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

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received some subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers. The front bumper featured more black painted areas and less chrome, while the massive grille adopted a less gaudy design. The headlights became sleeker, contributing to a more restrained styling without a complete overhaul. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. The XL had a black grille and bumpers, while the XLT added brightwork and alloy wheels. Higher trims like the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited introduced more luxurious touches, including unique paint jobs, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional but not particularly welcoming, with plenty of hard plastics and a cold, mechanical feel. The base XL model came with basic features, while higher trims added more comfort and technology, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a tall and immensely capable truck, redesigned for the 2020 model year with additional updates for 2021. It offered a variety of body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, with special editions like the Carhartt Special Edition and new camera technology. The Silverado 2500HD was available in Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country grades, with options for Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The truck's exterior design was more rugged and less sophisticated compared to its counterparts, with high-strength steel beds and various wheel options. Integrated BedSteps and large CornerSteps provided access to the high bed, though it could be challenging for shorter individuals. The Silverado's overall look leaned more towards a rugged, Hot Wheels-ready appearance rather than a refined worksite aesthetic.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 option was introduced, generating 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The gas engines were paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel V8 used a six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The F-250's towing capacity reached up to 30,000 pounds with the diesel engine and High Capacity Tow Package. The truck's suspension was designed for heavy loads, resulting in a bumpy ride when not loaded. The FX4 off-road package and Tremor off-road package added off-road capabilities, including upgraded shocks, skid plates, and off-road tires.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine. The gas engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax engine delivered 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Silverado 2500HD's maximum payload varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the gas engine achieving up to 3,979 pounds and the diesel engine up to 3,715 pounds. The truck's towing capacity reached 18,500 pounds with the diesel engine. The Silverado's diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance compared to the gas engine. Fuel economy figures were not provided for heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500HD, as they were considered work vehicles.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door Crew Cab configurations, with 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed sizes. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed to hold large items. The center console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or even a laptop. The rear seats on the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment like a generator.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab version provided ample rear seat legroom. The truck came standard with a 40/20/40 split-bench seat and a covered armrest, with higher trims featuring bucket seats and a full center console. Vinyl or cloth upholstery was standard, with options for power-adjustable front seats in higher trims. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trim levels offered more luxurious features, including carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio unit, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, an additional USB-C port, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hot spot and various remote features via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system worked well but had some usability issues when scrolling through radio stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, an 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, hill start assist, and AdvanceTrac traction control with roll stability control. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The F-250 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, an electronic stability control system with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Work Truck and Custom models could be equipped with a Safety Confidence Package, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included cruise control, forward-collision warning, front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.