Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Class 1-2 Trucks Get the Job Done in 2021

Light-duty truck models are the go-to tool for vocational truck fleets that need the benefits a truck offers, but may not need the hauling power of their medium-duty counterparts.

October 12, 2020
Class 1-2 Trucks Get the Job Done in 2021

Ford F-150

Photo: Ford

5 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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. 

Ad Loading...

Chevrolet Colorado

Photo: Chevrolet


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

Photo: Chevrolet

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. 

Ford F-250 Super Duty

Photo: Ford

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.

Ford Ranger

Photo: Ford

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. 

Ad Loading...

GMC Canyon

Photo: GMC

The mid-sizeGMC 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. 

GMC Sierra 1500

Photo: GMC

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. 

Nissan Frontier

Photo: Nissan

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.

Nissan Titan

Photo: Nissan

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. 

Ram 1500

Photo: Ram Truck

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. 

Ad Loading...

Toyota Tacoma

Photo: Toyota

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.

Toyota Tundra

Photo: Toyota

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.

The truck specification chart for Class 1-2 trucks is listed in alphabetical order and includes max horsepower, the maximum GVWR, maximum towing capacity, maximum payload, and whether a gasoline and/or diesel option is available. 

Source: Work Truck magazine

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Vehicle Research

Two presenters speak at a Hankook tire industry event while audience members watch, with a large digital display and illuminated Hankook “driving emotion” logo behind them.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamAugust 21, 2026

Quality Highlighted as Hankook Receives International 2026 Diamond Supplier Award

Hankook accepted the International Motors 2026 Diamond Supplier Award at its manufacturing location in Clarksville, Tennessee. The location has two new phases of construction underway and, once completed, will produce 11 million tires annually.

Read More →
Workhorse second-quarter financial results graphic featuring the company logo over a white commercial delivery truck parked outside a Workhorse facility.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 19, 2026

Workhorse Group Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

Workhorse Group reported second-quarter financial results. Sales, net of returns and allowances, for the second quarter of 2026 were $3.6 million, compared to $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2025. However, Workhorse also reported an operating loss of $19.4 million.

Read More →
White utility service truck equipped with a Stellar crane and service body, parked on grass with trees in the background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 18, 2026

Stellar Products Now Available Through Sourcewell

Eligible public agencies can purchase Stellar Industries’ mechanic trucks, fuel/lube trucks, hooklifts, and tire service trucks through Sourcewell.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Week 2027 promotional graphic over a trade show floor, announcing the March 9–12 event and Future Truck Summit on March 9.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 14, 2026

NTEA Adds Future Truck Summit to Work Truck Week 2027

NTEA is replacing the long-running Green Truck Summit with something new: Future Truck Summit. The event, in collaboration with NAFA Fleet Management Association, is scheduled at the start of Work Truck Week 2027, March 9–12.

Read More →
Covered vehicle body suspended from orange overhead production equipment inside Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherAugust 13, 2026

Ford Fathom Production Takes Shape at Louisville Assembly Plant

Ford is rebuilding Louisville Assembly Plant around an entirely new EV manufacturing process. Here’s how the Universal EV Production System will change the way the Ford Fathom midsize electric truck comes together.

Read More →
Work Truck Solutions logo centered over a faded background featuring commercial work trucks.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 13, 2026

Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Data Signals Key Shift in Fleet Turnover and Market Velocity

Work Truck Solutions’ Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Market Analysis reported positive indicators suggesting fleet managers are now rotating aging units, relieving pre-owned inventory friction as business owners move quickly to secure assets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fleet manager stands near an EV charging station and looks toward a row of white cargo vans in a rainy fleet yard. Text reads “EV Fleet Reality Check?”
Green FleetAugust 11, 2026

EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans

Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.

Read More →
Black Fathom nameplate mounted on a dark textured wall, illuminated by soft directional lighting that creates subtle highlights and shadows, emphasizing the brand’s minimalist, modern aesthetic.
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 7, 2026

Ford Unveils Name for Under-$29K Midsize Electric Truck

Ford has unveiled the name of its new midsize electric truck: Fathom. It will have a starting MSRP of $28,350, and preorders will begin in early 2027.

Read More →
Industrial manufacturing facility with multiple robotic arms assembling a heavy-duty truck cab on an automated production line, while workers observe from an elevated platform above the assembly area.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 7, 2026

DTNA Plans to Build New U.S. Manufacturing Facility

Daimler Truck North America plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the United States to strengthen its production capabilities across North America. The location has not been disclosed.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Pavement background with double yellow lines and large text that says Recall, August, and Work Truck logo.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamAugust 5, 2026

Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026

If you have Altec, Autocar, Chrysler, Daimler Truck, Ford, Heil, International, Orange EV, Paccar, Shyft Group, Volvo Trucks, or Wabash vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.

Read More →