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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a light update rather than a redesign. Its biggest change was wider access to the six-function Multi-Flex tailgate, along with more standard equipment on several trims.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4th generation Silverado 1500 (2019-2021 pre-refresh), third model year before the major 2022 refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the 2021 Silverado 1500 as a full-size pickup with unusually broad choice. Its core appeal was flexibility: work-truck basics at one end, leather-lined luxury at the other, plus off-road Trail Boss models and a wide engine menu that stretched from a turbo four to diesel and V8 power. Chevrolet also leaned hard on bed utility, trailering technology, and the Silverado’s mix of hauling strength and everyday usability.
The 2021 Silverado lineup stretches from the job-focused Work Truck to the better-equipped LT and the leather-lined High Country. Custom adds useful everyday features, LT Trail Boss pairs a V8 with a 2-inch factory lift, and High Country brings navigation, Bose audio, wireless phone charging, and heated and ventilated leather seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain and towing
Towing capability improved for configurations using the 2.7-liter turbo engine and 3.0-liter diesel engine.
Cargo utility
The six-function Multi-Flex tailgate became available across the Silverado 1500 range.
Tech and equipment
Trailer-camera technology expanded. Custom gained standard remote start, LED bed lighting, trailering equipment, a power lock-and-release tailgate, and upgraded infotainment. LT and RST gained standard comfort features including heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. LT Trail Boss gained standard heated front bucket seats.
Safety
LTZ gained standard front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–23 mpg | 16–23 mpg | 16–23 mpg | 13–20 mpg | 15–20 mpg | 16–23 mpg | 16 mpg | 15–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–33 mpg | 21–33 mpg | 21–33 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 21–33 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 277–355 hp | 277–420 hp | 277–420 hp | 285–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 277–420 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–420 hp |
| Torque | 348–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 348–460 lb-ft | 305–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6600–11100 lb | 9500–9600 lb | 6600–11100 lb | 7400–9300 lb | 7600–9300 lb | 9500–9600 lb | 9500–9600 lb | 7400–7500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2–43.4 in | 43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 43.4 in | 43.4 in | 43.4 in |
| Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Side View Cameras | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2021 Silverado 1500 remained part of the generation introduced for 2019 and received a light equipment and capability update rather than a full redesign.
What was the biggest change to the 2021 Silverado 1500?
The biggest change was wider access to the Multi-Flex tailgate. This six-function tailgate became available across the Silverado 1500 range for 2021.
Did the 2021 Silverado 1500 gain more standard equipment?
Yes. Custom, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ gained standard equipment, though the additions varied by trim. Highlights included remote start on Custom, heated seats and other comfort features on LT and RST, heated front bucket seats on LT Trail Boss, and added driver-assistance features on LTZ.
Did towing capability improve on the 2021 Silverado 1500?
Yes. Chevrolet improved towing capability for Silverado configurations using the 2.7-liter turbo engine and the 3.0-liter diesel engine, and it expanded trailer-camera technology.
Is a 2021 Silverado 1500 meaningfully different from a 2020 model?
Yes, but the differences are modest. The 2021 is most appealing for its wider Multi-Flex tailgate availability, improved towing capability with the 2.7-liter turbo and 3.0-liter diesel engines, expanded trailer-camera technology, and added standard equipment on several trims.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
(486 reviews)
“More features than I wanted on a work truck, but was the closest I could come with what was available.”
“If your a family man/woman that needs a truck for fun family activities or household projects and don't want to sacrifice much, this is the truck for you. Fits a family of six comfortably, tows a boat for family fun, load the bed for family activities or household projects, and tows a utility trailer for landscaping side jobs with ease. Plus it looks sharp and runs even better. No brainer”