2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty had undergone a subtle yet impactful styling update, featuring a more detailed grille and headlights that moved away from the excessive chrome of the previous model. These changes lent the truck a more mature appearance, though it remained largely an evolution of the design introduced in 2017. Despite the exterior refresh, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which was functional for work use but lacked the inviting atmosphere of some competitors. The F-350 was available in several trim levels, from the basic XL with its work-truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, offering a range of features to suit different needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and commanding exterior with its boxy design, flared fenders, and a blunt nose. The Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim added to its visual appeal. However, the interior did not match the exterior's modernity, with dated materials and design elements. The Silverado offered a variety of cab styles, bed lengths, and trim levels, providing flexibility for different preferences. The LTZ trim, one step below the top, included features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, but the overall cabin experience felt less refined compared to its rivals.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 6.2-liter gas V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 boasted 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The F-350's towing capabilities were exceptional, with a conventional towing capacity of 24,200 pounds, a fifth-wheel towing capacity of 32,500 pounds, and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 37,000 pounds. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a variety of engine choices, with the 6.2-liter V8 providing 420 horsepower and the Duramax turbodiesel delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax was praised for its fuel efficiency, achieving 22.6 mpg in combined driving. The Silverado's towing capacity varied depending on the configuration, with a maximum of 13,300 pounds for the 6.2-liter V8. The Z71 Off-Road Package improved the truck's handling and ride quality, but the standard suspension was criticized for allowing too much body movement on rough terrain.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations, offering flexibility for different needs. The Super Crew provided ample headroom and legroom for rear passengers, with fold-up seats for additional cargo space. The truck offered a choice between a 6-foot-9-inch bed and an 8-foot bed, with the latter available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a step for easier loading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab offered a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats and ample rear-seat space. However, the storage areas were not as innovative as some competitors, and the rear seatbacks lacked locking storage. The Silverado's bed was touted as the deepest and roomiest among its competitors, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The new Multi-Flex tailgate offered six configurations, though it was not included in the test truck.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which, despite being an older version, remained one of the best on the market. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though switching between SYNC and CarPlay menus could be cumbersome. The truck also offered advanced towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Infotainment System 3 impressed with quick loading times and modern graphics. The LTZ trim included an 8-inch HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the sound quality was not as premium as expected. The Silverado offered a head-up display and numerous camera views for towing and visibility, though its trailering technologies were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The truck's safety features were robust, though specific crash-test ratings were not mentioned.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's safety performance was less impressive, with a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. The NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating. The Silverado offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, but lacked some advanced systems like lane-centering assistance.