2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD certainly had its share of critics when it debuted. The Silverado's design, shared with models like the Camaro and Blazer, was often described as polarizing. Many saw it as unattractive, leading to a divisive reception. Though the exterior began to grow on some users, the design was not universally appreciated at first glance. This truck prioritized function over form, especially for those who valued performance over aesthetics.

Inside, the Silverado stuck closely to its proven cabin layout, with minimal changes. The familiar placement of vents, dials, buttons, and screens meant that drivers experienced ease of use, especially with the continued inclusion of a column shifter. The trims available for the Silverado HD ranged from the work-oriented Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, offering various features along the spectrum. The LTZ trim, especially, offered a well-balanced mix of features, making it a happy medium for those seeking more comfort without the high price tag of the High Country.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty aimed for an imposing, muscular look, taking the design language of the F-150 to a grander scale. Its blocky stance and significant upgrades over its light-duty counterpart highlighted its capability. The Super Duty models featured large grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and robust bodywork. The interior, depending on the configuration, could range from utilitarian in the base XL trim to plush and luxurious in the Limited trim, equipped with leather and high-end finishes.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was armed with two potent V8 engine options. The standard gas V8 generated 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 boasted 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and were available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The diesel’s power built up gradually, providing a massive punch when fully engaged. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds conventionally, with the Silverado 3500HD reaching 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. During testing, the diesel variant achieved upwards of 17 mpg, which, combined with its 36-gallon tank, allowed for extensive travel between refuels.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three robust powertrains. The standard 6.2-liter V8 delivered 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The available 7.3-liter V8 provided 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The standout, however, was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 475 horsepower and a whopping 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The F-250 Super Duty’s towing capacity exceeded 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup, showcasing its remarkable strength. Though fuel economy figures were not published, heavy towing would significantly impact mpg levels.

In terms of bed and cab configurations, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered multiple setups: Regular Cab with a long bed, Double Cab with standard or long bed, and Crew Cab with standard or long bed. The Crew Cab configuration, particularly, offered an expansive interior with plenty of storage solutions, including a massive center console bin, rear seatback cubbies, and a flat load floor for additional gear storage. The LTZ trim featured a power lift-and-lower tailgate and other convenient features, making it user-friendly and practical.

Ford’s 2021 F-250 Super Duty similarly provided ample space and utility. The trucks' configurations allowed for either a Super Cab or Crew Cab setup, both offering generous room. The interior could range from basic and functional in lower trims to luxurious with leather in higher trims. However, the sheer size of the Super Duty trucks made them cumbersome in tight city spaces. Features like the innovative tailgate design with steps and a handle facilitated bed access, albeit less sophisticated compared to Chevrolet's multi-functional tailgate setup.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD shone with its approach to technology. The base Work Truck and Custom trims included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, like LT, LTZ, and High Country, came with an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was praised for its straightforward layout and large icons, although the small dock icons could be challenging to use while driving. Multiple USB ports and power outlets ensured connectivity, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard or available depending on the trim.

In the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system was known for its user-friendly interface. Even the lower trims, equipped with a smaller non-touch display, could be upgraded. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims benefited from enhanced audio systems and other tech amenities like a WiFi hotspot and adjustable upfitter switches. For diesel trucks, a rapid heating unit was also available, improving comfort in cold climates.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came equipped with standard safety features like a reversing camera and traction control. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera with trailer views. Equipped with Safety Package II, this truck offered forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and the innovative Safety Alert Seat. Safety Package I included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing maneuverability and awareness. The extensive side mirrors with wide-angle capabilities were also a notable safety advantage.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a variety of safety options, although many advanced features were packaged as upgrades or reserved for higher trims. Ford's trailer tow package added special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing towing safety. Other available features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. Due to its classification as a commercial vehicle, the F-250 wasn't subjected to the standard crash tests by NHTSA or IIHS.