Known for its functionality and multiple trim level, the Chevy Silverado 1500 keeps improving. For 2021, the country’s second highest-selling light-duty, full-size pickup truck has a new truckload of mechanical and technological updates.
Now in production and available beginning throughout the fall in different sections of the country, the Chevy Silverado will be highlighted by a Multi-Flex tailgate.
The tailgate has six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, different configurations activate two tailgate-mounted buttons or a key fob.
Combined with the Silverado’s expansive cargo space, LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs, the new truck is the most functional and capable Silverado.
Chevy Silverado: Increased Towing Capacity
The Multi-Flex Tailgate will be available in early 2021 on all new Silverado 1500 models.
The 2021 Crew Cab Short Box model increases its rating by 2,500 pounds to a max capacity of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive.
A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model provides the maximum 2.7L tow rating of 9,600 pounds and ups Silverado’s overall max payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.
The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel adds 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to nearly every configuration and provides the maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models.
The 3.0L Duramax engine also receives a $1,500 MSRP price reduction for 2021 models, so customers benefit from both increased towing capacity and industry-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg highway in 2WD.
Several camera view upgrades will also be featured in the new Chevy Silverado:
Trailer Length Indicator: When making a lane-change maneuver with the turn signal activated, a red overlay twice the length of the compatible trailer is shown on the center console screen, which can help show when other vehicles are present.
Jack-Knife Alert: Tracks the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle and provides an alert if a potential jack-knife situation is imminent.
Cargo Bed View enhancement: Cargo Bed Zoom View and Bed Hitch Guidance are now available, which help to align and hook up a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer.
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Article Last Updated: October 20, 2020.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
