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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $34,256–$40,084 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.9/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.7/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $34,256–$40,084, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base ranks #251 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,256 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $38,774 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $37,645 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $36,515 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $35,386 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $34,256 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $33,127 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $31,998 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $30,868 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $29,739 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $28,610 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $27,480 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #251 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 51% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base starts at $34,256 and ranges up to $40,084 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.