carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $44,532–$52,109 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.7/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $44,532–$52,109, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.1/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. 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.
Our take: The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 SL 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 $44,532 starting price is about 27% above 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 $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,500 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 | $50,406 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $48,938 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $47,469 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $46,001 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $44,532 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $43,065 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $41,597 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $40,128 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $38,660 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $37,193 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $35,724 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #298 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 42% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL starts at $44,532 and ranges up to $52,109 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.