2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its distinctive styling and the upscale Denali trim, which was often compared to owning a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes. The Sierra offered various trims, including the off-road-ready AT4, which was similar to the Silverado LT Trail Boss but with a more refined name. The AT4 featured a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red recovery hooks. The truck's interior, while functional, was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and lack of luxury, especially given its high price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a variety of cab styles, bed lengths, and trim levels, each with a unique appearance. The Silverado's styling was boxy and commanding, with a Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior was seen as outdated, with glossy plastic and small infotainment screens detracting from its overall quality. Despite this, the Silverado provided a sense of ruggedness and practicality, appealing to those who valued function over form.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's performance was highlighted by its affordable Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and impressive fuel economy, averaging 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The Sierra's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its AT4 suspension, which handled rough terrain with ease. However, its towing capacity was limited to 4,173 kilograms, which might not satisfy those needing maximum hauling power.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a similar Duramax turbodiesel engine, praised for its fuel efficiency and torque delivery. With a towing capacity of 4,309 kilograms, the Silverado was slightly more capable than the Sierra in this regard. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system provided seamless performance, while the Z71 Off-Road Package improved the truck's handling on rough terrain. However, the Silverado's standard suspension was criticized for allowing too much body movement, making the Z71 package a recommended upgrade.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a spacious interior with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The test truck featured durable leather seats with power adjustments and heating/cooling options. The Sierra's cargo bed, enhanced by the CarbonPro Edition package, offered ample space and innovative features like the MultiPro tailgate. However, interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with limited and less innovative storage solutions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also boasted a roomy interior, with supportive front seats offering power adjustments and heating/ventilation. The rear seat provided ample space for three adults, though the cushion was slightly low. The Silverado's cargo bed was among the largest in its class, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and multiple tie-down hooks. However, interior storage was not as innovative, and the lack of optional power running boards made entry and exit more challenging.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was equipped with advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system, available with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offered fast response times and excellent voice recognition. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, with quick loading times and modern graphics. The LTZ trim included an 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and a rear camera mirror, along with numerous trailering technologies. However, the Bose sound system was not as impressive as those in rival trucks, and the trailering tech fell short compared to competitors.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered several safety features, but many were optional rather than standard. These included forward collision warning, pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for front passenger protection and LATCH anchor accessibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also offered a range of safety features, including forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The truck's crash-test ratings were similar to the Sierra's, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for front passenger protection. The Silverado included additional safety features like a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a rear-seat reminder system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.