A Complete Review of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Are you in the market for a 2017-2021 model?

If you’re looking for a pre-owned truck, we invite you to consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which was fully redesigned in 2019 with a sharper exterior and more driver assistance features than earlier models. A full-size, light-duty, half-ton truck, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 ranks #3 on Kelley Blue Book’s list of Best Pickup Trucks for 2021. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD was listed on Kelley Blue Book’s list of 2020 Best Resale Value Trucks, EVs, and Minivans.

The Chevrolet Silverado family includes the 1500, 2500, and 3500, but today we’re going to focus on the 1500, which is ranked #3 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks for 2021.

Table of Contents

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Scorecard
• The Pros & Cons of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Interior Features
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Performance Features
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety Features
• How Does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rank?
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Model Comparison
• Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good Car?
• Should I Buy a Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
• How Much Does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Cost?
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Insurance
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. the Competition

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Scorecard

Here is our ranking for the Chevy Silverado 1500. We chose these ratings when compared with other similar trucks.

• Interior – 8/10
• Performance – 7/10
• Reliability – 8/10
• Safety – 9/10
• Fuel economy – 8/10
• Value – 8/10
• Overall rating – 8/10

The Pros & Cons of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Let’s take a look at each model year. The information in the table below was compiled from U.S. News & World Report, Cars.com, and Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Interior Features

All 2017 to 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models feature a touchscreen infotainment system (the size depends on the trim) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Leather seats are available in some trims with seating for three to six passengers depending on the cab size.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Performance Features

Engines

There are a variety of powerful engines available, depending on the model year. Chevrolet boasts they have “an engine for every need,” including the 2.7L turbo to the “powerfully advanced” 6.2L V8.

Gas Mileage

Diesel models of the 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 average 23 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The turbo-four engine gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway. The 2019 models up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2018 models have the following fuel economy:

• V-6 2WD: 18 city/24 highway
• V-6 4WD: 17 city/22 highway
• V-8 2WD: 16 city/23 highway
• V-8 4WD: 15 city/20 highway

Riding & Handling

Despite its size, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has balanced handling and is “generally comfortable, but you may get bounced around a bit on rougher pavement,” according to U.S. News & World Report.

Towing Capacity

Many factors will affect towing capacity, but in general, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow anywhere from 9,000 to 13,300 pounds and has a payload of 2,000 to 2,300 pounds.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2017 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 an overall rating of 5/5 stars. The 2019, 2020, and 2021 models received 4/5 stars with the 2021 Silverado receiving 5 stars in the side crash test and 4 stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Starting in 2017, Teen Driver Technology became standard in all models and trim levels. Features include speed warnings, setting audio limits, and an in-vehicle report card that tells you about your teenager’s driving habits.

The rearview camera became standard in 2018. Select newer models and trims have available safety features such as OnStar Safety & Security Plan coverage, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

How Does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rank?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has an average ownership cost (including maintenance and repairs). It has a slightly lower probability of needing a major repair in comparison to similar trucks, and it should last beyond 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. This vehicle is a customer favorite for overall driver experience.

In terms of reliability, RepairPal gives the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a rating of 3.4/5, ranking it 5 out of 17 for full-size trucks.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the 2021 and 2019 models #3 in Full Size Pickup Trucks. The 2018 model was ranked #4 and the 2017 model was ranked #1.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Model Comparison

Let’s break down the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 by year and trim. There are also different styles within each trim level. For example, the Work Truck comes in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and seating for anywhere from two to five passengers depending on the style. Double cab, regular cab, and crew cab options are also available.

The information in this table was compiled from Cars.com, U.S. News & World Report, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Catalog, and CarBuzz.

Z71 Off-Road Package: According to Chevrolet, this is available on every Silverado except the Custom models. It comes standard on the Trail Boss models. The package includes the Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, twin-tube Rancho shocks, a metal underbody shield, a heavy-duty air filter, and more.

Chevrolet Connected Access: This program comes at no additional cost. Features include monthly diagnostic report emails, insights about your driving behavior and tips for improving mileage, offers and specials you can access through your infotainment system or vehicle mobile app, and more.

Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: This feature displays a Rear Vision Camera view to help line up your hitch to your trailer and offers a close-up hitch view.

Also, unless otherwise noted, the bullets listed in the “key features” section below come standard. If they are not standard, they are noted as “available.”

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The same eight trim choices are also available in the 2020 models.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was fully redesigned in 2019 with a sharper exterior and more driver assistance features than earlier models. The 2019 model also featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the first time. It does, however, have similar cab styles, bed lengths, and maximum payload and towing capacities as the 2018 models.The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks #3 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2019 Full Size Pickup Trucks and #8 on the list of Used Full Size Trucks $25K and Up. This model comes in five primary trims: the Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

This model year was ranked #4 on the list of 2018 Full Size Pickup Trucks and #11 on the list of Used Full Size Trucks $25K and Up by U.S. News & World Report. This was also the year the rearview camera become standard and the mild-hybrid eAssist package for the LTZ and LT models became available across the United States.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was ranked #1 on U.S. New & World Report’s list of 2017 Full Size Pickup Trucks. It boasts a strong V8 engine, excellent towing capacity, and an upscale cabin with user-friendly technology. Teen Driver Technology became standard in the 2017 models; this was also the year that the maximum towing rating increased. The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was also a finalist for the 2017 Best Full-Size Truck for the Money.

Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good Vehicle?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a consistently well-performing vehicle that typically ranks in the top third of full-size pickup trucks. A widely respected full-size pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado offers a wide range of powerful engines and terrific towing capability.

Should I Buy a Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

This vehicle is definitely a customer favorite. It’s reliable and dependable with decent fuel economy and a comfortable truck. It’s also moderately priced and features high safety ratings.

How Much Does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Cost?

It depends on the model, trim, year, mileage, and overall condition of the vehicle, but a pre-owned Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will typically range between $29,500 and $52,000. The MSRP for a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts at $29,300, with the highest-end trim, the High Country, starting at around $59,000.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Insurance

The cost of insuring any vehicle depends on many factors, including:

• Driver’s age, gender, and marital status
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Where the vehicle is parked
• Annual mileage
• Driving record
• State requirements
• Credit history
• Vehicle’s safety features
• Type of insurance coverage
• Deductible amount
• Discounts

That being said, here are some estimates to give you a good idea of how much it costs to insure a Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

• According to The Zebra, the average insurance cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is $147/month ($1,764 per year).
• QuoteInspector estimates an average of $124/month (around $1,484 per year).

You may also be able to save on insurance costs with popular auto discounts. Allstate, for example, offers a new car discount and smart student discount. Many insurance providers will also provide a discount if you pay your policy in full and have multiple policies.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. the Competition

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 typically fairs well against its competitors, falling into the middle-to-upper ranks of top-rated trucks. According to The Car Connection, “the Silverado is a solid, capable pickup truck with more powertrain options than the aging Toyota Tundra and the streamlined Nissan Titan.” But despite the higher-end trims “it pales in comparison to the more refined finishes of its GM sibling, the GMC Sierra.”

The top competitor is the Ford F-150, which is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the market (and has been for quite a long time) and was designated as the 2021 North American Truck of the Year. The other biggest competitor is the Ram 1500; the 2021 model topped the list of Best Full Size Pickup Trucks for 2021.

Find Your Next Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with Merchants Auto

If you’re considering a pre-owned Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (or any type of truck!), we can help. Merchants Auto is the largest pre-owned dealership in New Hampshire and the largest family-run pre-owned car dealership in New England.

The inventory on our 26-acre lot is always changing. We have hundreds of vehicles to choose from with more than 30 different makes — including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, fuel-efficient models, compact cars, and work vans.

We strive to save our customers time and money, and our ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable and hassle-free car buying experience.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!