2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, standing nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet offered the Silverado 2500HD in various body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, emphasizing variety. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition added to its appeal. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. However, its exterior design leaned more towards a rugged, toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty took the blocky, muscular look of the F-150 to a new level, appearing larger and more robust. This heavy-duty truck featured long bed lengths for better cargo hauling and a tall ride height for improved ground clearance. The Super Duty's cabin varied from utilitarian in the base XL trim to luxurious in the Limited trim, with leather and upscale finishes. The truck's giant grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and durable bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a formidable presence on any job site.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine delivering 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound maximum payload. Towing capacities reached 14,500 pounds with the gas engine and 18,500 pounds with the diesel. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powertrains: a 6.2-liter V8 with 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, a 7.3-liter V8 with 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The F-350 model could be ordered with a dual-rear-wheel configuration for enhanced towing capacity. The Super Duty's maximum payload capacity reached 4,060 pounds, and towing capacities exceeded 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The turbodiesel V8 offered the best performance, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version offered the most rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, a power-sliding rear window with defogger, and a four-way manual driver and front passenger seat. Higher trims added bucket seats, a full center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims offered more luxurious features, but competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale interiors.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its focus on utility, offered plenty of creature comforts. The front seats came in a 40/20/40 folding bench setup as standard, with generous rear seats in Crew Cab and Super Cab models. The truck's large size made parking and maneuvering challenging, and its tall ride height and large doors could be cumbersome. However, Ford's clever tailgate design, with optional steps and a handle, made bed access easier. The Super Duty's interior could be upgraded with features like heated and ventilated seats, adjustable upfitter switches, and more, providing a comfortable and functional workspace.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, an 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology, including a bed-view camera, was a standout feature.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring clearly labeled menus and minimal navigation taps. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded heated and ventilated seats, adjustable upfitter switches, and a rapid heating unit for diesel-equipped trucks. Ford's infotainment system was user-friendly and less distracting, making it a strong contender in the tech department.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Work Truck and Custom models could be equipped with a Safety Confidence Package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator. The Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a variety of safety features, though many were available as added-cost upgrades or on higher trims. A trailer tow package included special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. Like the Silverado 2500HD, the Super Duty was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its classification as a commercial vehicle.