Class 1-2 Trucks Get the Job Done in 2021

Focusing on trucks utilized by vocational truck fleets, Work Truck rounded up what’s available in the under 10,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) Class 1-2 category for the 2021 calendar-year.

Every year, Work Truck editors dig in to find out what's new, what's the latest, and what's the greatest. Vehicles were placed in a truck class based on the lowest available GVWR and information is based on the latest information provided by the OEMs. Additionally, specifications will vary greatly depending on how the truck is spec’ed. 

The Chevrolet Colorado took on a new look for the 2021 model-year. The WT, LT, and Z71 Colorado trim levels received updated center bars, lower fascias, and front skid plates. WT and LT will feature all-new gold Chevy bowtie logos, while Z71 receives a black bowtie logo. The ZR2 features Multimatic DSSVT position-sensitive dampers, standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, 2-inch suspension lift, 3.5-inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast-iron control arms, Autotrac transfer case, and multiple skid plates, will now come equipped with standard red tow hooks as well.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offerings include regular cab, double cab, and crew cab body styles — all offered with 4WD. Models include Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. Regular cab models are offered with an 8-foot box. Double cab models are available with a 6-foot 6-inch box, while Crew cabs are available with a 5-foot 8-inch box or the 6-foot 6-inch box. Trailering Packages are available as well as a Snow Plow Prep package. The 2021 model features an all-new multi-flex tailgate configuration. 

Powered by a choice of six engines including gasoline and diesel options as well as an all-new for 2021 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V-6 with Pro Power Onboard — an integrated power generator,  the Ford F-150 is available in three body styles (Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew) and six trim levels. Several tech-focused updates were made for 2021, and the interior has been completely redesigned. 

The Ford F-250 Super Duty delivers max payload of 4,260 pounds and a max towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. It comes standard with a 6.2L Flex Fuel V-8 engine mated to the 6-speed TorqShift heavy-duty automatic transmission. Ford’s 7.3L gasoline V-8, Power Stroke diesel V-8, and 10-speed automatic transmission are available.

The Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck is powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine featuring 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger is available in SuperCab or SuperCrew configurations. It can be optioned as a 4x2 or 4x4 and comes in three trim levels. The truck offers a max payload of 1,860 pounds and a max towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The new Ranger FX2 Package provides capability updates for two-wheel drive models. 

The mid-size GMC Canyon pickup truck is offered in six trims and three truck bed lengths (extended cab model with a 6-foot 2-inch bed, a crew cab with a 5-foot 2-inch bed, and a crew cab with a 6-foot 2-inch bed). The pickup can trailer up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the available 2.8L Duramax diesel engine. An all-terrain package is also available. Remote start is standard on All Terrain, SLT, and Denali models. The 2021 Canyon also introduces the Canyon AT4 premium model. 

Featuring six engine and transmission combinations including a diesel option, the GMC Sierra 1500 mid-size truck is offered in six model and trim levels (Sierra, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali). Sierra 1500 offerings include regular cab, double cab, and crew cab body styles — all offered with 4WD. Regular cab models are offered with an 8-foot box. Double cab models are available with a 6-foot 6-inch box, while crew cabs are available with a 5-foot 8-inch or 6-foot 6-inch box. The truck also features an available max trailering package and Snow Plow Prep package. 

The Nissan Frontier is powered by a 3.8L direct-injection V-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission that achieves up to 310 hp. The truck is offered in a choice of King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, along with 4x4x and 4x2 drive configurations and three grade levels. Fleets can also choose from standard and long-wheelbase models. Standard on the Frontier S Grade are 16-inch styled wheels.

The 2021 Titan is powered by Nissan’s 5.6L Endurance V-8 gasoline engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine features Nissan’s Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) technology, combining hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side. Every 2021 Titan comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems. Titan XD models are built on a unique frame and chassis and offer heavy-duty towing in a light-duty package. 

Featuring up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability and 2,300 pounds of payload, the 2021-MY Ram 1500 is available as a gasoline model, mild hybrid, or diesel model. New features for 2021 include a heads-up-display (HUD), new digital rearview mirror, and power fold trailer mirrors. The Snow Plow Prep package is also an option. The Ram 1500 is available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations as a Quad Cab or Crew Cab with two bed length options on the Crew Cab. A total of nine models are offered. 

Updated for the 2021-MY, the Toyota Tacoma is in its third-generation and available in 32 different configurations. Powered by the standard 2.7L four-cylinder engine that achieves 159 hp at 5,200 rpm, the truck is available in either 4x4 or 4x2 and in Access Cab or Double Cab models. Also available will be the 3.5L V-6 direct-injection engine. Tacoma Access Cab models ride on a 127.4-inch wheelbase. Tacoma Double Cab is offered as a 127.4-inch or 140.6-inch wheelbase.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra will be powered exclusively by the 5.7L i-FORCE V-8 engine that achieves up to 10,200 pounds of towing capacity with a max payload of 1,730 pounds. Available in Double Cab and CrewMax four-door cab styles, Tundra features several configurations and is available in six models. The Tundra TRD Pro model will carry on the new color tradition with the introduction of Lunar Rock for 2021. A special trail edition based on the SR5 Crew Max will be available in both 2WD and 4WD powertrains.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online