2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2020 Ford Ranger re-entered the American market as a larger and more sophisticated version of its predecessor, drawing from its international design. While it shared some grille styling with the F-Series, the Ranger avoided the bulky trend of American trucks, presenting a clean and sporty appearance. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear and tear. The trim levels ranged from the basic XL with steel wheels and vinyl floors to the upscale Lariat, which featured leather upholstery and ambient lighting. Various appearance packages and off-road options were also available, enhancing its versatility.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a polarizing exterior design, likened to a vintage furnace or freight train, emphasizing machismo. Its cabin, however, was more conventional, prioritizing space over luxury. The Silverado offered a range of trims from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features like leather upholstery and advanced trailering systems. The Silverado's interior was spacious, akin to a living room, and provided practical features like integrated bed steps for easier access.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The Ranger excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, and had a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration. Despite its capabilities, the Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable body roll and vibration over bumps. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the FX2 and FX4 packages, which added features like off-road tires and Trail Control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engine options: a standard 6.6-liter V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and an optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 producing 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine was paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, providing excellent power and responsiveness. The Silverado's towing capacity was impressive, reaching up to 36,000 pounds with the right configuration, and it had a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds. The Silverado also featured an advanced trailering system with a comprehensive app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, was less accommodating for adults in the rear seats, which were better suited for children. The SuperCrew offered more adult-friendly seating with a full rear bench. Both configurations provided ample storage options, including fold-up rear seats and deep in-door pockets. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and optional spray-in bed liner.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came in various configurations, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab options, each offering different bed lengths. The crew cab models provided two rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom. The Silverado featured integrated bed steps in the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area. These practical features enhanced the Silverado's functionality, especially for those needing to frequently access the bed.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim offered a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, allowing remote access and WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim featured a premium B&O sound system with ten speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado also offered advanced trailering features, including multiple camera angles and a trailering app with a pre-trailering checklist, enhancing its utility for towing tasks.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ranger received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD included a backup camera and airbags as standard, but advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system were also available, which were particularly useful given the Silverado's size.