2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The Ford F-Series has dominated the U.S. vehicle market for years, and the 2021 F-150 continues this legacy with a conservative yet significant redesign. This latest iteration brings an updated bold styling, a revamped interior loaded with convenience features, and introduces the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, marking Ford's first venture into hybrid full-size trucks. With a vast array of options across trim levels, cab configurations, and powertrains, the F-150 offers unmatched customization to meet a wide range of needs. Conversely, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD stands as a colossus in the heavy-duty truck segment, blending day-to-day comfort with formidable towing and hauling capabilities. It's designed to meet the challenges of heavy-duty tasks while providing creature comforts typically found in family sedans. The Silverado 3500HD offers a blend of raw power and spacious interior, making it a versatile tool for both work and leisure.

The F-150's array of powertrains, including the innovative PowerBoost hybrid, provides versatility and power, achieving notable payload and towing capacities. Despite some rough transitions between power modes, the hybrid system presents a forward-thinking option in the full-size truck market. As a heavy-duty pickup truck, the Silverado 3500HD's engine options deliver exceptional power, especially the Duramax turbodiesel, which excels in towing capabilities with a maximum capacity of 36,000 pounds. Its performance is enhanced by the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, making it a powerhouse for heavy-duty tasks and significantly more capable–but also thirstier and harsher-riding–than the F-150.

The Ford F-150 goes beyond the traditional expectations of a pickup truck by incorporating innovative features designed to facilitate work on the go. Its interior includes a shifter that can fold flat to create a makeshift work surface large enough for a laptop, according to Ford, addressing the needs of those who use their truck as a mobile office. Additionally, the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims offer Max Recline Seats, enabling restful breaks after long hours of work. The F-150 provides ample storage solutions, including a large center console bin and power running boards for easy bed access. The available Pro Power Onboard system, offering up to 7.2 kW of power, exemplifies Ford's commitment to functionality, making the F-150 a versatile tool for both work and leisure activities. In contrast, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is designed with a focus on spaciousness and utility. Its cabin, resembling the size of a small living room, offers ample room for passengers and cargo alike, with plenty of headroom and legroom across all seating configurations. As the Silverado prioritizes practicality, it also features convenient bed steps integrated into the corners of the rear bumper and additional side steps for easier access, showcasing its user-friendly design. The Silverado's emphasis on form and function is evident in its approach to accommodate both crew and cargo efficiently. The truck's various cab and bed configurations, including the regular cab/long-bed and crew cab options, indicate a highly functional space for hauling and storage needs.

Both trucks boast advanced infotainment systems, with the F-150 featuring the new Sync 4 system and the Silverado 3500HD offering a robust setup with optional navigation and trailering features. Each provides user-friendly interfaces and practical technology for modern driving and work demands.

Tthe F-150 offers a comprehensive suite of driver aids under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner. The Silverado 3500HD provides essential safety features as standard equipment, with additional advanced options available, highlighting a focus on driver and passenger protection in both models.

The F-150 and Silverado 3500HD compete in different segments with different price points, and they are each designed for different use cases. The F-150's PowerBoost hybrid offers modest fuel economy improvements over other F-150 models, while its overall package delivers strong towing and hauling capabilities, alongside user-friendly tech. The Silverado 3500HD, though less efficient, presents a compelling value proposition with its vast towing and hauling capabilities, packaged within a range of trim levels to suit various budgets and preferences.