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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $39,394–$46,096 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 S is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10. 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. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this truck trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.7/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.9/10 — 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 $39,394–$46,096, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.
Verdict: The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 S sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 S ranks #298 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 42% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $39,394 starting price is about 12% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 S scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,000 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 | $44,590 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $43,291 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $41,992 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $40,693 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $39,394 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $38,096 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $36,797 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $35,498 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $34,199 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $32,901 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $31,601 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.