2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a polarizing design that drew mixed reactions. Its front end and grille resembled a vintage furnace or a freight train, exuding a rugged, industrial look. While it wasn't conventionally handsome, it certainly conveyed a sense of machismo. Inside, the cabin was more traditional, prioritizing quantity over quality. Despite not having the best fit and finish, the spacious interior, comparable to a living room, made up for it. The Silverado 3500HD offered various trim levels, from the basic W/T to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty took the blocky and muscular aesthetics of the F-150 to a new level. Larger in every dimension, the Super Duty models looked like true heavy-duty trucks. This wasn't just for show; the design included practical upgrades for better cargo hauling and ground clearance. The cabin varied from utilitarian in the base XL trim to plush and luxurious in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited. The Super Duty's interior could rival many luxury cars, offering leather and upscale finishes in its top trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engine options. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivered 445 hp and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines could be configured with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) with a low range. The Silverado 3500HD excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 36,000 pounds when properly equipped, and a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds. The LTZ trim featured an advanced trailering system with an app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powertrains. The base 6.2-liter V8 engine produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An available 7.3-liter V8 generated 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine delivered 475 hp and a staggering 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty trucks came standard with RWD, with 4WD as an option. The F-350 could be ordered in a dual-rear-wheel configuration for enhanced towing capacity, reaching over 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The Super Duty Tremor models offered factory lift kits and beefy tires for off-roading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in multiple configurations, including regular cab/long-bed, double cab/long-bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long-bed. The single cab had one row of seating, while the crew cabs 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.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its focus on utility, offered plenty of creature comforts. The standard 40/20/40 folding bench front seats provided a comfortable armrest with cupholders. Crew Cab and Super Cab models had generous rear seats with easy access through large doors. However, the Super Duty's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could be a hassle for entering and exiting. The tailgate design included optional steps and a handle for easier bed access, though it wasn't as elaborate as the Silverado's.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch screen and navigation in the High Country trim. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado offered numerous trailering features, including backup camera guidelines and multiple camera angles, along with a trailering app for monitoring trailer status.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its easy navigation and clear menus. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Duty also provided tech options like a WiFi hotspot, heated and ventilated seats, and adjustable upfitter switches. Diesel-equipped models could be fitted with a rapid heating unit for quick cabin warmth.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and a full array of airbags. Advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking were optional. Additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were also available for an extra cost.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various safety packages and options. A trailer tow package included special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Other available features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. As commercial vehicles, Super Duty trucks were not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.