The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
Every year, The Car Guide unveils a list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry.
Full-size pickup sales are extremely strong across the country. The American manufacturers completely dominate the segment, so you’ll see the same names here, except in a different order than last year.
- Also: GM’s Oshawa Plant to Resume Pickup Production in 2022
- Also: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD Can Tow up to 36,000 Pounds
Our Best Buy for 2021
It was a really close call, but in the end we elevated GM’s duo of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra above the others. Available in a wide variety of models and configurations, these two pickups also offer many different engines.
From the base 2.7-litre four-cylinder to the 6.2-litre V8, customers have plenty of selection. The 5.3-litre V8 is quite popular, too, and a good choice for those who plan to keep their truck for many years.
Obviously, the cabins are less refined than the Ram 1500’s and performance doesn’t match what Ford’s EcoBoost engines deliver, but the Sierra and Silverado offer superior long-term durability, which is paramount when it comes to work trucks.
The Finalists
Last year’s Best Buy, the Ram 1500, slips in second place. It continues to stand out with a sophisticated and elegant cabin that boasts unparalleled fit and finish.
The gasoline V6 and V8 engines are strong performers and pretty reliable overall, but we can’t say the same thing about the turbo-diesel V6, which has had its fair share of troubles.
Ram also offers a well-balanced ride, particularly with the available air suspension. The latter is not bulletproof, however—cold temperatures can take a toll on it.
Third place in the segment is occupied by the completely redesigned Ford F-150, North America’s best-selling pickup. While it impresses with the addition of a hybrid variant (among many other available powertrain options), the F-150 is plagued by some reliability issues on EcoBoost models. Naturally aspirated rivals are a safer pick.
Don’t miss our full list of Best Buys for 2021!
