2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a design that was both restrained and timeless, avoiding the aggressive and abstract trends seen in some of its competitors. Its clean lines and blocky grille exuded a quiet confidence, ensuring that the truck would remain visually appealing even as it aged. Inside, the F-150 featured a straightforward, mechanical-looking dashboard that came to life upon startup. While the lower trims were dominated by hard plastics, the higher trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, though they still fell short of the luxury offered by the Ram 1500. The F-150's interior was built for durability, with a cabin that seemed ready to withstand significant wear and tear.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and commanding exterior with its boxy shape, chiseled details, and flared fenders. The Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim added to its striking appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, as it felt outdated with glossy plastics and inelegant control panels. Despite the lack of modern sophistication, the Silverado offered ample storage space, though it missed opportunities for innovation. The rear seat provided generous headroom and legroom, but the overall cabin lacked the finesse expected in a modern truck.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with a 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 2.7-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 delivered 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.0-litre V8 offered 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful option was the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, generating 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 was also available, providing 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 excelled in towing capacity, capable of towing up to 5,987 kilograms when properly equipped. The Raptor variant stood out with its off-road capabilities, featuring a lifted suspension and specialized drive modes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engines, with the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 being the most powerful, producing 420 hp. However, the Duramax turbodiesel was a standout option, offering 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at lower revs. The Duramax was fuel-efficient, achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the Duramax capable of towing up to 4,309 kilograms, while the 6.2-litre V8 could tow up to 6,033 kilograms. The Silverado's suspension provided a firm and athletic feel, though it could become unsettled on rough terrain. The Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended for improved handling and off-road capability.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with bed sizes ranging from 5-and-a-half to 8 feet. The SuperCrew stood out for its spacious cabin, providing ample backseat legroom and a large load floor. The F-150 featured numerous storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a large centre console storage bin. A bed step was available for easier access to the truck bed.

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 comfortably accommodated three adults, with generous headroom and legroom. The Silverado offered dual dashboard glove compartments and a power sliding centre rear window section. The truck bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The Multi-Flex tailgate was an optional feature, providing six different configurations.

The 2020 Ford F-150's technology offerings varied by trim. The XL trim featured a basic AM/FM radio, while the XLT and higher trims included the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass with a 4G Wi-Fi modem. The higher trims also offered a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, providing crisp sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's infotainment system, though smaller than its competitors, was impressive with quick loading times and modern graphics. The LTZ trim featured an 8-inch HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and numerous trailering technologies, though they fell short compared to the competition.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offered additional driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The F-150 received high safety ratings, with the SuperCrew variant earning 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's safety ratings were less impressive, with a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Silverado offered safety features like forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring, but it lacked advanced features like lane-centering assistance.