2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was a versatile truck, offering three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a unique appearance. It came with six engine options, paired with various automatic transmissions, and offered four-wheel drive as an option, with rear-wheel drive as standard. Our test model featured a crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, just below the top-tier High Country. It was equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, known as Duramax, and included several premium packages, bringing the price to an estimated $75,838 Canadian. The Silverado boasted a commanding presence with its boxy design, flared fenders, and Northsky Blue paint, complemented by chrome trim and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. However, the interior felt outdated, with glossy plastic, large panel joints, and small infotainment screens, lacking a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning appeared deceptively normal despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle. Available in three trims—XLT, Lariat, and Platinum—the Lightning featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Its unique styling cues included a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic façade replacing the traditional grille. The rear showcased badges and a taillight bar on higher trims. Inside, the Lightning offered spacious seating with ample legroom, quality materials, and ergonomic design. Our Lariat trim test vehicle included a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kilowatt-hour Pro Power Onboard power supply with multiple outlets. The Lightning's air conditioning and ventilated seats provided comfort, while the interior work surface feature added practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range 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 fuel efficiency of 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. Despite its 277 horsepower, the Duramax delivered smooth acceleration after a brief turbocharger spool-up. The Silverado's towing capacity with the Duramax was 4,309 kg, while the maximum payload was 848 kg. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system enhanced performance, though the standard suspension struggled with body movement and rough terrain. The Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended for improved handling.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured dual electric motors, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with 775 lb-ft of torque. All models had all-wheel drive, but the test truck's tires limited off-road capability. The standard-range battery offered a 370 km range, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 km. The Lightning's acceleration was impressive, but its weight affected handling on winding roads. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality, and the battery packs were re-engineered for better packaging. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging available at DC stations.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab provided a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats offering power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard cushions and a power sliding rear window. Storage space was ample but lacked innovation, with small compartments and missed opportunities for additional storage. The Silverado's bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate offered versatility, though our test truck had a remote power-down tailgate instead.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prioritized functionality with a 5.5-foot bed equipped with tie-down points. Its standout feature was the Mega Power Frunk, a 400-litre front trunk with an underfloor storage bin and drain. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. The 9.6-kilowatt onboard power supply was useful for job sites. Towing capacity was 4,535 kg, and payload capacity was 907 kg, though range decreased with heavier loads. Onboard scales helped manage payload and range estimates.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 with 7-inch and 8-inch screens. The system offered quick loading times, modern graphics, and standard connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The LTZ trim included a larger 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls and enhanced voice recognition. The available head-up display and rear camera mirror added convenience, while trailering technologies fell short compared to competitors.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted impressive technology, with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 on lower trims and a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen on higher trims. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system featured games for entertainment during charging. The Lightning's technology was visually stunning, though the 15-inch screen's layout was less intuitive. The system offered a range of features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in small-overlap collisions and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Safety features included forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. However, the Silverado lacked advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were standard. The Lariat trim offered Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for safety. The Lightning's safety features provided comprehensive protection and assistance.