2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a restrained and confident design that distinguished itself from more aggressively styled competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Its clean lines and blocky grille offered a timeless appeal, suggesting that it would remain visually appealing even as a used vehicle. Inside, the F-150 featured a straightforward, mechanical-looking dash that could initially feel cold and unwelcoming before startup. However, once activated, the dash and infotainment screen brought warmth to the cabin. Despite an apparent focus on durability, the interior's fit-and-finish left room for improvement. Lower-tier trims utilized hard plastics, while upper-level trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather but still fell short of the luxury offered by the Ram 1500. The F-150 was available in several trim levels, including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited, each offering varying degrees of comfort and capability.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD's styling was polarizing, characterized by a front end and grille that resembled a vintage furnace or a freight train. While it conveyed an abundance of machismo, it lacked the handsome new-vehicle appeal. Inside, the Silverado's cabin embraced a quantity-over-quality approach, offering ample space comparable to a living room, despite not having the best fit and finish. The Silverado 3500HD was available in several trims: W/T (Work Truck), LT, LTZ, and High Country. Standard features on the W/T included USB ports, vinyl seat trim, trailering mirrors, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims provided additional comforts and conveniences such as chrome accents, leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced trailering systems.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered multiple powertrain options. The XL and XLT trims came standard with a 3.3-liter V6 engine making 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. These trims also offered a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. For those preferring more cylinders, a 5.0-liter V8 delivering 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque was available. The lineup also included a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The XL and XLT came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while higher trims used a 10-speed automatic. The F-150's towing capacity reached up to 12,300 pounds when properly equipped, making it a leader in the light-duty truck segment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD featured two engine options. The standard gas engine, a 6.6-liter V8, produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 generated 445 horsepower and an astounding 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines were available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) with low range. The Silverado 3500HD's towing capacity was an impressive 36,000 pounds with the diesel engine, single-cab/long-bed/dually configuration, RWD, and the max trailering package. The truck also boasted a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes (Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew) and three bed sizes (5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot). The SuperCrew stood out with its spacious cabin and ample backseat legroom, while the SuperCab's rear half-doors could be cumbersome for frequent rear-seat access. Storage was plentiful, with various cubbies, cupholders, and a sizable center console storage bin. The bed step integrated into the tailgate facilitated easier access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in multiple configurations: regular cab/long-bed, double cab/long-bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long-bed. The crew cabs offered two rows of spacious seating with plenty of headroom and legroom. The Silverado provided integrated bed steps at the rear bumper and additional steps along the bed sides for easier access. The cargo capacity was enhanced by these practical features.

The 2020 Ford F-150 XL trim included a basic AM/FM radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, four speakers in the regular cab, and six speakers in the SuperCab and SuperCrew. The optional SYNC infotainment system added a touchscreen, USB ports, and voice recognition. The XLT introduced the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. Higher trims included FordPass with a 4G WiFi modem and an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen offering 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while upgraded trims featured an 8-inch screen, with the High Country adding navigation. The system benefited from physical buttons and dials for ease of use. The Silverado also offered advanced trailering features, backup camera guidelines, and a trailering app with a checklist and status updates.

The 2020 Ford F-150 included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Driver assistance features like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking were standard on the XL trim. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance technologies via Ford Co-Pilot360, including blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The F-150's Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. In crash tests, the SuperCrew received 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and front- and side-impact airbags. Optional safety features included forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. A 360-degree parking camera system was also available for enhanced visibility in this large vehicle.