2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel vs. Gas

Feb 8, 2021

If you’re considering the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 as your next truck, you’re making an excellent choice. The Silverado is an American staple when it comes to tough, hardworking, and reliable trucks. Though you might have settled on the 2021 Silverado, you’re probably still curious about the differences between the diesel and gas models. Let’s compare the two trucks so you can better determine which 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is right for you.

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Exterior Design

Black Chevy Silverado 1500 on snowy plain at sunrise — Image via Flickr by truckhardware

The diesel and gas models of the 2021 Silverado 1500 have practically the same exterior, with a bold and modern look sure to appeal to Chevy fans the world over. Sleek lines, soft curves, an oversized front grille, modern LED lighting, and an aggressive stance only begin to describe the 2021 Chevy Silverado’s outward appearance. The trim levels you can get with either a diesel or a gas engine are the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Whether you’re cruising downtown or through your neighborhood, the 2021 Silverado 1500 is sure to grab everyone’s attention.

Diesel Engine Specs

The only available diesel engine for the 2021 Silverado 1500 is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. This engine is quiet and powerful and boasts impressive fuel mileage. It has 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbo-diesel combines with auto stop/start technology, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a variable intake manifold to offer you the best fuel mileage possible.

The estimated fuel figures for a 2021 Silverado 1500 equipped with the turbo-diesel are 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, with a maximum highway range of 726 miles. The turbo-diesel’s power comes from the latest diesel technologies, including improved exhaust tuning and precision fuel metering. These technologies help optimize the truck’s overall efficiency and performance. The maximum towing capacity for the turbo-diesel Silverado 1500 is 9,500 pounds.

Gas Engine Specs

The 2021 Silverado 1500 is available with one of four gas engines. The first is a 2.7-liter turbo inline-four. Don’t let the fact that it’s a four-cylinder deter you from this option. This base engine has 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque and delivers a maximum towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with active fuel management and auto stop/start technology to help with overall fuel consumption.

The second gas engine is the 4.3-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. This tried-and-true engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. Though it has a slightly lower maximum tow rating of 7,900 pounds, it is one of the most reliable V-6 engines you can find in a full-size truck.

The third gas engine is the legendary 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. When equipped on the LT Trail Boss and High Country trim levels, it pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, it comes with an eight-speed or a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the Silverado’s most popular, according to Chevy, and can tow up to 10,000 pounds. It has two cylinder deactivation options: dynamic fuel management or active fuel management.

Dynamic fuel management creates a balance between power and fuel efficiency, using only the cylinders it needs no matter the vehicle’s speed. Active fuel management toggles between four- and eight-cylinder modes. The auto stop/start feature is only available with the dynamic fuel management system.

The fourth gas engine is the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and has a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds. It comes with dynamic fuel management and is more than ready to help you get the job done or haul your toys. You’ll find something for everyone when considering the many powerful engine options available for the 2021 Silverado 1500.

Should You Choose the Diesel or Gas Chevy Silverado?

With such impressive engine options, it can be challenging to choose one when purchasing a 2021 Silverado 1500. First, sit down and list what you need and want in a new truck. This is a long-term investment, so you want to ensure you make the right decision from the start. Consider what you will be using the truck for now and what you need it to do in the near future.

Do you have a camper of significant size, heavy equipment, or a large boat? Do you plan to tow such things in the future? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you will likely want to purchase a truck capable of hauling big items to avoid having to trade in for more power and towing capacity later on. Another factor to consider is fuel economy. If you’re putting lots of highway miles on your new investment, you’ll want to look more closely at mileage.

The 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter turbo diesel inline-six bridges the gap between towing capacity and fuel economy. If you and your family travel with a camper, the diesel option might be ideal for your needs, as it gives you the ability to tow up to 9,500 pounds. When you’re not pulling a trailer, it gets an impressive 33 mpg on the highway.

If you are more of an off-road adventurer or a weekend warrior with less worry about fuel mileage, consider the 6.2-liter V-8 for its brute strength and low-end torque. If you only need a truck for its payload capabilities or as an everyday commuter vehicle, the 2.7-liter turbo inline-four fits the bill nicely. The final decision between diesel and gas comes down to your personal preferences.

Contact Rydell Chevrolet in Grand Forks

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has many engine options and other customizable features. Once you’ve determined everything you must have in your next truck, you can make an informed decision as to whether you want the diesel or gas model of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. Contact us online, call us at 701-620-2024, or start a chat with an expert by clicking the link below to learn more and schedule a test drive.