2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received subtle updates that were noticeable to keen Ford enthusiasts. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, reducing the bling factor, while the massive grille transitioned from a large two-bar design to a more restrained look. This change also resulted in sleeker headlights, maintaining the overall shape but adding a touch of sophistication. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. The XL trim had a black grille and bumpers, while the XLT added brightwork and alloy wheels. The King Ranch stood out with its two-tone paint and chrome accents, and the Platinum trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique front bumper. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional, with a logical layout and ample storage, though it felt somewhat cold and mechanical. The base XL model came equipped with essential features, while higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch offered more luxurious amenities, including leather upholstery and advanced technology.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a distinctive appearance. Our test truck, an LTZ trim with a crew cab and short bed, featured a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine. The Silverado's exterior boasted a boxy, commanding presence with Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim. However, the interior felt dated, with glossy plastic and inelegant control panels. Despite this, the Silverado offered ample storage space, including dual dashboard glove compartments. The rear seat comfortably accommodated three adults, with heated outboard cushions and a power sliding rear window. The Silverado's cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and optional Multi-Flex tailgate. Overall, the Silverado's interior lacked the modern sophistication found in some competitors, but it provided practicality and functionality for truck enthusiasts.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 option was introduced, generating 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel V8 used a six-speed TorqShift automatic. The F-250's towing capacity reached up to 10,977 kilograms when equipped with the diesel engine and High Capacity Tow Package. The truck's suspension was designed for heavy-duty work, resulting in a bumpy ride when unloaded. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires and a rock crawl driving mode, enhancing the F-250's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, including the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 and the Duramax turbodiesel. The Duramax engine, priced at $1,995, provided excellent fuel efficiency, achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. It delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with smooth acceleration once the turbocharger spooled up. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the Duramax capable of towing up to 4,309 kilograms. The truck's 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system contributed to its performance. The Z71 Off-Road Package improved the Silverado's suspension, enhancing its handling on rough terrain. However, the standard suspension allowed for excessive body movement on highways and rough roads, making the Z71 package a recommended upgrade for better control.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with bed sizes of 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and a massive centre console for storage. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor, providing secure storage for large items. The F-250's tailgate step and handle made accessing the bed easier, enhancing its practicality for work and everyday use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab offered a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard cushions and ample headroom and legroom. The Silverado's storage space included dual dashboard glove compartments, though it lacked innovative features found in competitors. The cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and optional Multi-Flex tailgate. Overall, the Silverado provided practicality and functionality, though it missed opportunities for interior innovation.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, an additional USB-C port, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access through a smartphone app. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, providing essential connectivity features for modern drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, with 7-inch and 8-inch screens. The system offered quick loading times and modern graphics, with standard Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The LTZ trim included a larger 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and rear camera mirror, though the Bose speakers lacked premium quality. The truck's trailering technologies were useful but fell short compared to competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and AdvanceTrac traction control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The F-250 had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of high-tech safety features, though some were not standard.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating from IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results. The Silverado offered safety features like forward collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, the Silverado's safety performance was disappointing for a modern pickup truck.