Consumer Reports Worst Trucks of 2021: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
There has to be one truck at the end of the Consumer Reports list of full-sized trucks. However, since the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and 2021 GMC Sierra are essentially the same truck, there happen to be two trucks at the end of this list. What caused these two trucks to end up at the back of the line with a score of 45? There are a few reasons.
Why did Consumer Reports give the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado a 45?
Consumer Reports uses a variety of criteria to calculate scores. From owner-reported issues to road tests, there are many ways for the vehicles to rack up points. However, that did not happen for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Silverado came in seventh on the list of 20 full-sized trucks, but the other trucks were not yes tested. Therefore, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra came in last on the list of full-sized trucks.
What accounts for such a low score? The predicted reliability came in at only one out of five, while the predicted owner satisfaction was only a three out of five. It did score a 78 out of 100 on the road test. The fuel economy came in at one out of five, with an overall mileage of 17 mpg. That’s 11 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The annual fuel cost is estimated to be $1,715.
One area that most potential buyers might be interested in is the section filled with safety features. For the most part, safety features buyers might expect to come standard are not standard. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning are all optional. It does offer traction control and anti-lock brakes, but it would be bizarre if those basic features were not included.
The GMC Sierra had a similar score
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is essentially the same truck. It came in just behind the Chevrolet Silverado, making it the last scored truck on Consumer Reports list. However, one important area that impacted both trucks is the open recalls. The trucks have three recalls for a variety of issues.
The first issue is related to the seat belt assembly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the seat belt assembly may not be properly attached to the vehicles. The second recall is in relation to the seat belt bracket for the first recall. This one is specific to the front-row center seat position. Another recall is for over-cured tires. If the tires were overcured, a break in the sidewall could result in a crash.
What pickup truck should you buy instead?
The list of full-size pickup trucks is not very long. And to be fair, none of the trucks on this list have great scores from Consumer Reports. However, we would suggest the 2021 Ram 1500 or the 2021 Toyota Tundra if you are in a pinch and need to buy right now. These are the first and second trucks on the list, and both received a score of 63.
Large trucks tend to have quirks that cars and SUVs might not share. The biggest issues with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra probably come down to the lack of safety features. If you go up in trim level, you might find some extra features included. The lack of safety features standard on the base trims is certainly an oversight.
Consumer Reports highlighted that the Sierra and Silverado had a roomy interior, a deep bed, and were generally quiet. If drivers were concerned with the fuel economy, the diesel engine offers better numbers for both trucks. Don’t despair if you were looking to purchase one of these new ones. There are plenty of options on the market that might have scored better in a variety of areas. The 2020 trucks and future 2022 trucks have a lot to offer buyers, too.
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