Used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 8.28% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,559 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability for shoppers comparing trims and configurations.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earns a 4.62/5 user rating, and its expert rating is 5.5/10. The model scores 7/10 across Performance and Form and function.

Owners consistently praise the comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong performance, especially with the diesel engine options. They also like the smooth shifting of the 10-speed transmission and the truck’s broad configurability. In use-case terms, that makes it appealing if you want a full-size pickup that can be tailored for work, daily driving, or a mix of both.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials feel cheap, and the sound system draws criticism. Even so, the Silverado’s wide range of powertrain choices and easy-to-use technology help offset those shortcomings for many buyers.

Only 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards careful comparison shopping.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.62/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with praise for strong performance, smooth operation, and a comfortable ride. That kind of feedback matters if you want a used truck you can count on over time.

The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Silverado as a fundamentally sound truck, even if it needs more attention to detail. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about basic capability and more about living with the cabin quality and overall refinement.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on cabin condition, suspension behavior, and how well the truck’s features work in real use. Pay close attention to wear, trim quality, and any signs that the truck has been used hard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Silverado comes in eight different trim levels, and the cabin quality varies by trim. The test truck’s LTZ trim sat one rung below the top of the lineup, while the cabin still felt dated and lacked finesse, so base trims may leave you wanting more.
• Powertrain: You get six different engines, including the available Duramax turbodiesel and a thirsty 6.2-liter V8. The diesel stands out for smooth acceleration and strong torque, while the V8 is the choice if maximum towing matters.
• Safety package: Chevrolet offers forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat are available, but stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance are not.
• Infotainment: The Silverado uses 7-inch and 8-inch screens, with the high-definition 8-inch display offering quick response and modern graphics. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on the tested LTZ setup.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax turbodiesel returned 22.6 mpg in combined driving during testing and is rated at 24 mpg combined by EPA figures cited in the review.

Which 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is offered in 8 trim levels: WT, Custom, LT, RST, Custom Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and Z71 Off-Road Package.

Here's the short version:

• WT: This is the work-focused starting point, and it makes sense if you want the Silverado’s core capability without paying for extra comfort or tech.
• Custom: This trim adds a little more everyday appeal while staying on the value side of the lineup, making it a practical step up if you want more than the bare minimum.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it balances equipment, usability, and access to the Silverado’s stronger tech and powertrain choices.
• RST: Choose this if you want a more style-forward version of the Silverado without jumping all the way to the upper trims.
• Custom Trail Boss: This is the more rugged-looking choice in the middle of the lineup, and it suits buyers who want a tougher appearance and off-road flavor.
• LTZ: This trim brings a more upscale feel and was the test truck’s configuration, but the cabin still drew criticism for cheap-feeling materials.
• High Country: This is the top luxury-oriented trim, best for shoppers who want the most premium Silverado experience available here.
• Z71 Off-Road Package: This package is worth considering even if you do not plan to leave pavement, because the retuned suspension improves body control and ride composure.

The safety package is broad, but some advanced features remain optional rather than standard, so check each trim carefully before you buy.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you have room to shop selectively without waiting forever for a deal.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,559 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.28% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,381, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's resale value?

The current average of $31,381 sits slightly below last year's $34,214.

That price movement suggests the Silverado has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. A softer market today may also make it easier to find a well-equipped truck without paying peak pricing.

For resale, the Silverado’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction can help support demand later. Trucks with the right configuration, condition, and service history tend to hold buyer interest better than average.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.62/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 safe?

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earns a Marginal IIHS rating for front passenger protection in a small-overlap frontal crash, and it receives an overall four-star rating from NHTSA with four-star frontal-impact results for the driver and front passenger.

It earns a 3/10 safety score from our experts.

Chevrolet includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard or optional equipment across the lineup. The truck also offers a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic collision notification through a paid connected-services subscription, and a rear-seat reminder system on crew cabs. Teen Driver safety technology is standard and free.

Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to get your attention. The main caveat is that stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance are not available, and the IIHS headlight result is also a concern.

Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.28% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It stands out for its broad configuration choices, easy-to-use tech, and the affordable Duramax turbodiesel.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,658, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,381 average.
• It adds a new turbodiesel, more powertrain availability, and modern convenience features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $34,848, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,381 average.
• It brings a refreshed interior starting with LT and a new ZR2 off-road performance model.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, configuration flexibility, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the sensible pick. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a more modern cabin and can pay more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.