2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was offered in various configurations: regular cab, extended cab (Double Cab), and crew cab, with multiple bed lengths and trim levels ranging from the basic Work Truck (WT) to the luxurious High Country. During the first half of 2022, Chevy continued selling the 2021 model as the Silverado Limited (LTD). Meanwhile, the latter half of the year saw a refreshed Silverado rolling off assembly lines. The refreshed model featured notable design tweaks to the headlights, grille, front bumpers, and wheels.

The Silverado ZR2 functioned as a factory-ready off-road beast with standard four-wheel drive (4WD) and came equipped with steel front and rear bumpers, 11.2 inches of ground clearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates. This version had a rugged aesthetic reinforced by an aggressive front bumper increasing the truck’s approach angle. The Glacier Blue paint and the High Country trim enhanced its luxurious feel. The interior improvements included digital instrumentation, a widescreen infotainment touchscreen, and better quality materials, especially in LT and higher trims. Despite these upgrades, opinions were split on its exterior design, which remained divisive among truck buyers.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty presented a subtler evolution rather than a complete redesign. Available trims included XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Each trim brought a progressively luxurious set of features. Starting from the basic XL that still offered essential comforts like a Wi-Fi hotspot and an 8-inch touchscreen, the lineup ascended to the Limited trim, which was loaded with nearly every available feature and option.

The King Ranch trim, driven for this review, exemplified opulence with 20-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint job, and styled with the signature Flying W logo, dark accents, and a minimal chrome presence. Inside, the cabin exhibited two-tone brown leather seats, perforated saddle leather, and a center console bearing the Flying W emblem. Completing the high-end feel were an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, multiple auxiliary switches for aftermarket electronics, and the advanced Pro Power Onboard feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 showcased performance primarily for off-road adventures with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. However, its towing and payload capabilities were comparatively limited to 8,900 pounds and 1,440 pounds, respectively. The ZR2's 10-speed automatic transmission was highly competent, yet the truck's acceleration was merely adequate, not facilitated by optimal fuel efficiency, averaging 16.3 mpg in real-world tests despite an EPA rating of 14 mpg in combined driving.

A defining feature of the ZR2 was its suspension. The Multimatic 40mm DSSV dampers with a unique spool-valve design, in conjunction with the truck’s high ground clearance and robust tires, allowed it to handle diverse terrains smoothly. Despite minor limitations on mountain roads where grip was less reliable, the ZR2 excelled in dirt, thanks to features like electronic locking differentials, a Terrain driving mode, the front camera, and a superior approach angle.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered multiple engine choices, starting with a base 6.8-liter gas V8 engine generating 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The 7.3-liter V8 option provided 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. For diesel enthusiasts, the F-250 came with a powerful 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 that produced 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking maximal performance, the high-output version of this diesel engine achieved an astonishing 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque.

When properly configured, the F-250's towing capacity peaked at 22,000 pounds, making it highly suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The 10-speed automatic transmission, available across engine options, facilitated robust performance. Advanced features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales simplified towing and cargo management, delivering a practical driving experience despite the truck’s considerable size.

The Silverado ZR2's high clearance and large tires demanded effortful entry and exit, partially mitigated by robust grab handles and optional side steps. Inside, the cabin offered considerable comfort with 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and spacious crew cab accommodations with heated rear seats. Interior upgrades highlighted the leap in sophistication, including digital instrumentation and a 13.4-inch touchscreen display.

Storage solutions were ample, with abundant space under rear seat cushions and behind rear seatbacks. The deep cargo bed, Corner-step bumpers, and innovative MultiFlex tailgate enhanced the Silverado’s utility. However, the center console bin was relatively small, tempering the otherwise generous storage provision.

Conversely, the F-250 Super Duty presented itself in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, paired with either a 6.75-foot or an 8-foot bed. Even the Super Crew could accommodate the longer bed. The SuperCab’s wide-opening clamshell doors provided easy access to the cab, although they required the front doors to be open, which could sometimes be inconvenient.

The test model featured additional practical elements like an integrated Warn winch and convenient bed steps. Inside, an overabundance of cupholders and a large center storage bin exemplified thoughtful design. The SuperCrew’s rear seats folded up to create a vast protected cargo area, illustrating the truck’s solid functional design, capable of substantial towing and payload capacities.

The 2022 Silverado’s 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, a WiFi hotspot, and integrated Google built-in features. While the larger display was a welcome upgrade, the new system was slower to respond to voice commands and less intuitive due to the absence of physical radio tuning buttons. The seven-speaker Bose system had seen notable improvement. The rear camera mirror and 15-inch head-up display simplified visibility and information access.

The 2023 F-250’s base infotainment system was an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, simple yet effective for most needs. Our test model’s 12-inch screen offered wireless connectivity and a split-screen display for additional information, accompanied by logical controls. Multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a wall-style power outlet catered to a variety of electronic devices. Trailer Navigation optimized towing routes, enhancing the already proficient navigation system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring essential driver-assistance systems but notably excluding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in lower trims. The High Country trim offered Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free driving system for limited-access highways. The Silverado ZR2 tested had adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and other advanced safety systems, all working with reliable precision.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty from the XLT trim upwards included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite, with features varying by trim level. Available safety technologies encompassed automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The test model also had trailer-specific safety aids, such as trailer blind-spot monitoring and an industry-first backup camera for use with a lowered tailgate.