2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a design that was often described as polarizing, with a front end and grille reminiscent of a vintage furnace or freight train. It was a vehicle that exuded machismo, appealing to those who valued a rugged, imposing presence. Inside, the Silverado offered a more conventional cabin, prioritizing space over luxury. Despite not having the best fit and finish, its expansive interior was likened to a living room, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The Silverado 3500HD came in various trims, from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each offering a range of features from vinyl seat trim and a 7-inch touchscreen to leather upholstery and a Bose premium sound system.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more traditional pickup appearance, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. However, its front end deviated from this pattern with large headlights and a distinctive grille crossbar. The Maverick was smaller than the Ford Ranger, with a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, giving it a more car-like feel. The interior of the Maverick was designed with affordability in mind, featuring multicolored plastic and clever storage solutions. Despite its budget-friendly materials, the Maverick's interior was praised for its style and functionality, offering features like the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable storage options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two powerful engine options. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine delivered 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 produced 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the Silverado boasted a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds when properly equipped. Its payload capacity reached 7,442 pounds, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered optional all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package added features like hill-descent control and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On the road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, and the hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in multiple configurations, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab, with varying bed lengths. The crew cab models offered two rows of spacious seating, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Silverado featured integrated bed steps and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was offered exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, providing more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and storage spaces, including under-seat storage and the innovative FITS system for customizable accessories. Its 4.5-foot bed, while shorter than some competitors, offered a 1,500-pound payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and FlexBed system for versatile cargo management. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 4,000 pounds with the EcoBoost engine, providing practical utility for a compact pickup.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado also offered advanced trailering features, including multiple camera angles and a trailering app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came with the older Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked wireless connectivity and embedded navigation, it included a built-in WiFi hotspot and practical phone storage solutions. The Maverick's infotainment system was basic but functional, focusing on essential features for an entry-level vehicle. Hybrid models included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and a full array of airbags. However, advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Additional features such as parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system were also available for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane centering, providing a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.