What are the 5.3 Silverado 2021 specs?
The 2021 Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is offered in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, with multiple cab and bed options, and strong towing and payload capabilities when properly equipped.
In this article, we break down the key specifications of the 5.3L Silverado for the 2021 model year, including engine performance, transmission, drivetrain, and the configurations that affect capability. The figures below reflect the typical 5.3L V8 setup available across trim levels, noting that exact numbers can vary with cab/bed choice, drivetrain, and the Max Trailering Package.
Engine and performance
Below is a concise list of the core engine-related specifications for the 2021 Silverado 5.3L V8.
- Displacement and architecture: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 (5,328 cc), traditional overhead valve V8
- Power: 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm
- Fuel management: Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) with Active Fuel Management (cylinder shutoff) to improve efficiency
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
- Drivetrain availability: 2WD (rear-wheel drive) or 4WD (four-wheel drive)
- Towing capacity (with proper equipment): up to about 11,600 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package
In short, the 5.3L V8 is designed to balance daily usability with capable towing and payload, leveraging modern fuel-management tech to improve efficiency without sacrificing work-ready performance.
Capabilities and configurations
The Silverado’s capability is shaped by its cab and bed configurations, as well as the packaging chosen by buyers. The following specs summarize how those choices affect weight-bearing tasks and overall utility.
- Cab configurations: Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab
- Bed lengths: Short bed 5'8" and long bed 6'7" (availability varies by cab and trim)
- Payload capacity: up to roughly 2,280 pounds in the most capable configurations
- Max towing with proper equipment: up to about 11,600 pounds with the Max Trailering Package
- Fuel economy context: EPA estimates vary by cab/bed/drive, but configurations with the 5.3L V8 generally fall in the mid-teens for city driving and the low- to mid-20s on the highway, with 4WD typically modestly lower than 2WD
These configuration options are what determine the practical limits for daily hauling, camping trips, and worksite tasks, along with fuel-use expectations.
Additional notes on the 5.3L Silverado 2021
Owners and buyers should note that the 2021 Silverado can pair the 5.3L V8 with various trim levels and packages that influence weight, aerodynamics, and equipment. Notable technologies tied to this engine include active cylinder deactivation and dynamic fuel management, which allow the truck to switch between different numbers of active cylinders to optimize fuel economy during light-load cruising while preserving power when required for towing or acceleration.
In practice, the 5.3L V8 in the 2021 Silverado remains a staple for buyers who want a powerful, burly daily driver that can handle moderate towing and heavy payloads without stepping up to the more powerful (and more expensive) 6.2L V8 or Duramax options.
Summary
For the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8, key specs include 355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the choice of 2WD or 4WD. Capacity figures highlight a best-case payload around 2,280 pounds and a maximum towing figure near 11,600 pounds with the appropriate Max Trailering Package. Bed lengths span 5'8" and 6'7" with Regular, Double, and Crew Cab configurations available. The engine incorporates Dynamic Fuel Management and Active Fuel Management to balance power and efficiency across uses. Always verify the specific configuration to confirm exact numbers for a given truck.
Is the Chevy 5.3 L V-8 a good engine?
They're excellent engines. Some higher mileage ones from that Era may have a small lifter tick, but it does nothing except just make noise (my 03 Suburban had it. Ran great otherwise).
How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Chevy 1500 5.3 get?
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway for 2WD models and 16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway for 4WD models. The combined city/highway MPG is 18 for 2WD and 17 for 4WD, though real-world mileage can vary depending on factors like driving habits, terrain, and vehicle load.
2WD models
- City: 16 mpg
- Highway: 21 mpg
- Combined: 18 mpg
4WD models
- City: 16 mpg
- Highway: 19 mpg
- Combined: 17 mpg
Factors that can affect fuel economy
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and braking can significantly reduce MPG.
- Vehicle weight: Carrying extra weight in the truck will decrease fuel efficiency.
- Aerodynamics: Open windows at higher speeds increase drag and lower MPG.
- Tire size: Larger or off-road tires can impact fuel economy.
- Terrain: Driving on hilly terrain will use more fuel than driving on flat ground.
What is the engine problem on the 2021 Chevy Silverado?
Owners of the Chevy Silverado have reported engine problems, including excessive oil consumption, lifter failures, and turbocharger issues in diesel models.
What 5.3 engine is in a 2021 Silverado?
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine
2021 Silverado Engine Specs
| 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Horsepower |
| High Country | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine | 355 Horsepower |
| LTZ | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine | 355 Horsepower |
| LT Trail Boss | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine | 355 Horsepower |
