2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation vs. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST
How do the mid-tier GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trim levels stack up against each other? We here at Ernie Dean have put the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST against each other in a head-to-head battle to show you both the similarities and differences of these GM trucks. They may be built on the same GM platform, but there are a few choice features and options that separate these two trucks, and may make a decision between the GMC and Chevrolet a bit easier. Explore our comparison below, and get to know the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST!
The following blog and specifications are respective to the 4WD Crew Cab, Standard Bed models.
Exterior Design
| Dimensions: | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation Crew Cab | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST Crew Cab |
| Length (mm/in) | 6,128 / 241.3 | 6,127 / 241.2 |
| Width (mm/in) | 2,063 / 81.2 | 2,063 / 81.2 |
| Height (mm/in) | 1,915 / 75.4 | 1,915 / 75.4 |
| Wheelbase (mm/in) | 3,987 / 157.0 | 3,987 / 157.0 |
| Cargo Box Length (on floor) (mm/in) | 2,018 / 79.4 | 2,018 / 79.4 |
| Cargo Box Width (on floor) (mm/in) | 1,814 / 71.4 | 1,814 / 71.4 |
| Ground Clearance | 202 / 8.0 | 202 / 8.0 |
Being built on the same GM platform means these two trucks have remarkably similar sizes, but where their differences begin is in the design and features. The front of each truck showcases obviously unique grilles and headlight styles that provide each pickup their own unique personality. A big difference between the two, in both looks and function, is that the
- Elevation:
- Only comes with 20-inch black aluminum wheels
- MultiPro tailgate
- RST:
- Comes standard with 18-inch silver wheels
- Can also be upgraded to 20-inch and 22-inch options.
- Power tailgate
Interior Design
| Dimensions: | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation Crew Cab | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST Crew Cab |
| Front Headroom (mm/in) | 1,093 / 43.0 | 1,093 / 43.0 |
| Rear Headroom (mm/in) | 1,019 / 40.1 | 1,019 / 40.1 |
| Front Legroom (mm/in) | 1,131 / 44.5 | 1,131 / 44.5 |
| Rear Legroom (mm/in) | 1,102 / 43.4 | 1,102 / 43.4 |
| Front Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,677 / 66.0 | 1,677 / 66.0 |
| Rear Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,655 / 65.2 | 1,655 / 65.2 |
| Front Hip Room (mm/in) | 1,554 / 61.2 | 1,554 / 61.2 |
| Rear Hip Room (mm/in) | 1,530 / 60.2 | 1,530 / 60.2 |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Just like the exterior of the two trucks, the interior dimensions and design may be incredibly similar, but there are a few small differences that could be a big deal in making your choice between the two.
- Elevation:
- Only comes with a black interior
- Cloth seats
- RST:
- Black interior
- Cloth or leather seats
Performance
| Engines: | 2.7L Turbo | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed or 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 | 355 | 277 | 420 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 348 | 383 | 460 | 460 |
| Available On | Elevation & RST | Elevation & RST | Elevation & RST | RST |
While both pickups provide remarkably similar engine choices, there are a few key differences, especially with one engine that the RST has that isn’t available on the Elevation. The 2.7L Turbo, 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 and 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engines can be had on either truck, while the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is only found on the Silverado RST. An engine advantage the Elevation does have is being able to pair the 5.3L engine with an 8-speed or 10-speed transmission, while the RST only has the 8-speed. The off-road packages on both are incredibly popular, and while they both have different names, X31 for the Sierra and Z71 for the Silverado, they exist with the same features like underbody skid plates, heavy duty air filter, hill descent control, off-road suspension with Rancho twin tube shocks and more.
Verdict: Which Pickup is For You?
| Engine Pricing: | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST |
| 2.7L Turbo | $56,048* | $53,748* |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | $57,843* | $55,543* |
| 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 | $59,628* | $57,328* |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | N/A | $56,833* |
While two incredibly similar trucks, there are quite a few seemingly small differences that could be a big difference in you making your decision. Ultimately, they’re both terrific GM options, and depend more on personal preference rather than one truck being outwardly “better” than the other. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 4WD Crew Cab starts at $56,048 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST 4WD Crew Cab starts at $53,748. The Elevation sees the slightly higher price tag due to its more luxurious features, but both are still well within the realm of each other even before any package add-ons.
For more on either of these trucks, or any of the trim levels across the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, continue your research online, contact us or come see us in person! Whether you’re ready to buy or just want to learn more, we’re here to assist with all of your GM needs.
Take some time and explore even more GMC and Chevrolet truck blogs here:
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Differences
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Popular Packages