2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Its Iconic Silver paint, chrome grille, and polished wheels gave it a stately appearance, while the plush leather seats and high-end audio system added to its upscale feel. The truck was designed to handle both rugged tasks and refined outings, with power-deploying running boards making entry easy. Inside, the F-350 offered a spacious cabin with a sensible layout, and the Limited trim featured luxurious touches like two-tone leather, real wood, and aluminum trim. The panoramic sunroof added a touch of elegance, justifying its high price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a more utilitarian aesthetic. Its boxy design, flared fenders, and Northsky Blue paint gave it a commanding presence. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with dated materials and a lack of finesse. Despite its attractive exterior, the cabin's glossy plastic and small infotainment screens detracted from the overall experience. The Silverado's interior lacked the modern sophistication found in some competitors, making it feel less premium than its rivals.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was a powerhouse, thanks to its 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, which delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the truck managed a fuel economy of 15.4 mpg on a testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of highway driving. The F-350's 10-speed automatic transmission and off-road capabilities, including the Tremor package, made it a versatile performer. However, its size posed challenges in urban environments, requiring careful maneuvering and parking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel being a standout choice. It provided 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving a commendable 22.6 mpg in combined driving. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 9,500 pounds with the Duramax, though it fell short of the maximum capabilities offered by other engine options. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired well with the diesel engine, delivering smooth acceleration. However, the standard suspension struggled with body movement on rough terrain, making the Z71 Off-Road Package a recommended upgrade.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's crew cab offered ample space for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The interior featured a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door panel bins for storage. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with generous legroom and heated outboard seats. The cargo bed was accessible with optional steps, and the BoxLink system made securing cargo easy.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab provided a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage options included dual glove compartments and built-in storage areas in the rear seatbacks. The Silverado's cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. However, the lack of innovative storage solutions and the absence of the Multi-Flex tailgate in the test truck were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was becoming outdated compared to competitors. The system included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a B&O premium sound system. The small screen size was a limitation, especially for parking and trailer assistance features. The truck also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Infotainment System 3 impressed with quick loading times and modern graphics. The LTZ trim included an 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, navigation, and a Bose sound system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive voice recognition and physical controls for convenience. However, the Bose speakers lacked premium quality, and the Silverado's trailering technologies fell short compared to rivals. The available head-up display and rear camera mirror added to the truck's tech offerings.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing around 7,300 pounds, offered a sense of security in collisions with smaller vehicles. While official crash-test data was unavailable, the truck's size and weight suggested decent protection. It featured driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the adaptive cruise control's performance was uneven, and the lane-departure warning system required attention to mirror positioning.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in small-overlap collisions, and its headlights were rated "Poor." The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results. The Silverado offered safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, but the lack of stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance were notable omissions.