2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received a subtle facelift, featuring a more refined grille and headlights that moved away from the excessive chrome of the previous model. The updated design lent the truck a more mature appearance, although it remained largely an evolution of the 2017 model. Despite the exterior refresh, the cabin retained its utilitarian, blocky styling, which was less inviting compared to competitors like Ram. However, the interior was well-suited for work, offering ample space and practical features across its various trim levels, from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasted a bold, boxy exterior with chiseled details and a commanding presence. The Northsky Blue paint and chrome accents added to its visual appeal. However, the interior did not match the exterior's modernity, with dated design elements and a lack of finesse. Despite this, the Silverado offered a spacious cabin with supportive front seats and ample rear-seat room. Storage solutions were plentiful, though not particularly innovative, and the truck's bed was among the roomiest in its class.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, including a standard 6.2-litre gas V8 with 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered an impressive 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, while a new 7.3-litre gas V8 produced 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. These engines provided swift acceleration and substantial towing capabilities, with a maximum conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kg and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 16,783 kg. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch tires and a lifted suspension for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a variety of engine options, with the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 providing maximum towing capability and a satisfying rumble. However, the Duramax turbodiesel was a standout choice, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque at a lower cost than competitors. It delivered smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 9.6 L/100 km. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the Duramax capable of towing up to 4,309 kg, while the 6.2-litre V8 could tow up to 6,033 kg. The Z71 Off-Road Package improved the truck's handling and off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations, with the latter offering a spacious interior and ample rear-seat room. The truck's bed options included a 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm length, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel setup. The bed featured a convenient step for easier loading. The Super Crew's interior provided generous storage, including a large centre console and in-door pockets for water bottles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab offered a vast interior with supportive front seats and ample rear-seat space. The truck featured dual dashboard glove compartments and various storage areas, though they were not particularly innovative. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard cushions and a power sliding rear window. The Silverado's bed was the deepest and roomiest among its competitors, with useful features like a CornerStep rear bumper and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate offered six configurations for added versatility.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which, despite being an older version, remained one of the best on the market. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, intuitive menus, and a range of towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist. However, the system occasionally experienced hiccups, particularly when switching between SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose sound system. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons for easy navigation. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and a rear camera mirror, along with numerous trailering technologies, though they fell short compared to competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added advanced features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered all these features as standard equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, however, received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results. The Silverado offered a range of safety features, including forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring, but lacked advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.