The Chevy Silverado is the third most popular full-size light-duty pickup after the Ford F-Series and Ram. Third place in a field this competitive is nothing to be ashamed of. The Silverado is a capable, comfortable, and technologically advanced truck offering plentiful trims and options. In fact, one trim is a critical and consumer darling.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado at a glance

The Chevy Silverado is highly capable. Chevrolet indicates the 2021 model can haul 2,250 pounds and tow 13,400 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel mileage is EPA-rated at 23 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy varies depending upon the model and powertrain.

One of the 2021 Silverado’s strongest selling points is that consumers have many options to create their perfect truck. Besides different cab configurations (regular, extended, and crew), bed lengths (short, standard, and long), and engine options (four-cylinder, V6, V8, and six-cylinder diesel), there are eight trim options to choose from. Let’s compare crew cab models, though each trim level also varies by bed lengths and powertrains.

Trims range from the basic Work Truck, starting at $38,685, to the High Country, starting at $66,600. The other six trims in between, jumping in price a few thousand dollars each, are Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ.

Choosing a Chevy Silverado trim

When selecting a Chevy Silverado, cab configuration, engine size, and bed length are relatively simple choices that depend upon the buyer’s needs. Picking the right trim level is another matter entirely.

Edmunds reports that, overall, the 2021 Chevy Silverado offers substantial legroom for rear-seat passengers, a large-capacity bed well-appointed with tie-down points for securing loads, and an easy-to-use touchscreen display. The site recommends the LT and LT Trail Boss trims. It also notes the LT is also the most popular among consumers. The LT is available with extended cab and crew cab configurations, four engine options, and cloth or leather seats. An optional safety package adds parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The folks at Car and Driver also recommend the LT trim, though they place the Chevy Silverado a distant third behind F-150 and Ram. Specifically, they recommend the crew cab, all-wheel drive, standard bed Silverado LT with the 5.3-liter V8, the Z71 off-road package, and the safety package. For a luxurious touch, they would also add heated front seats and a remote start.

Reviewer and consumer favorite: The LT trim

Chevrolet‘s online trim-comparison tool allows consumers to customize a Chevy Silverado LT to fit their needs. Some will opt for the extra seating capacity the crew cab offers, while others will choose a standard cab for a longer bed. Scrolling through the options reveals choices for engines, drivetrain, gear ratio, and a host of safety and convenience features.

Based on expert reviews, the Chevy Silverado is a capable competitor. But it also has a loyal fan base, likely due to its durability, capability, wide array of options, and modern styling.