Determining which makes and models are of the highest quality might seem like a simple matter of conducting some owner research and testing. This might seem like a streamlined approach, but there’s more to consider. Many consumers have turned to looking at pre-owned vehicles to obtain the quality that’s often sought after. When it comes to the Chevy Silverado 1500, obtaining a previously owned model can be very beneficial in this regard. As all models depreciate over time, a Silverado of substantial quality can be acquired for a slightly lower price. With their capable powertrains and rugged dependability, purchasing any used Chevy Silverado is an investment in your future. But which one is most beneficial? Today, we’re going to find out. We’re here to present a 2021 and 2020 Silverado 1500 buyer’s guide. We’ll examine the attributes from each model year, so you can make an informed choice.
Powertrains Be Thy Name
Chevy has a long history of producing capable engines that adhere to the needs of almost every type of driver. For the 2020 and 2021 model years, Chevy didn’t waiver from this tradition when outfitting the Silverado 1500 with the most capable equipment for its drivers. For a balanced and objective assessment, we’ll begin with the 2020 model year and its highlights.
2020 was quite a tumultuous year for the entire planet. The global pandemic wholly altered how we lived our lives. For those who have followed Chevy for its entire duration, it’s no surprise that the brand weathered this storm with relative ease. If the Great Depression and energy crisis couldn’t slow Chevy down, we’re not sure anything will. For the 2020 model year, there was some exciting news regarding the powertrain of the Silverado 1500.
The widely acclaimed 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel joined the list of available options, matching the 6.2L V8 with its 460 lb-ft of torque. Both came equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission for maximum performance. The diesel workhorse also had a remarkable staying power, with some lasting well over 200,000 miles. For the 2021 model year, these changes stayed in place. The most significant change to the powertrain was an increased towing capacity, which we’ll be examining later. If you’re the trailing type, you’ll soon see why the 2021 model year might be more advantageous for you.
Towing Capabilities
Many people choose to utilize the Silverado 1500 as a workhorse to get the big jobs done. Either that or their leisure activities require some heavy lifting. Both vehicles for the 2020 and 2021 model years certainly provided options for both types of truck owners. Depending on how much and how often you tow will be a determining factor in which model year you decide to go with.
For 2020, the Silverado 1500 delivered the goods when it came to alleviating the heavy burdens of the workforce. For those in favor of the Duramax Turbo Diesel, 9,300 lbs was the maximum. This is the average tow rating found in other vehicles. For those who needed just a little more power, the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines provided maximum capacities of 11,600 lbs and 13,400 lbs, respectively. Even the turbocharged four-cylinder provides adequate towing capacity at 7,000 lbs.
While some drivers will find the towing specifications of the 2020 Silverado more than adequate for their needs, some need more capability than the average driver. The difference in towing abilities between the two model years is quite vast, so here’s what 2021 brought to the table. Both V8 powertrains retained the exact specification from the previous model year. However, the smaller engines proved their ability to play catch-up to their larger siblings. The turbo-diesel upped its towing ability to 9,500 lbs. The 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder now towed 9,600 lbs, allowing for bigger things to emerge from smaller packages. The 2021 model year also introduced some new towing assistance features, such as a jackknife alert system and a trailer length alert that assisted the driver whenever changing lanes.
Technology & Innovations
The style between the 2020 and 2021 model years remained relatively unchanged since the Silverado’s 2019 redesign. One of the most exciting things to keep an eye out for with each passing model year is the new strides manufacturers make in technological developments in terms of safety and driving assistance features. Both model years have some distinctive traits, and we’ll soon see what they have to offer drivers who are considering a used Silverado 1500 for their next purchase.
For the 2020 model year, Chevy outfitted the Silverado with adaptive cruise control. Easily one of the most significant advances in driving assistance to arrive in recent years, this feature took cruise control to a level of capability. By monitoring traffic patterns, adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance allowing for adequate reaction time while on the road. You’ll also benefit from many of the features that accompany many newer vehicles, such as compatibility with Apple and Android devices. Buying the 2020 Silverado will give you the luxuries of a new vehicle with a slightly lower price tag.
While the 2021 Silverado contains many of the same features as the previous year, some notable additions make it an excellent choice for any driver. As we previously mentioned, Chevy added new towing features to coincide with its increased trailering capability. Items such as a cargo bed viewer allowed fifth-wheel towing and hook-up much easier. In an innovative move that granted more versatility to its drivers, the Silverado now came with a multi-function tailgate. While this has been available on the 2020 GMC Sierra, it was now a part of the Silverado. The interior was now more refined, with the infotainment screen and other various features being placed closer to the driver.
Depreciation and Which Model to Buy
The final choice for which model you wish to buy all comes down to what you need most. If you plan on doing an expansive amount of towing and trailering and utilizing your Silverado 1500 as a work vehicle, we recommend the 2021 model. If you’re a driver who does a small to an average amount of towing and is looking for a cost-effective option, we think the 2020 model is more than ideal for your needs.
To get a better understanding of how much you might be spending, we’ve decided to take a few moments to illustrate the depreciation of the Silverado 1500. For those who might not be aware, depreciation is the gradual descent of value that models experience over time. For example, a 2021 Silverado will retain approximately 90% of its original value. This means you’ll be able to purchase one for a slightly lower price. If you go a little bit further back and decide to go for the 2020 model, it will have depreciated more, meaning a considerable amount of savings off of the original price. It should be noted that other factors may influence prices, such as wear and tear and the vehicle’s history. No matter what you decide, request a CARFAX report to gain knowledge of the vehicle’s history.
Visiting a dealership such as Parkway Chevrolet can be an excellent way to find out which model year is more appropriate for your needs.
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