When it comes to shopping for a full-size pickup, there are plenty of options out there. You might even have the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra on your list. Unfortunately, there are a few things you should consider before finalizing your decision. While both pickups might seem like good options, both share some pretty frustrating complaints, according to Consumer Reports.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra both struggle with reliability

If a reliable pickup is what you’re after, then you might want to skip the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra. Unfortunately for both, Consumer Reports’ data shows that reliability is a pretty big struggle. Both pickups earned a one out of five predicted reliability rating, making for a pretty dismal score. 

But subpar reliability scores aren’t new for either of these pickups. Consumer Reports’ data shows that the Chevy Silverado has struggled with reliability ratings for years. Unfortunately, it’s the same story for the GMC Sierra. According to Consumer Reports, the GMC Sierra hasn’t earned an above-average reliability rating since the 2012 GMC Sierra.

Lifting cargo into the bed of the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra can be a challenge

While both the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra struggle with reliability ratings, you might find yourself struggling with loading the bed of either of these pickups. When testing out the 2021 Chevy Silverado, Consumer Reports pointed out that it’s a “stretch to lift cargo over the pickup bed’s tall sides.” Consumer Reports shared a similar sentiment when testing the 2021 GMC Sierra. 

In all fairness, however, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Both pickups sit a ways off the ground. Both boast pretty tall bed sides as well. So, while Consumer Reports says it might be a stretch to lift cargo into these pickups, it’s the kind of stretch that you should expect when buying a full-size truck.

You’re going to need the help of running boards to get into either truck

Consumer Reports also took issue with just how high these pickups sit off the ground. When testing the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra, Consumer Reports pointed out that both trucks utilize pretty wide running boards to making climbing in an easier feat. While this might be a legit gripe for some pickup shoppers, it’s something to be expected when buying a full-size truck. They are pretty big, after all.

The interiors of both pickups leave much to be desired too

Do you like plastic? If you do, you might actually like the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra’s interiors. But if, like Consumer Reports, you don’t like plastic? Then you may be disappointed with both of these trucks. While Consumer Reports says the Silverado’s “relatively stark cabin makes heavy use of hard plastic surfaces,” the GMC Sierra’s interior also employs more than enough plastic to give it an outdated look.

It’s not just too much plastic plaguing the interior of the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra. Both trucks offer up plenty of room for passengers, but the accommodations aren’t exactly comfortable. For the driver and front-seat passenger, that wealth of space means that some controls are a far reach too. Consumer Reports explained that multiple buttons are also placed too low on the center stack for both trucks, the hazard light switch included. Consumer Reports added that spraying washer fluid isn’t all that intuitive either.

There are plenty of other less frustrating options out there

There’s no denying that both the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra are stock full of frustrating issues. From low reliability ratings to an interior that’s almost too spacious, these trucks make it pretty easy to want to avoid them. Fortunately, there are other options available. Instead, consider checking out the Toyota Tundra or the Ram 1500.