2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Specs
The 2021 Silverado 1500 offers a 285 hp 4.3L V6, a 310 hp 2.7L Turbo whose towing rating rises to 9,300 lb, the 355 hp 5.3L V8, the 420 hp 6.2L V8 and the 277 hp 3.0L Duramax diesel. Properly equipped, it tows up to 13,300 lb.
5 versions · 4th gen (T1) · Updated Sep 2026
- Oil capacity
- 6.0–8.0 qt
- by version ↓
- Tire size
- 17–18″
- by version ↓
- MPG combined
- 17–27 mpg
Versions #versions
Compare versions #compare
| 4.3L V6 | 2.7L Turbo | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8 | 3.0L Duramax Diesel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 310 hp | 355 hp | 420 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 305 lb-ft | 348 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Oil capacity | 6.0 qt | 6.0 qt | 8.0 qt | 8.0 qt | 7.0 qt |
| Tire size | P255/70R17 | P255/70R17 | P255/70R17 | P265/65R18 | P255/70R17 |
| MPG combined | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | 27 mpg |
Recalls #recalls
-
Repair under 24V797 may have been done incorrectly
NHTSA 26V083000 · Feb 12, 2026 · Transmission control (diesel)
Some diesel trucks repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797 may still have a transmission control valve failure that locks the rear wheels.
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6.2L V8 connecting rods or crankshaft may be defective
NHTSA 25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025 · 6.2L V8 engine
On trucks with the 6.2L V8, manufacturing defects in the connecting rods or crankshaft can damage the engine and make it fail.
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Transmission control valve may lock the rear wheels
NHTSA 24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024 · Transmission control (diesel)
On trucks with the diesel engine, the transmission control valve may fail and lock the rear wheels.
-
17-inch spare not compatible with accessory wheels
NHTSA 21V985000 · Dec 16, 2021 · Spare tire
On trucks with certain accessory wheels and tires, the 17-inch spare is not compatible and can keep the anti-lock brakes from working properly.
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Driver air bag cover tabs may be missing
NHTSA 21V495000 · Jul 1, 2021 · Driver air bag
The driver air bag module may be missing metal tabs that hold the plastic cover to the housing.
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Wrong seat belt bolts may have been used
NHTSA 20V811000 · Dec 23, 2020 · Seat belts
Incorrect bolts may have been used to anchor the seat belts, so a belt may not be attached properly.
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Front center seat belt brackets may not be secured
NHTSA 20V792000 · Dec 17, 2020 · Seat belts
The seat belt brackets for the front-row center seat may not be secured to the seat frame.
-
Continental tires may be overcured
NHTSA 20V684000 · Nov 5, 2020 · Tires
The trucks may have been built with Continental tires that were cured too long.
FAQ
What is the lug nut torque on a 2021 Silverado 1500?
GM specifies 140 lb-ft (190 N·m) for the wheel nuts.
How much can a 2021 Silverado 1500 tow?
Up to 13,300 lb with the 6.2L V8 in an RST with the Max Trailering Package and 20-inch wheels. The maximum for each engine is on its version page.
How big is the gas tank on a 2021 Silverado 1500?
24 gallons on standard and short boxes (22 gallons on a 2WD diesel) and 28.3 gallons on the long box.
How long is a 2021 Silverado 1500?
229.5 in as a Regular Cab, 231.7 in as a Double Cab and 231.7–241.2 in as a Crew Cab; it is 81.1–81.2 in wide.
Sources: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner's Manual, 2021 Chevrolet/GMC 3.0L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement, 2021 Silverado 1500 Max Trailering chart (Chevrolet), 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brochure, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA recalls. Updated Sep 2026.