2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned for 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered versatility. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added flair. The truck featured high-strength steel beds and a range of wheel options, but its height made bed access challenging. The Silverado's rugged exterior, especially in certain colors, gave it a Hot Wheels-like appearance.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty Limited, with its Iconic Silver paint and chrome accents, exuded luxury. Equipped with power-deploying running boards, plush leather seats, and a high-end audio system, it combined elegance with functionality. The F-350 came in six trims, from the work-oriented XL to the luxurious Limited. Available in regular, extended, and crew cab styles, with standard or long beds and single or dual rear-wheel setups, it offered flexibility. The Limited trim included a turbodiesel V8 engine and 4WD, with an MSRP of $87,655. The interior featured premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and ample space, justifying its high price.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower 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 gas engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound payload. Towing capacities ranged from 14,500 pounds (gas) to 18,500 pounds (diesel). The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance. Fuel economy figures were not provided, but the Silverado HD excelled in highway cruising and maneuverability.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, achieving an average of 15.4 mpg on the testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of heavy highway use. The Powerstroke diesel engine delivered impressive power and smooth acceleration, even when towing. The Tremor off-road package enhanced the F-350's off-road capabilities with a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. Adaptive steering, new for 2021, improved low-speed response and high-speed control. The F-350's brakes required acclimation, but the engine-braking system was useful for mountain driving. The truck's size made urban driving and parking challenging, but it excelled in towing and hauling.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab version provided ample rear-seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims approached GMC's premium territory, with carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty crew cab provided stretch-out space for five people. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a commanding driving position, and ample storage. The rear seats offered impressive legroom, though the seat cushion was slightly low. Heated rear outboard seats, air conditioning vents, and numerous power ports added comfort. The configurable BoxLink system and optional spray-in bedliner made securing cargo easy, while LED box lighting improved visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Additional features included a 12-volt power outlet, two-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available upgrades included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology, including a bed-view camera, was a standout feature.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was losing its competitive edge. The Limited trim included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, FordPass Connect services, and a B&O premium sound system. The small screen size was a liability for parking and trailer assistance features. Sync 3 was generally agreeable, with separate stereo and climate controls and voice-recognition technology. The F-350 offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for add-on equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing about 7,300 pounds, likely offered good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. Available driver-assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control performed unevenly in traffic, and the lane-departure warning system vibrated the steering wheel. Blind-spot monitoring required proper mirror positioning. Sync 3's 911 Assist feature could contact emergency responders after a collision.