The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is set to receive a few minor changes over the 2020 model year, including new exterior colors and a variety of package level changes, with a full refresh expected for the 2022 model year. Check out our full list of updates for more information. Now, based on documents seen by GM Authority, we know that the 2021 Chevy Silverado is due to receive an increase in max tow ratings. The same goes for the Silverado’s corporate cousin, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
The increased tow ratings for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 will only apply to models equipped with either the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, or the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine.
Sources indicate that this will be done via upgraded materials around the engine bay. It’s currently unclear as to how much the ratings will go up, but for reference, the L3B can tow upwards of 6,800 pounds, while the LM2 can tow upwards of 11,000 pounds in the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 via the tow hitch.
As for output levels, both the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 produce 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the 2.7L I4 L3B, and 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque with the LM2.
Further engine options include the naturally aspirated 4.3L V6 LV3, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L82, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87. Under the skin is the GM T1 platform.
Further updates for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 include the addition of the Safety Confidence Package, which will be offered on Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss models. This package includes standout tech like Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking, as well as Steering Wheel Audio Controls, and a Driver Information Center. WT models will also get Cruise Control.
Stay tuned, as we’ll have additional coverage of the 2021 Chevy Silverado and 2021 GMC Sierra coming down the pipe. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, GMC Sierra news, Chevrolet news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Hat tip: Autoblog
Generally following the market trend.
Plus, special leases on all-new premium three-row crossover.
Refreshed SUV in crisp, clean colors.
Top-dog Caddy hits the racetrack.
Spec the third-gen crossover as you see fit.
View Comments
A 2.7 with a 10 spd and 3.73 gears would be great.
I wonder how much the 2021 truck price will go up...I'm gonna order a work truck next month and add options. Trying to keep the price as close to 40 grand as possible
If you go to the GM Supplier Discount website, they have the 2021 Silverado WT's available for configuration already.
The 5.3 needs a power upgrade as it's still making the same figures as 2014 or going on 8 years! Ford's 5.0 and Ram's 5.7 both have higher power and torque figures. They should also axe the AFM 5.3 as there is literally no reason for it to exist with lower MPG numbers and no advantage in power or towing. Also on the list to axe should be the 8 speed automatic! keep the 6 speed auto for the 4.3 and the rest should be 10 speed like Ford does with the F-150.
I hope their new colors are identifiable. Current blue, brown, etc. all look black from 20 feet away. They need to lighten them up in my humble opinion. I'd also like to see a clearly identifiable brown interior. And a larger fuel tank.
That and heat control for the diesel most likely. I'd expect a gear ratio change for both engines too. You can already get 3.73 gears in the 3.0 Duramax if you order the diesel offroad package that they have.
The heat issue on the 3.0 is because the DPF is pretty much straight off the turbo and in the engine bay unlike the 6.6 Duramax and the 2.8 in the Colorado that are underneath the truck. GM put it so close to the turbo to allow it to function better for regens (keeps it hotter). Side effect is heat though, especially moving 9000lbs which its rated to do right now (up to 9300lbs). A max trailer option for it probably will delete the active air shutters in front of the radiator, increase the amount of heat protection (lots of aluminum foil) possibly 3.42 or 3.73 gears and a larger radiator.
As for the 2.7? Probably radiator, gears and maybe shutter delete.
The shutters are deleted on NHT gas trucks as well as VYU plow prep trucks so I’d expect them to be deleted for an NHT 3.0 diesel as well.