Ford F-250 Super Duty vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty had been redesigned but maintained more of a visual evolution rather than a drastic overhaul. It was available in six trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The XL functioned as a work truck albeit with decent creature comforts such as 17-inch wheels, vinyl upholstery, a four-speaker stereo, and an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLT added cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and power outlets. Progressing to the Lariat trim brought about leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger 12-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, and wireless device charging. The King Ranch trim bore luxurious features, such as two-tone brown leather, the emblematic Flying W logo, and extensive use of dark tones. Highlights included a two-tone paint job, 20-inch alloy wheels, less chrome than previous models, and a unique interior styling with two-tone brown leather and perforated seats. Our test vehicle also boasted a spray-in bed liner, LED in-bed lighting, surround lighting, Pro Power Onboard, and a premium audio system. Above the King Ranch sat the Platinum trim, with a cosmopolitan styling yet similar creature comforts. This Highland trim offered max-recline seats and a massive dual-panel sunroof. The range-topping Limited trim boasted nearly every package and option available, ensuring an elite driving experience. On the other hand, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a mammoth of a truck available in regular, double, and crew cab configurations with seven- or eight-foot beds. It came in six distinct trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-centric ZR2. Design distinctions were subtle; the Work Truck trim appeared plain but presentable. The Custom trim added a body-colored grille bar, while the LT swapped this for chrome. Trims like LTZ and High Country went the extra mile with chrome embellishment throughout. The ZR2 trim stood out by blacking out the grille and incorporating the Chevrolet “flow tie” badging. For 2024, the Silverado 2500HD introduced standard tow hooks and offered impressive wheel options up to 22 inches. Color options, though varied, remained quite conventional. We tested the High Country and ZR2 trims. The High Country trim featured open-pore wood and leather with extravagant embroidery, presenting an upscale yet simplistic appearance. Chevrolet effectively used quality materials, ensuring a plush feel throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three engine choices. The base model used a 6.8-liter gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. For more power, buyers could opt for the 7.3-liter V8 delivering 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. The star attraction was the 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, offering 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. An even more powerful high-output version churned out a beastly 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. Our test truck's diesel engine was lively, making quick work of acceleration and highway speeds. Its massive turning radius was its Achilles heel, requiring careful maneuvers in tight spaces. Nevertheless, it was manageable in traffic, with precise steering, particularly for a vehicle of its size. When properly equipped, the F-250 could tow up to 22,000 pounds. The Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales were innovative features that made towing and payload management a breeze. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, buyers could opt for a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel generating 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission that ensured smooth and efficient shifts. Our test of the Duramax diesel found the engine remarkably quiet, with seamless power delivery. The Silverado 2500 in 2WD achieved 20.3 mpg over 100 miles, while a combination of 2WD and Auto 4WD netted 17 mpg over 250 miles. Off-road enthusiasts would appreciate the ZR2 Bison package, featuring 35-inch tires, a 1.5-inch lift, and steel bumpers. The Bison package offered a ground clearance of 11.6 inches, making it a standout in its segment. Towing capacity topped out at 22,430 pounds, and the truck featured myriad camera views to ease the trailering experience.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, combined with either a 6.75-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. The extended SuperCab had rear-hinged doors that required the front doors to be open, which might be inconvenient but offered expansive cab access. Our test model featured an optional Warn winch seamlessly integrated into the front bumper and a soft-opening tailgate. Bed steps provided easy access to the bed, a boon for anyone dealing with heavy cargo. Inside, plenty of cupholders, multiple USB ports, dual glove boxes, and a spacious center storage bin enhanced functionality. The rear seats could fold up in the Super Crew model, creating a large, protected cargo area. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD emphasized both towing and hauling capabilities. The 2500HD model, when properly equipped, could tow up to 22,430 pounds, while the payload capacity for our test truck was about 3,000 pounds. The truck impressed us with features like the transparent trailer camera, which made navigating tricky roads and hitching trailers less daunting. Side steps ahead of the rear wheels, a versatile MultiFlex tailgate, and power-retractable running boards effortlessly enhanced functionality. The High Country trim offered luxurious appointments like heated and ventilated seating and a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD outshone its competitors in cargo utilities, though it fell short in terms of cabin luxury and functionality.

In the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the tech experience started with an 8-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model upgraded to a 12-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen provided a seamless control layout with additional displays for supplementary information like fuel economy. Additionally, there were multiple USB ports, wireless charging capabilities, and a wall-style power outlet. Ford added Trailer Navigation, which allowed the driver to input trailer dimensions and weight, guiding the navigation system to avoid low bridges or tight turns. It was a practical and advanced feature that catered significantly to the towing needs of its users. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD elevated its tech game with a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen starting from the LT trim. The system was intuitive with a user-friendly menu structure. Notably, it included Google Maps, Play Store, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, but the always-on split-mode screen was a minor inconvenience. Plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports, a traditional power outlet, and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot ensured no device was left wanting for power. An available 15-inch head-up display (HUD) and rear camera mirror added further convenience, enhancing visibility and safety. Nonetheless, the Silverado 2500HD lacked an on-board generator, which was a notable shortcoming, especially when compared to the Ford's Pro Power Onboard generator.

Starting from the XLT trim, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with the Ford CoPilot 360 suite. Depending on the trim, it included advanced features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The latter was particularly useful for a vehicle of this size. Ford's innovative trailer blind-spot monitoring and backup camera for the lowered tailgate made towing and maneuvering more intuitive and secure. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered somewhat limited standard safety features, including front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and following distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control was optional even on higher trims. A noteworthy feature was GM’s Safety Seat, which provided tactile alerts to the driver. GM’s Buckle to Drive feature, Teen Driver technology, and configurable safety settings enhanced utility, especially for families and young drivers. Both models had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS.