2021 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab RST: Drop The Tailgate

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab is definitely a vehicle that would be in my garage if I only had space.  Because the full-size Silverado is Chevy’s top-selling vehicle and it gets a lot of attention.  Each year, there’s always something new and improved about the truck.  And it’s packed with technology and innovation.

Plus it’s 100% a chameleon.  By that I mean, you can get a totally basic Silverado.  And that would be that will be a tough work truck.  But you can also get one souped-up for on or off-roading in ridiculous style and capability.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review

New for 2021 Chevy Silverado brings a couple of key features that will light up everyone universally.  Plus it offers a number of new options that are a bit more niche-specific.  But they’re sure to be enjoyed nonetheless.

So, universal features will have everyone mouthing the word ‘sweet’ include:  The multi-flex tailgate that’s being brought over from GMC.  And wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Plus there’s a slew of additional new options.  Including increased trailering capabilities and enhanced tech to monitor your trailering.

Also, new available packages: All-Star Edition Plus, Texas Edition Plus, and LTZ Premium Texas Edition.  And there are new colors including Oxford Brown Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat – pictured in this article.

Prices And Trims

It’s notable that there are more ways to equip a Silverado than I think anyone has bothered to compute.  From trims to special packages and engines to drivetrains, plus cabs and beds.  You can, and should, get your Silverado exactly as you like.

And starting MSRPs for the various trims range widely.  For example on Chevy’s website, I configured a minimally equipped WT for a starting price of about $26,595.  Conversely, I also configured a High Country with all the whistles and bells for about $67,455.  Moreover, that’s before customizing any equipment or considering special packages.

Engines, Transmissions, Towing, And MPG

So, with all the trim options in mind, the engine options might surprise you.  Because there are nine of those when you consider their various transmission pairings.

Engine/Trans Options

• 4.3-liter V6 with 6-speed automatic and Active Fuel Management
• 5.3L V8 with 6-speed automatic
  • With Active Fuel Management
  • Without Active Fuel Management
• 5.3L V8 with 8-speed automatic
  • With Dynamic Fuel Management
  • Without Dynamic Fuel Management
• 5.3 L V8 with 10-speed automatic with Dynamic Fuel Management
• 6.2L V8 with 10-speed automatic with Dynamic Fuel Management
• 2.7L Turbo 4-cylinder with 8-speed automatic and Active Fuel Management
• 3.0L I-6 Turbo-Diesel with 10-speed automatic

In addition to all that, as you can imagine, the fuel economy is all over the board.  But good, overall.  There is some criticism about the 4-cylinder.  Not that it’s not powerful but that it isn’t very fuel-efficient.

Fuel Economy

Overall, the worst EPA estimated fuel economy would be 13 MPG in the city.  And that’s with the Trail Boss 4WD, 5.3L V8 paired with the 6-speed automatic without active fuel management.  On the flip side, the best MPG comes from the 3.0L Turbo Diesel.  Because it’s rated, with 2WD, at up to 33 MPG on the highway.

Mostly the MPG is in the mid-to-high-teens in the city and the low-to-mid-twenties on the highway.

Maximum Towing Capacity

And towing, Silverado 1500 can get downright beastly.  Considering the 6.2L V8, with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque can drag up to 13,300 lbs!

What Does The 2021 Chevy Silverado Look Like?

So, back to my earlier chameleon comment.  Because that applies to what Silverado looks like for certain.  And really, Chevy could make an entire brand out of Silverado alone.  In fact, there are already more Silverado trim options than some carmakers offer in their entire lineups.

And the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is also unquestionably a Chevy Silverado pick-up truck.  Because that’s easy to spot from a distance.  Plus, aside from the very handy step-in bumper corners, this year’s Silverado offers an innovative new tailgate.

General Motors first offered the functionality in its GMC lineup of pick-up trucks.  But this year Chevy gets it too.  And the multi-flex tailgate includes six different useful functions.  One notable application is pictured above.  It allows access to the truck bed without having to drop the entire tailgate.  But, probably the coolest application is pictured below.

So, the tailgate’s built-in stair is a brilliant design.  Allowing for much easier access to the truck bed and cargo.  And this is especially useful considering the higher ground clearances in pick-ups rolling off the assembly line.

’21 Chevy Silverado’s Huge Multi-Functional Interior

Climbing into the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab was a pleasure I enjoyed throughout my day-long test drive.  Because at 5’10” I’m neither tall nor short.  But while conducting my test drives and reviews I get in and out of every door.  Plus I take pictures all over the vehicle.  And I was never cramped throughout that process with Silverado.

With three different cab configurations to choose from, interior dimensions vary across the board.  But all of them have an ample 44.5-inches of legroom for the driver and front-seat passenger.

And the back seat is huge.  While lying on the backseat, I couldn’t quite fully extend.  But I was certainly comfortable enough for a midday Dad-nap. :0)  Plus its not just lots of space, but the smart usage of that space.

For example, there’s the hidden cargo area built-into the back seats.  And this is on both sides.  Plus, the gigantic dashboard is not wasted a bit.  Because you have a handy double-glove box to tuck items away from the prying eyes of would-be thieves.

With all of the interior space and design of it, the 2021 Chevy Silverado’s interior creates a useful environment for both work and play applications.  Moreover, the user-interface throughout Silverado’s interior is simple and intuitive.

Infotainment And Technology

Speaking of intuitive Chevy’s infotainment system is user-friendly.  Because its mix of buttons, touchscreen function, and knobs strikes just the right balance.

While there’s a great deal of functionality within Silverado, Chevy makes it all easy to operate.  In addition to that, everything is laid out in a way that is not a bit intimidating.  And that subconsciously, for many drivers, makes it all the easier to use for many drivers.

Safety Tech

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers all the latest driver assistance and safety tech.  Including blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance parking assistance, and more.  But what sets Silverado apart is Teen Driver and Rear Seat Reminder standard.  Both of these functions are simple tech features that have the safety of families in mind.  And I love that.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado Top-3

1. Technology – The tech Silverado offers is not just computer-driven.  And that’s experienced in the multi-flex tailgate plus the innovative use of space and user-friendliness inside.
2. Interior – Silverado is a full-size pick-up truck.  So, it should be big inside.  But there’s space and then there’s the usage of that space.  And Chevy hits a homerun with both.
3. Styling  – From the black bow tie and bold front-end to indented lines on the side of the bed, this is a handsome truck.  And remember a chameleon too.

 

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