2021 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Redesigned in 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, with options like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition. Despite its rugged capabilities, the truck's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew styles, with trim levels including XL, XLT, and Lariat. Our test model, a SuperCrew Lariat with the Tremor Off-Road Package, featured unique 17-inch wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and off-road enhancements like red grille accents and tow hooks. Inside, the Ranger combined Lariat trim with Tremor-specific features like simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats, creating a well-equipped and comfortable cabin. The Ranger's design was clean and contemporary, with user-friendly controls and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine could handle 3,715 pounds. Towing capacities ranged from 14,500 pounds (gas) to 18,500 pounds (diesel). The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Ford Ranger featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Ranger Tremor included a Terrain Management System with settings for various off-road conditions, an electronic locking rear differential, and Trail Control for low-speed off-road cruising. The Tremor's off-road suspension, with revised springs and Fox shocks, provided 9.7 inches of ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,860 pounds of payload, though the Tremor's payload capacity was reduced to 1,430 pounds. The Ranger's turbocharged engine offered swift acceleration and refined performance, making it enjoyable to drive both on and off-road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version offered generous rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. 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, while upper trims offered more luxurious features like carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured sturdy hoop-style step bars, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The seats were comfortable and heated, though the driver's seat needed more travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat space was accommodating, but the lack of rear air conditioning vents and a power-operated sliding rear window were drawbacks. Storage options included bins under the rear-seat cushion, though the single-piece design was inconvenient. The tailgate was undampened but lightweight, and the cargo bed offered 43.3 cubic feet of space (51.8 cubic feet for SuperCabs) with four tie-down hooks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Additional features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available upgrades included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims for 2021.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot. The system included navigation and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. While Sync 3 was being phased out in favor of Sync 4, it remained competitive. Voice recognition performance was inconsistent, but the system's integration with the climate control allowed for convenient temperature adjustments.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional safety options included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and OnStar services.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offered the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The blind-spot warning system included trailer coverage, and adaptive cruise control was standard on Lariat trims. The Ranger also featured rain-sensing wipers, wiper-activated headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. NHTSA gave the Ranger an overall rating of four stars, with a three-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS ratings were mostly top scores, with "Acceptable" and "Marginal" ratings for specific tests.