2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it featured enhancements over its light-duty counterparts, such as long bed lengths for improved cargo capacity and a tall ride height for better ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from basic and utilitarian in the lower trims to luxurious in the higher trims, with options for leather upholstery and upscale finishes.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a refreshed design with various cab configurations and trim levels, including the new off-road-ready ZR2 model. The Silverado's updates included styling changes to the headlights, grille, and bumpers, along with a new interior for LT and higher trims featuring digital instrumentation and a widescreen infotainment touchscreen. The ZR2 model, in particular, was equipped for high-speed desert running and challenging terrain, boasting a lifted suspension, steel bumpers, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. While the Silverado's exterior design was polarizing, its interior improvements were significant, potentially attracting buyers from competitors.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, generating 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity exceeding 36,000 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck setup, and a payload capacity reaching up to 4,060 pounds in certain configurations.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, while focused on off-road performance, had limitations in towing and payload capacities, maxing out at 8,900 pounds and 1,440 pounds, respectively. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2's suspension, featuring Multimatic DSSV dampers and long-travel springs, provided excellent off-road capability and a smooth ride on various terrains. However, its fuel efficiency was low, with an observed 16.3 mpg over mixed driving conditions, slightly better than the EPA's 14 mpg combined rating.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its utilitarian focus, offered a comfortable interior with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front. Crew Cab and Super Cab models provided ample rear seating space, though the truck's large size made maneuvering and parking challenging. The Super Duty's clever tailgate design, with optional steps and a handle, facilitated easier access to the bed, though it was less elaborate than the Silverado's tailgate features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 required effort to enter and exit due to its lifted suspension and oversized tires, but once inside, it offered comfort with 10-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated cushions. The crew cab provided generous rear seat space, and the interior featured modern design elements, including a 13.4-inch touchscreen display. Storage was plentiful, with hidden compartments and a deep cargo box. The MultiFlex tailgate offered versatile configurations, enhancing the truck's functionality.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with clear menus and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered upgraded audio systems and various tech options, including a WiFi hotspot and adjustable upfitter switches. Diesel-equipped models could be fitted with a rapid heating unit for quick cabin warming.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduced a new 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-in features. However, the new system was slower to respond and less intuitive than its predecessor. A seven-speaker Bose sound system, rear camera mirror, and a 15-inch head-up display were among the tech highlights, providing improved audio quality and enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various safety packages, including a trailer tow package with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, as a commercial vehicle, it was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering essential driver-assistance features, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as optional upgrades. The High Country trim could be equipped with Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. While crash-test data for the updated Silverado was unavailable, the Silverado Limited received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and unimpressive IIHS results.