The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax is an impressive and capable truck, but the 2021 is set to be an even better value and have added capability. Not only can you get the latest Multi-Flex tailgate on the 2021 Silverado 1500 Duramax, but you get more cargo capacity, more towing capacity, more towing features, and pay less money. Oh yea, it also still gets the class-leading fuel economy that impressed us last year when it was introduced (33 mpg highway for 2wd Silverado 1500 Duramax).
2021 Silverado 1500 Duramax Value
The 3.0L Duramax engine option on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will be $1,500 less than it was on the 2020 truck. That equates to the Duramax diesel option now only costing between $995 and $2,390, depending on the trim level and base engine it is replacing. That is an incredible value for a mileage friendly, smooth operating, and toque happy diesel engine option.
More Capacity
On the 2WD short-box 2021 Silverado 1500 with 3.0L Duramax diesel, you now get a 9,500-pound tow rating. That is an impressive 1,900-pounds more than the same spec 2020 truck. On the same spec truck, you also get a 2,060-pound payload capacity, 330-pounds more than last year. These capacity rating upgrades are said to be “attributed to the better-than-expected rear axle durability.”
Note that if you already have, or are looking to buy, a 2020 Silverado 1500 diesel, that while not officially upgraded to these capacities, the truck should be good for them. The rear-axel, attributed for the gains, hasn’t changed in the truck.
More Towing Features
Besides the already impressive 15 unique camera views that the Silverado 1500 has on offer, the 2021 truck gets even more tech to help you when trailering.
The Cargo Bed View camera angle gets some upgrades, with a Zoom View and Bed Hitch Guidance feature, to help when hooking up a gooseneck or fifth-wheel.
New for 2021 is also Jack-Knife Alert, which tracks the position of the trailer and lets you know if you’re about to jack-knife.
The other latest trailering tech added for 2021 is Trailer Length Indicator. This system puts a red overlay twice the length of the trailer on the center console screen, when a turn single is activated. This helps you determine if another car is present in the area you are trying to change lanes/turn into.
2021 Silverado 1500 Production
Production of the 2021 Silverado 1500 started this month, with trucks being delivered to customers later this fall. Multi-flex tailgate equipped trucks aren’t expected to hit the market until early 2021.
