How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.91% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,563 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $31,623.58, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 4.62/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the 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, strong performance, and smooth shifting from the 10-speed transmission. The diesel engine also stands out as a favorite for buyers who want a capable truck with added efficiency and easy drivability.

The trade-offs are clear: interior quality draws criticism, and the sound system does not impress every owner. That lines up with the overview’s focus on a flexible full-size pickup that works well for buyers who do not need maximum towing and payload capacity.

With 31.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively.

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 comfortable, strong, and smooth over time, with many drivers specifically praising the diesel setup and the 10-speed transmission. That kind of repeat praise for drivability and everyday satisfaction is a good sign when you’re thinking about long-term ownership.

The expert evaluation also describes the Silverado as fundamentally sound and highlights the Duramax diesel as a bargain with effortless fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. Chevrolet’s first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a truck with this much capability can hide wear if it has been worked hard, so condition and service history matter.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any truck you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if the truck has towing, hauling, or off-road use in its past. Focus on cabin condition, because the interior quality is one of the model’s weaker points and wear can show up quickly in a work truck.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, but the cabin materials and small infotainment screens can feel dated, especially in lower-spec versions.
• Powertrain: Six engines are available, including the Duramax turbodiesel and a 6.2-liter V8; the diesel is efficient and smooth, while the V8 is the choice for maximum towing.
• Safety package: Chevrolet offers forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat available on higher trims or packages.
• Infotainment: The system uses 7-inch and 8-inch screens, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto standard; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on the 8-inch setup, along with wireless smartphone charging and over-the-air-connected features through Chevrolet Connected Services.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax turbodiesel returned 22.6 mpg in combined driving in testing and was rated at 24 mpg combined by EPA estimates.

Which 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: WT and Custom are the value-focused choices, but they miss some of the nicer cabin touches and advanced features that make higher trims easier to live with.
• Sweet-spot trim: LTZ is the strongest all-around pick if you want a more upscale feel, the larger 8-inch HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a better-equipped cabin without going all the way to the top.
• Premium/top trim: High Country is the luxury-leaning choice if you want the most polished presentation and the richest feature set in the lineup.
• Off-road trim: LT Trail Boss is the one to watch if you want the Z71 setup and a suspension tune that improves body control, even for everyday driving.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that adaptive cruise control does not include stop-and-go capability, and lane-centering assistance is not available.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,563 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.91% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,623.58, 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 $31,699 sits slightly below last year's $34,422.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more truck for the money today. For a future seller, it also means you should expect some pressure on resale if the market stays soft. The Silverado’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction can help support demand, but condition and equipment will matter a lot when it’s time to sell.

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 Silverado earns a Marginal rating from IIHS for front passenger protection, and it earns a four-star overall 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 offers forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert for every Silverado as standard or optional equipment. The truck also offers a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic collision notification through a paid subscription to connected services, and a rear-seat reminder system on crew cabs. Teen Driver safety technology is standard and free.

Upgrades include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat driver’s seat. The main caveat is that the Silverado’s crash-test results are weaker than you’d want in a modern pickup, especially for front passenger protection.

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:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.91% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The Duramax turbodiesel is singled out as the best buy for shoppers who want value and flexibility.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,951, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,699 average.
• It adds a new turbodiesel, broader powertrain availability, and useful camera tech.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $35,229, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,699 average.
• It brings a new interior starting with the LT trim and adds the ZR2 off-road model.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, choice, and diesel value, the 2021 is the smart target. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while still delivering many of the same core strengths. If you can spend more and want a fresher cabin, the 2022 is the better long-term pick.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.