The Chevy Silverado 1500 light duty pickup truck is in the third year of its fourth generation. Ever since the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 was introduced, many have come out very much in favor of its styling, which is markedly different from that of the third-generation model, Meanwhile, others have criticized the appearance, often using the term “sideburns” to express their sentiment. Turns out, the new design has helped sales, rather than hinder them.
“Research has shown that the number one reason to buy [the Silverado 1500] is design,” said Bob Krapes, Director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing, in a recent interview with GM Authority executive editor, Alex Luft.
In fact, the design of the Silverado is the principal reason why the truck is currently the best-selling vehicle of its type among buyers aged from 18 to 34 in the U.S., as GM Authority exclusively reported in January. The styling may not appeal to everyone, but it is doing its job in attracting customers.
Krapes added that the design has also enabled the Silverado to become the top-selling pickup truck among Hispanic buyers in the United States.
Including the Heavy Duty and Medium Duty variants, the Chevy Silverado is GM’s best-selling model by a considerable margin. As shown in our GM Q1 2021 sales report, 594,094 units of the Silverado were purchased in the U.S. during the 2020 calendar year. That represents 34 percent of Chevrolet sales and 23 percent of total GM sales. In fact, the Silverado and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra, together outsold the historically-popular Ford F-Series by nearly 60,000 units during the year. Though some might attribute the victory to the fact that the F-Series was transitioning into its 14th generation during the tail end of 2020, a win is still a win.
Silverado sales dipped by 13 percent in Q1 of 2021, no doubt due to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global semiconductor shortage. However, at 126,591 units for the first three months of the year, the Silverado still accounted for 30 percent of Chevy sales and 20 percent of GM sales in the U.S. during that period. It goes to conclude that, if the Silverado’s styling was not in favor, then this would not be happening.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is available at present with a choice of four body configurations, as follows:
- Regular Cab, Long Bed
- Double Cab, Standard Bed
- Crew Cab, Short Bed
- Crew Cab, Standard Bed
A Regular Cab, Short Regular Bed Silverado is built in North America but sold only in the Middle East. As GM Authority exclusively reported last week, not all is lost in terms of bringing this configuration to the U.S. and Canada.
The 2020 and 2021 Silverado range is offered with the following powertrains:
| Class | Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Duty | 4.3L LV3 EcoTec3 V6 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 6-speed automatic MYC | 285 @ 5300 | 305 @ 3900 | 3.42 |
| Light Duty | 2.7L L3B I4 | Gasoline | Turbocharged | 8-Speed Automatic (MQE) | 310 @ 5600 | 348 @ 1500-4000 | 3.42 |
| Light Duty | 5.3L L82 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 6-Speed Automatic (MYC) | 355 @ 5600 | 383 @ 4100 | 3.42 |
| Light Duty | 5.3L L84 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 2WD 8-Speed Automatic (MQE) / 4WD 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 355 @ 5600 | 383 @ 4100 | 3.42 |
| Light Duty | 6.2L L87 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 420 @ 5600 | 460 @ 4100 | 3.23 |
| Light Duty | 3.0L LM2 Duramax I6 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 277 @ 3750 | 460 @ 1500 | 3.23 |
| Heavy Duty | 6.6L L8T V8 | Gasoline | Naturally Aspirated | 6-Speed Automatic (MYD) | 401 @ 5200 | 464 @ 4000 | 3.73 |
| Heavy Duty | 6.6L Duramax L5P V8 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MGM, MGU) | 445 @ 2800 | 910 @ 1600 | 3.42 |
| Medium Duty | 6.6L Duramax L5D V8 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 6-Speed Automatic | 350 @ 2700 | 700 @ 1600 | 4.10, 4.30, 4.56, 4.88 |
In addition to these, a new powertrain has been confirmed. GM announced in early April that an electric Chevy Silverado – one of 30 electric GM models planned for launch by 2025 – will be built at the GM Factory Zero plant (formerly GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant) alongside the upcoming GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV.
Be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado news, Chevrolet news and obsessively updated GM news coverage.
Comments
Never have liked it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree. Wonder what the owners’ wives look like if they like this design.
I only like it on versions when the bumper is the same color as the front fenders or the Trail Boss versions. I read here I believe the take rate on the Trail Boss is 20%, which is much higher than GM anticipated. Ford and Ram have no competition for the Trail Boss (truck with factory lift) because the Raptor and Trex cost almost twice as much. Clearly the interior is not having as much negative effect as the automotive media would have you believe either.
The only issue with having the bumper body color is stone chips and road dirt (sand) abrasion. That’s why I went with the LT ( Chrome bumpers ) with the Z 71 package , All Star plus and convenience package along with the Duramax 3.0
Scott the Trail Boss does in fact have competition from Ford with the new F-150 Tremor and Rams 1500 Rebel. I agree the Trail Boss has been a success and once again proves there’s a big off-road market. The ZR2/ZRX can’t come soon enough, I just hope Chevy gets it right!
Oh ok, I did not know about the new Tremor. There are 3 people in my neighborhood that have Trail Bosses. I think it was a domino effect after the first one was bought.
I love the color keyed RST as well. I just wish an LTZ trim was available. Sporty minded folks like cooled seats, memory seats, and a power up/down tailgate.
Front end FUGLY ! Now if only they’d solve their ongoing 8 speed tranny multitude of problems that are driving owners and dealer Service Departments insane.
Stay in the know, 8 speed issue has been fixed for over 2 years. Complaints still come in from people who hear about the issues with the fluid and think the quick shifts are actually slips. Also, please enlighten. If this is fuggly, wTH is fords???
we live in a world were everyone is a critic and a you tube automotive journalist ! a truck can be dinged by a 5’4″ person that cant reach the oil dipstick ! or make a recall that only effects 20 vehicles look like 2 million ! and the mainstream sheeple fall for all this constent brainwashing ! the new gm trucks are a step above the last gen and they deliver the goods just fine
Would you like to elaborate on this so called fix?? I’ve had the transmission fluid changed to some synthetic fluid as per one of the TSB’s. This has not fixed my transmission!
The design is not for me, but I’m happy it’s doing well.
As a Chevy guy since my first beard, I’d like if it could fight more the F-Series for the top spot than RAM for the 2nd just like in the old days.
I would buy the RCSB Chev the minute it hit the dealership yard if it was powered with the 6.2 and paired with the 10 speed transmission. The interior should have power options similar to the trail boss lt and shock options like bilstein 5100 or fox or eibach pro truck to give the buyer option for the suspension set up. I hope Bob Krapes takes the time to read the comments left by people and give the Chevy owners what they want, it’s a 2022 RCSB-6.2/10 speed or a double cab trail boss lt.
I find nothing wrong with the lines of the current Chevrolet trucks. The Bow Tie is fine (though I prefer the black Bow Tie badging) – I just don’t care for the models with the moving billboard badging (drivers of those vehicles should receive a monthly stipend for mobile advertising). I am referring to the “punch-cut/engraved” CHEVROLET across the ENTIRETY of the grille & the SILVERADO across the ENTIRETY of the tailgate. Those branding banners are simply too large for my taste.
I’m a Chevy Guy, but for the first time I opted to buy a GMC for my latest purchase (2019) due to subtle badging in the model I desired. I believe Ford was the first manufacturer to [recently] move [back] to this direction in their badging style? Badging styles come & go – all I have to do is page through my Chevrolet Truck coffee table book to see that.
But … to each, his or her own.
Overall I like what I’m seeing with GM trucks and the fact they are starting to directly compete against models Ford has had for years that GM had no direct alternative, no direct competition to a specific Ford package. RAM has really gained in popularity since they released their new GEN trucks 3-years ago so GM in the form of Chevrolet & GMC has to step-up their game. Thus far GM seems to be meeting the challenge. The 2022 model year will be the real indicator & litmus test because all three brands were impacted a bit differently during the COVID shutdowns. I’m very interested in seeing those sales numbers as they come in.
I do like the styling of the 1500 LT. I need a regular cab long bed and I hate the ugly front end on the work truck. I wish Chevrolet would make the regular cab long bed in the LT. Been waiting to buy a new truck since they changed in 2019, If 2022 does not have any changes I may have to go to Ford!
Yet still stupid GM is changing the design with upcoming midlife update while people exclusively want to buy it as is. Why? IMHO this is best looking truck ever, extremely handsome and macho looking. RST is my favorite. And those side air curtains are absolutely functional.
Hehe!
Gee, they didn’t mention only the exterior and nothing about it not being the interior, just the overall design. Seems the current interior is well received by owners and truck guys, not the negative Nancy comments from glorified car reviewers and suburban dads.
I really hope the interior refresh is a light nip and tuck with a few more nicer materials. The previous K2 interior was highly received regarding its functionality and the reason they were asked talking to owners to keep a similar layout and instead spend the money on actual truck stuff in the bed, chassis and drivetrain.
Just shows what owners actually think of this interior. I haven’t heard a current new GM full size truck owner say the interior is crappy and not really enjoy it and especially the layout…
Absolutely, I like the simplicity of the interior and the ease of keeping it clean- including the door sills
They show a 6.6 L V8 but I cannot find a build for that for the 2021 Silverado.
The 6.6L is the largest Duramax diesel- not available on the 1500
6.6 L are available gas and diesel, in the HD’s
The key point that was avoided in this article was price. I called out Ram a couple of years ago when when they outsold Chevy because they were offering huge discounts. For years the Ram use to be the cheapest pickup of the big three and it was also the most popular amongst the young crowd. The Ford has always been the most expensive but I noticed that the Ram has become a lot more expensive. The tables have turned and I have also noticed that Chevy is the cheapest of the big three trucks and is now very popular amongst the young crowd. In fact, Mary Barra was called out by the press for the huge discounts being offered on GM trucks before the pandemic hit. All the unnecessary lines and bumper cutouts on the new GM trucks make them look cheap like a pair of late 80’s stonewashed jeans with rips and zippers everywhere. Honestly, the design looks tacky and the interior looks cheap. Being number one among the young crowd tells me two things…… GM financial is giving out a lot of subprime loans and GM dealers are offering huge discounts.
I agree with you on price, but the truck looks great IMO. To each their own.
I like the way the fourth-gen Silverado looks, mostly, with two major exceptions:
1. The interior (but I’ve ranted at length about that before).
2. The tailgate/rear end of the bed. I cannot stand the extruded rectangle with the embossed “CHEVROLET” lettering. I know it’s supposed to be a callback to some classic Chevy’s, but the rectangle is positioned awkwardly on the tailgate. (The HD tailgate looks better because it doesn’t have the stupid rectangle). Actually, the proportions of the entire rear of the truck are awkward. The rear just looks too tall. Having the extruded rectangle sit higher on the tailgate just adds to that problem. The MultiPro tailgate (or whatever Chevy’s calling it) looks a little better because it does away with that stupid extruded rectangle and goes back to the Bowtie, but the proportions still look off.
I’m looking forward to the redesign. I’m fairly sure it won’t fix the proportion problem, but maybe.
The front end proportions are terrible. The hood is too tall and short and squared, looks smashed. And I have been a Silverado guy for a long time.
I love the 2500’s. Chevy has done a good job with styling of all their trucks except for the Colorado.
If you look under
The 2020 and 2021 Silverado range is offered with the following powertrains:
And look at the seventh item listed.
Heavy Duty 6.6L L8T V8 Gasoline Naturally Aspirated 6-Speed Automatic (MYD) 401 @ 5200 464 @ 4000 3.73
And it is not a Duramax
Hello Robert Flowers, yes, that 6.6 L gas engine is available but only on the
Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks.
If you look the last 2 engines listed are the 6.6L Duramax diesel that engine is available with the 10 speed auto and 6 speed auto in the 2500 and 3500 ( I’m thinking the 6 speed is an error as I’ve not seen one in a 2500 or 3500
The 2500/3500 6.6 gas engine has a 6L90 6-speed automatic, the 2500/3500 6.6 Duramax diesel has a 10L1000 10-speed automatic. I think the fact they are both 6.6L causes a bit of confusion.
Tony the last Duramax engine on the list is for the Medium Duty 4500/5500/6500, they still use a 6-speed
The people who are loyal to gm and want the traditional look have migrated to GMC,sales up high single digits at the least for a long time.
The new Chevy leaves me with nothing to go on. It doesn’t look good, the interior is cheap, it doesn’t have a good ride and they are getting a lot of complaints. At least the other brands give me something to go on. The sooner this generation ends the better in my opinion.
Best looking truck on the market by far, I’m reminded how good it looks when I see them on the road and I’m seeing a TON of them everyday.
Hehe, you gotta be kidding!
Well people aren’t buying it for it’s interior, long range with the 24 gallon tank, scorching performance of the 5.3 or ride quality.
I like the Real Tree version w/o the Real Tree decals in white with 20″ wheels with All Terain tires, black front grill with other black out options and a 6.2. The tires on the Trail Boss look to little and stuck with the venerable 5.3…
Even a 5.7 400hp would be better or even jumping the 6.2 to 445 hp is better. But none will ever happen…
Does anyone know the color of the fourth (4th) Silverado down from the top? It’s right under the blue one.
I’m trying to see the difference between Silver Gray Metallic and Satin Steel Metallic. I really like this color and hope it’s one of the two I’ve listed.
Thanks for any info in advance.
If you’re referring to the picture of the tailgate it is indeed, Satin Steel Metallic. Silver Ice Metallic is a lot lighter compared to that one.
Really?
I mean step back and really look at the Ram, F150 and Silverado. Maybe start at the rear end of the Chevy and work around the truck. At least that will give the medium effort design of the sides a chance before you hit the front end. No it saddens me that style is the driving force in choosing this truck. It doesnt say much for the rest of the truck.
I am put of the truck game and if i do need a truck again then i will look carefully at all the choices without bias and blinders. Hoping gm can find their mojo again.
Good luck hombre!
GM has the best *looking* full size truck, but Dodge gas the *best* full size truck.
Design WAS the number one reason. No longer true.
Hehe!
Makes sense since there is NOTHING compelling about the truck. So mediocre.
Hehe!
Guess what. Design problems are not covered under warranty. For example, the 8 speed transmission has a heap of issues them GM says its designed to run that way or its a design problem then they can renig on the warranty repair.
How about a little more head room, if you are over 6 feet tall your head rubs on the roof
Hehe!
like the previous generation a lot better…also, miss the regular cab short bed
Silverados still have a cheap interior compared to Dodge and Ford. Supposedly 2022 will be better. I still will not buy if only available with black or brown interior. My 2013 HD is white with tan interior.
I have always been a chevy fan. This is one ugly truck. The front end looks upside down or something. Thankfully the GMC has not green ruined. I will be buying a new Denali this summer.
With the new Ford out it makes the GM twins looks even better than they already do. I really like the new Chevrolet trucks. They have presence.
I love it just like it is. Make mine a Trail Boss RCSB Tangier orange 5.3 10 speed please!
I never have liked the “side burns” but everything else looks good to me. I would have preferred a bow tie in the lower level trucks rather than CHEVROLET on the grille but it’s not a deal breaker.
I like the outside, in saying that the blah cheaper looking interior has definitely not done it any favors sales wise compared to especially the RAM interior.