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Starting at
Starting at
| 13,300 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 11,800 |
| 2,280 | Max Payload (lbs) | 2,250 |
| 23/33 | Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 23/30 |
It might not be terribly exciting for a lot of people, but getting the right vehicle with everything you need means doing some research. Although you certainly need to determine what you are looking for in a car or truck, all of that effort on your part is meaningless if you also do not figure out what pickup can actually meet your needs. And that is why comparing different yet similar models can be so helpful – as it lets you see how they stack up. Looking at the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, for example, you can see they have a lot in common, but there are also some key differences.
If you know much about the auto industry, then you probably know that both Chevy and GMC are part of General Motors, aka GM. Because of this, the Silverado 1500 and the Sierra 1500 share the same platform, which means they are very, very similar in a lot of ways. You can get the same engines on them, for example, and they both have comparable cab and bed sizes available. They offer similar configurations of a regular cab, double cab, or crew cab, with the same bed lengths that you can pair with them. In other words, they have many similar features.
But, there are also several key differences. For example, the Silverado starts at a significantly lower price, offers greater towing and payload, and gives you more freedom in how you configure it. In part, this comes down to how many trim levels each model has: the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has six different trims for you to choose from, while the 2021 Chevy Silverado offers eight different trims. So while there are some similar features with these two trucks, there are also stark differences that can make the Silverado a much better choice, particularly if you are looking for a great work truck that will save you money. Come visit us at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford today to see the Silverado and discover everything it has to offer.
When comparing trucks like the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, two of the most important factors to consider are their towing and payload capacities. These are both full-size, light-duty pickups, which means they offer excellent performance and power. They are a great middle-ground between a midsize truck like the Chevy Colorado and a more powerful option like the heavy-duty Silverado HD Series. And while both of these trucks have great capacities for performance, the Silverado does come out ahead.
Looking at the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, for starters, you have to consider each engine and what it has to offer. Towing capacity is all about power, and the truck’s design, so with the available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, the Sierra 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of up to 11,800 lbs. If you are more interested in maximum payload, however, then you want to keep the weight of your truck down, so a lighter engine can be better. In this case, the Sierra 1500 can have a maximum payload capacity of up to 2,250 lbs when properly configured with the available 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine, though some other engine options come quite close.
Despite the fact the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has the same engines available as the GMC Sierra 1500, the Chevy truck offers greater overall capability. This is largely due to how the Silverado is designed, with a focus on performance and power. It is one of the major reasons so many people in trades choose the Chevy Silverado 1500 year after year to be the work truck they rely on.
With the same 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine as the Sierra, the 2021 Chevy Silverado can handle up to 13,300 lbs of towing when properly configured. As you can see, that is nearly 2,000 lbs more weight that the Chevy pickup can pull behind it. With the available 2.7L Turbo engine, the Silverado can handle up to 2,280 lbs of maximum payload, which is greater than any configuration of the Sierra can handle. That payload difference might not be huge, but it can have a similar difference with other configurations too.
When looking at a couple of trucks like the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra 1500, it can be easy to focus mostly on things like engine options and capability. While those factors are certainly important, it is also worthwhile to consider the trim levels of these trucks. The trim options available to you will directly impact the kinds of features you can get and how easy it is for you to customize your truck with everything you want.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has six different trims available, starting with the standard Sierra, which has a 2.7L Turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. This truck features a 7-inch infotainment display, a 6-speaker sound system, and 4-way manual front seats. From there, you can choose the SLE trim, which has the same starting engine but includes a Turbo-Diesel as an available option. The SLE has an 8-inch display and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Next is the Elevation, with the same engine options, along with 20-inch wheels and LED fog lamps. The SLT trim starts with a powerful 5.3L V8 engine and features a six-function tailgate and more. For added luxury, the Denali trim has a Bose premium audio system and leather-appointed seating. Finally, the AT4 trim is a great off-road option with a 2-inch factory lift, off-road suspension, and skid plates.
By comparison, the 2021 Chevy Silverado has eight trims for you to choose from, giving you much more freedom to get just what you want. The starting WT trim has similar engine options and features as the Sierra’s standard trim, though it costs less to start. From there, the Custom trim has signature LED taillamps, 20-inch wheels, and an EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate. The LT is where the Silverado gets an 8-inch infotainment display, LED headlamps, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
With the RST trim, you get added luxury and sophistication with heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and body-colored exterior details. The LTZ trim adds chrome accents all across the exterior, plus advanced trailering features and perforated leather-appointed seating. Finally, the High Country trim has a power up/down tailgate, 20-inch wheels, and a wireless charging pad.
Where the Silverado really pulls out the stops, however, is by offering you two different off-road trims. Both the Custom and the LT trims are available as Trail Boss versions that feature a 2-inch factory lift and Autotrac 2-speed transfer case. This lets you choose the features and sophistication you want while still getting impressive off-road performance.
You might think that since the 2021 Chevy Silverado and 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 share the same platform and engines that they would be identical in terms of fuel economy. That is simply not the case, however, and you can get superior fuel efficiency with the Silverado. This will, of course, depend on the configuration you choose – including the engine, drive type, and more – but if you want optimal fuel efficiency, then the Silverado wins out.
For example, let us look at both of these trucks with a crew cab, short box, 2WD, and the available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine – the best engine option for fuel economy. The GMC Sierra 1500 gets an estimated 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. By comparison, with this same configuration, the 2021 Chevy Silverado gets an estimated 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. So, if you tend to do a lot of highway driving, the Silverado can definitely save you money at the gas pump.
Finally, the Chevy Silverado also gives you more options for getting the drive type you want. For example, if you want a truck with a crew cab and standard bed length, you can choose a WT or LT trim of the Silverado with RWD or a higher trim with 4WD. But, if you want the same cab size and bed length for the GMC Sierra 1500, it is only available with 4WD – there is no option to get one with RWD in that configuration.
At first glance, it can easily seem like the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 are virtually interchangeable. While they do have a lot in common, their key differences become very important as you look closer, and the Silverado proves itself a better option for a lot of people. Even though they share a platform and have the same engines available, the Silverado’s design gives it an advantage with greater available towing and payload capacities. Combine that with a lower starting price and more options to choose from in terms of trims, and you can see that the Silverado is a fantastic pickup.
Whether you know exactly what you are looking for in a truck, or you are exhausted from research and having so many options available, we are here to help. At Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford, our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople are ready to work closely with you and make sure you get exactly the right pickup for your needs. We can answer all of your questions, discuss what you are looking for, and simplify your research process so that you get just what you need. Call or come visit us at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford today and discover how easy it can be to shop for a truck.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.