Hitch Guidance, and 4- and 7-pin connectors.
Options include the Safety Confidence Package and the Max Trailering Package that increases towing with an automatic locking rear differential, an upgraded suspension, revised shock tuning, heavy-duty radiator cooling, trailer brake control, heavy-duty rear springs, and 3.42 rear axle ratio.
Who is this trim level for? The Custom trim is the best choice for those who want an affordable truck already equipped with the basics like power windows and locks. It also allows adding a few more customization packages and upgrades.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss (Original starting price when new: $41,700)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss starts at $41,700.
Built off the Custom trim, the Trail Boss adds the 4.3-liter V6 standard, with the 5.3-liter V8 optional. Also available is a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 4WD is standard.
The Trail Boss is a bit more rugged than the Custom, with more equipment for off-roading and adventuring.
The Trail Boss treatment includes a 2-inch factory suspension lift, the Z71 Off-Road Package with Rancho Monotube shocks, the Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, and 18-inch high-gloss black wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tires.
Other features included as standard are a rear window defroster, remote start, LED cargo bed lights, an automatic locking rear differential, heavy-duty oil cooler, heavy-duty air filter, and skid plate protection for the oil pan, differential, and transfer case.
The Trail Boss touts all the same interior and optional equipment as the Custom.
Who is this trim level for? The Custom Trail Boss is for those who enjoy getting dirty but don’t need something as hard-core (or expensive) as a Ford F-150 Raptor. The Custom Trail Boss comes nicely equipped and permits upgrades with more styling and safety features.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT (Original starting price when new: $40,300)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT starts at $40,300.
The LT is the bread and butter trim of the Silverado line. It offers more standard features plus opens the door to more options, including a 3.0-liter diesel engine and 5.3-liter gas engine. The 2.7-liter turbo is still standard at this level.
Building off the Custom, the LT gains a chrome center bar, chrome bumpers, chrome mirror caps, 17-inch bright silver wheels, LED headlights, and the contents of the Trailering Package.
The most significant upgrades to the Silverado LT take place in the cab, where you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Keyless Open and Start proximity key fob, and an 8-inch color touch-screen infotainment system.
Options for the LT include the All-Star and Texas Edition packages containing the Contents of the Convenience Package II with SiriusXM 360L, a power sliding rear window, HD rear vision camera, bed view camera, and two 120-volt outlets (one in cab and one in the bed).
The Advanced Trailering Package takes it further, with Hitch Guidance and Hitch View rear camera, Advanced Trailering System (in cab), trailer tire pressure and temperature monitor, and integrated trailer brake control.
The Safety Package adds front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and perimeter lighting.
Other options of note include leather seating, a spray-on bedliner, rear wheelhouse liners, and wheel upgrades up to 22 inches. Buyers can choose between a power up/down tailgate or Chevy’s Multi-Flex tailgate, as well as power and heated vertical trailering mirrors and a bed view camera.
Who is this trim level for? The LT is for the discerning pickup buyer who wants advanced tech and safety features but doesn’t quite have the budget for something as upscale as the High Country or LTZ. The LT allows plenty of customization while still keeping the price in the $50,000 range.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado LT includes:
10-way power driver’s seat – Helps drivers of all sizes find a comfortable position and has power lumbar for better back support.
8-inch touch screen – Provides more real estate for icons on a brighter, easier to use screen.
Heated steering wheel – Makes it easy to grab and hold onto the steering wheel, especially after sitting overnight in sub-zero temperatures.
Keyless Open and Start – With the key fob in your pocket, you can unlock the doors simply by touching the handle and start the Silverado with a touch of a button.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss (Original starting price when new: $51,500)
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Like the Custom Trail Boss, the LT Trail Boss adds a series of off-road features to the LT trim. The LT Trail Boss comes in Double Cab and Crew Cab with a standard or short bed.
Power comes from the 5.3-liter V8, with the more powerful 6.2-liter V8 optional. 4WD is standard.
Like the Custom Trail Boss, the LT Trail Boss features the Z71 off-road package, 2-speed Autotrac transfer case, an upgraded suspension, and 18-inch gloss-black wheels with Wrangler tires. Inside, the Trail Boss adds bucket seats with a center console shifter.
When ordering the LT’s Convenience Package II, the package adds a 7-speaker Bose audio system.
Who is this trim level for? Like the Custom Trail Boss, the LT Trail Boss is for off-road enthusiasts who prefer a few more luxury and creature comforts.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST (Original starting price when new: $43,900)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST starts at $43,900.
The RST builds off the LT, adding a sporty side to the Silverado. It comes standard with the 2.0-liter turbo but offers the 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, and 3.0-liter turbodiesel options.
To distinguish the RST from the LT, Chevrolet adds body-colored bumpers and center grille bar, 18-inch bright silver RST wheels, and LED fog lamps.
The RST further distances itself from the LT by its impressive optional equipment groups. In addition to the package offered on the LT, the RST has the Diesel Off-Road Package that adds a 3.73 rear axle, Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tires, a hard-folding bed tonneau cover, and 6-inch chrome assist steps.
Custom stylization packages include Red Star, Rally, All-Star, and Texas Editions. The Rally Edition adds black trim treatment on the nameplates, tailgate lettering, hood stripes, and side steps. 22-inch high-gloss black wheels look particularly menacing.
The RST offers a 7-speaker Bose audio system, front bucket seats with center console shifter, the Z71 Off-Road Package, and a power sunroof.
Who is this trim level for? The RST is the Camaro SS of the Silverado line. It offers a 420-hp V8, 22-inch wheels, black hood stripes, and many performance accessories.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado RST includes:
Body-colored bumpers – Give a monochromatic look befitting a performance truck.
Available 6.2-liter V8 – Puts the power down when it’s needed most, yet delivers fuel economy only a few mpg less than the smaller 5.3-liter V8.
Available leather seating – Adds a more luxurious feel to the interior.
Available power sunroof – Allow more light and fresh air into the cabin.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ (Original starting price when new: $53,000)
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The LTZ enters the realm of relative luxury, bringing more technology and comfort to the cabin. The LTZ 2WD comes standard with the 5.3-liter V8 and offers the 3.0-liter turbodiesel option. Move to the 4WD version adds the 6.2-liter V8 to the mix. Standard mechanical systems include an automatic locking rear differential and, on 4WD models, the Autotrac single-speed transfer case.
Standard equipment for the LTZ includes perforated leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a power up/down tailgate, a power rear sliding window, and 20-inch painted aluminum wheels. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system can upgrade to embedded navigation (a dealer-installed option).
Standard safety systems include the contents of the LT’s Driver Safety Package.
The passenger seat gets upgraded to match the driver’s seat, given 10-way power adjustability and 2-way power lumbar support. Two-position driver’s seat memory is standard, and the rear outboard seats are heated, although due to the chip shortage, some models built after 7/26/2021 may not have this feature.
Optional equipment includes the LTZ Premium Package that adds a power sunroof, Safety Alert driver’s seat, navigation, Bose audio, and a wireless charging pad. The package also contains the contents of the Safety Package II, including lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and follow distance indicator.
The Technology Package brings an HD surround vision camera with two trailer view camera provisions, a rear camera mirror, 15-inch color head-up display, the bed view camera, and an 8-inch diagonal driver information display.
Who is this trim level for? The LTZ is for the buyer who wants the best but still has the option to pick and choose which features they want in their truck.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ includes:
Heated and ventilated front seats – Help keep occupants cool in summer and warm in the winter.
Power tailgate – Can be raised or lowered with the push of a button.
Available adaptive cruise control – Allows the driver to set a pre-determined distance from the vehicle directly ahead and maintain it even when traffic slows down or speeds up.
Available bed view camera – Allows the driver to view the bed’s contents and provides provision for additional trailer cameras.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country (Original starting price when new: $53,900)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country starts at $53,900.
The High Country is the ultimate Silverado. Its cab, bed, and engine options are the same as the LTZ, and it includes all of the LTZ’s equipment plus a few more features.
Standard equipment for the High Country includes navigation, the Bose 7-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two 120-volt outlets (one in cab and one in the bed), high-intensity LED headlights, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and 20-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Option packages mirror the LTZ, including the Technology Package, Safety Package II, Z-71 Off-Road Package (4WD), and the Max Trailering Package.
The High Country Deluxe package adds the contents of the Saftey Package II plus a power sunroof and 22-inch polished wheels.
Who is this trim level for? The High Country is the truck for big spenders who want it all in a truck that announces loud and clear, “you’ve arrived.”
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