2021 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Ranger scored 7.0 out of 10. Given these ratings, our recommendation would lean towards the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It offers superior towing and payload capacities, a range of powerful engine options, and more comprehensive cargo solutions, making it the more versatile choice for buyers needing a reliable and capable truck.
Choose the 2021 Ford Ranger if:
- You are looking for a truck with modern technology features, such as Sync 3, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity options.
- You value a refined driving experience with an efficient turbocharged engine.
- Off-roading is a priority, with the Tremor Off-Road Package providing a capable suspension and added ground clearance.
Choose the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
- You need maximum towing and payload capacity, up to 13,400 pounds and 2,250 pounds respectively.
- You prefer a wide range of engine options, including a highly powerful 6.2-liter V8.
- You require extensive cargo and storage solutions, including a deep cargo bed.
Overview | |
MSRP$28,500 | MSRP$25,070 |
Average price$32,658 | Average price$30,457 |
Listings4296 | Listings1861 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews SummaryFull-size pickup trucks are the unofficial vehicles of the United States of America. Bristling with underhood muscle, they tow, they haul, and they look good cruising Main Street as the sun sets on a balmy Friday night. One of the most popular vehicles in the country, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 follows its 2019 redesign with several updates. It continues waging war against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 for the hearts and minds of American truck buyers. Highlights of the changes include a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder engine, greater availability of popular powertrains across trim levels, a new bed-view camera, and a camera-based adaptive cruise control system. While these improvements certainly help to make the 2020 Silverado more appealing, they don’t address this truck’s primary flaws. | |
2021 Ford Ranger Reviews SummaryFord is no stranger to off-roading and has offered FX4 option packages for its pickup trucks for years. The Tremor, however, is relatively new. Briefly used on a sport-truck version of the 2014 F-150, where the name signaled a regular cab model fortified with Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tremor name reappeared on the updated 2020 F-Series Super Duty. Since then, Ford has expanded it to both the 2021 F-150 and 2021 Ranger lineups. Tremor now signifies a Ford truck with the credentials to tackle difficult terrain. We’re not talking the high-speed, Baja-blasting type of driving for which the F-150 Raptor is purpose-built. We’re talking about low-speed rock crawling. For the 2021 Ford Ranger, Tremor equipment is one of a handful of changes to the midsize pickup for the model year. Other news includes a new STX Special Edition Package, a Black Package, and minor equipment changes. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine2.3L 270 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
MPG City16 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine Name2.3L 270 hp I4 |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City16 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.2 in | Bed Length72.8 in |
Curb Weight4520 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height75.6 in | Height70.7 in |
Length229.5 in | Length210.8 in |
Width81.1 in | Width85.8 in |
Wheelbase139.6 in | Wheelbase126.8 in |
Maximum Payload2250 lbs | Maximum Payload1860 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity7500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Ranger scored 7.0 out of 10. Given these ratings, our recommendation would lean towards the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It offers superior towing and payload capacities, a range of powerful engine options, and more comprehensive cargo solutions, making it the more versatile choice for buyers needing a reliable and capable truck.
Choose the 2021 Ford Ranger if:
Shop Now- You are looking for a truck with modern technology features, such as Sync 3, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity options.
- You value a refined driving experience with an efficient turbocharged engine.
- Off-roading is a priority, with the Tremor Off-Road Package providing a capable suspension and added ground clearance.
Choose the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
Shop Now- You need maximum towing and payload capacity, up to 13,400 pounds and 2,250 pounds respectively.
- You prefer a wide range of engine options, including a highly powerful 6.2-liter V8.
- You require extensive cargo and storage solutions, including a deep cargo bed.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,500 | $25,070 |
Average price | $32,658 | $30,457 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.4 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Full-size pickup trucks are the unofficial vehicles of the United States of America. Bristling with underhood muscle, they tow, they haul, and they look good cruising Main Street as the sun sets on a balmy Friday night. One of the most popular vehicles in the country, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 follows its 2019 redesign with several updates. It continues waging war against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 for the hearts and minds of American truck buyers. Highlights of the changes include a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder engine, greater availability of popular powertrains across trim levels, a new bed-view camera, and a camera-based adaptive cruise control system. While these improvements certainly help to make the 2020 Silverado more appealing, they don’t address this truck’s primary flaws. | Ford is no stranger to off-roading and has offered FX4 option packages for its pickup trucks for years. The Tremor, however, is relatively new. Briefly used on a sport-truck version of the 2014 F-150, where the name signaled a regular cab model fortified with Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tremor name reappeared on the updated 2020 F-Series Super Duty. Since then, Ford has expanded it to both the 2021 F-150 and 2021 Ranger lineups. Tremor now signifies a Ford truck with the credentials to tackle difficult terrain. We’re not talking the high-speed, Baja-blasting type of driving for which the F-150 Raptor is purpose-built. We’re talking about low-speed rock crawling. For the 2021 Ford Ranger, Tremor equipment is one of a handful of changes to the midsize pickup for the model year. Other news includes a new STX Special Edition Package, a Black Package, and minor equipment changes. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.3L 270 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
MPG City | 16 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 21 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.3L 270 hp I4 |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 16 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 21 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.2 in | 72.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4520 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 75.6 in | 70.7 in |
Length | 229.5 in | 210.8 in |
Width | 81.1 in | 85.8 in |
Wheelbase | 139.6 in | 126.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 2250 lbs | 1860 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10000 lbs | 7500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | 3500 lbs |
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a wide range of design details that provided each version with a distinctive appearance. Buyers had the option to choose between different grilles, finishes, wheel sizes, styles, and bumper colors. The truck came in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab styles, with trim levels ranging from the basic WT (Work Truck) to the luxurious High Country. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the Trail Boss treatment, available on the Custom and LT trims.
Our review focused on the LT Trail Boss, priced at $59,185, inclusive of destination charges. The vehicle featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine and was outfitted with four packages: Midnight Edition, Convenience Package II, Leather Package, and Advanced Trailering Package. With its black paint, black wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim, the test truck had a custom, yet high-maintenance appearance, especially for those intending to use it for muddy off-roading.
The Silverado's exterior styling was generally well-received. However, the interior garnered mixed reviews. The cabin had an industrial look, using silver trim that appeared more plastic than metal, creating a busy and unrefined atmosphere. Even with leather seats, the interior didn't justify the nearly $60,000 price tag. The design lacked the cohesive, modern feel of its competitors.
The 2021 Ford Ranger came in SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab) styles, with SuperCabs featuring a six-foot cargo bed and SuperCrews a five-foot bed. The trim levels included XL, XLT, and Lariat, all powered by the same turbo four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, available in either RWD or 4WD configurations.
Our test vehicle was a SuperCrew Lariat with the Tremor Off-Road Package, priced at $46,865, including a $1,195 destination fee. The Tremor package added unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, red grille accents, tow hooks, hoop-style side steps, and Tremor graphics—all of which gave the truck a more aggressive and purposeful look.
Inside, the Lariat trim and Tremor package offered simulated suede seat inserts, all-weather floor mats, and six upfitter switches atop the dashboard. The clean and contemporary design was a highlight, featuring straightforward radio and climate controls, partial digital instrumentation, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and quality switchgear.
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a variety of engine and transmission options. A new addition in 2020, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder, delivered 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm, boasting an EPA rating of up to 27 mpg on the highway. This engine could add up to $6,705 to the cost, depending on the trim. The Silverado's 6.2-liter V8 engine, available for an additional $2,495, generated an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The LT Trail Boss came with an off-road package that included Rancho shocks, a 2-inch factory lift, skid plates, and hill descent control. On rugged trails, the Silverado performed impressively, limited only by its size and length. However, on paved roads, the all-terrain tires were noisy, and the steering was slower to respond. Despite this, the test vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 16.8 mpg.
The 2021 Ford Ranger came exclusively with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 270 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm, making it competitive in its class. The Ranger offered a Terrain Management System with multiple settings, an electronic locking rear differential, and Trail Control for managing low-speed off-roading.
With the Tremor Off-Road Package, the Ranger had updated springs, Fox shocks, and added skid plates, providing 9.7 inches of ground clearance. It could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a maximum payload of 1,430 pounds. During testing, it returned a fuel economy of 18.5 mpg. The Ranger's suspension offered a balanced ride on and off-road, and it demonstrated a more refined driving experience compared to other midsize trucks.
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, proved comfortable on long drives. However, the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was a drawback. The Crew Cab offered ample rear-seat space, and while the seating position was low, the bench seat provided good thigh support. Rear passengers benefitted from USB ports and air conditioning vents.
In terms of storage, the Silverado excelled with dual glove compartments, a large center console bin, sizable door panel bins, and hidden compartments in the rear seatbacks. The Silverado could haul up to 2,250 pounds of payload and tow up to 13,400 pounds, making it a formidable choice for those needing substantial towing capacity. The cargo box design offered more storage room than its competitors.
The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured rugged hoop-style step bars and the SecuriCode keyless entry pad. Inside, the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat were comfortable and heated, although the driver’s seat could have used more seat track travel. Rear-seat space was generous and comfortable, rivaling the Honda Ridgeline.
Storage solutions in the Ranger included bins under the rear-seat cushion and a decent amount of space for odds and ends, though the single-piece rear-seat cushion was less convenient. The bed offered 43.3 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 51.8 cubic feet in SuperCab models. The tailgate was light and easy to handle but lacked damping for a smoother operation. Ford offered numerous accessories for customizing the cargo area.
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Chevrolet Connected Access services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, SiriusXM 360L, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The Advanced Trailering Package, with up to 15 different camera views, was a standout feature, although some tech features like the head-up display were missing in our test truck.
The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. It included voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, Waze and Ford+Alexa integration, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Voice recognition had inconsistent accuracy, but the system as a whole was user-friendly. Sync 3, while beginning to be phased out in favor of Sync 4, remained competitive in the midsize truck segment.
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was equipped with a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technologies as standard. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were limited to the LTZ and High Country trims. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Silverado received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and had a Marginal rating from IIHS for front passenger protection in a small overlap frontal impact, with Poor-rated headlights.
The 2021 Ford Ranger came with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 as standard or optional equipment, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control were also available. The Ranger received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with top scores from IIHS except for an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection and a Marginal rating for its headlights.
By: CarGurus + AI
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