2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, standing just shy of the average American woman's height. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, including the Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country grades. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight 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, though shorter individuals might find it challenging.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick had a more conventional pickup look, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. At 199.7 inches long and 68.7 inches tall, it was smaller than the Ford Ranger. The Maverick shared the C2 unibody platform with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, offering a smoother ride. The base Maverick XL came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims featured 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The Maverick First Edition package added unique graphics and paint colors. The interior design was practical yet stylish, with multicolored plastic and exposed fasteners giving it character. The Maverick's interior was a standout feature, showing that entry-level vehicles could still have style.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gas 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. The gas engine could tow up to 17,370 pounds with a fifth wheel/gooseneck connection, while the diesel could tow up to 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The FX4 off-road package added suspension tuning, underbody protection, and off-road drive modes. The Maverick FX4 performed well on off-road courses, offering more capability than most crossover SUVs in its price range. The hybrid powertrain provided a smoother and more refined driving experience, while the EcoBoost offered better towing capability and acceleration.

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, and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. Higher trims added bucket seats, a full center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and a rubberized floor were standard, while upper trims offered more luxurious features.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The interior featured numerous storage options, including cubbies, under-seat storage, and the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed had a 1,500-pound payload capacity and included an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system allowed for dividers and a false floor, making the most of the smaller bed space. The Maverick's maximum towing capacity was 4,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the hybrid), providing useful capability for its size.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included two USB ports, a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, an 8-inch driver information screen, a Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado excelled in camera technology, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to 10 devices. The system's graphics and functions were basic, but the screen size was adequate for the Maverick's price range. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional available features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and OnStar services.

The 2022 Ford Maverick had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.