Brand loyalty runs rampant among truck owners, and the two most popular are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150. The Silverado remains a fundamentally sound truck, but models sold before its 2022 refresh are starting to show their age. On the other hand, the 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year). It brings an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.
2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Pickup Truck Comparison
In the realm of aesthetics, CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a diverse lineup with three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels. Our test truck, an LTZ trim with a crew cab and short bed, presented an appealing exterior profile. Boxy, with chiseled details, flared fenders, and a blunt nose, it exudes a tall, purposeful, and commanding presence. With Northsky Blue paint, chrome trim, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, it's a visually striking choice. However, the interior disappoints with dated materials, glossy plastic, and a lack of finesse.
In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-150 maintains its iconic truck design with a new front fascia, bigger headlights, and a rounder grille. The exterior is more aerodynamic, thanks to active grille shutters and a deployable air dam. The aluminum bodywork reduces weight, improving fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Inside, materials range from spartan in the base XL trim to luxurious in the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. The King Ranch, in particular, offers leather upholstery and wood trim for a premium feel.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 in terms of performance.
The Silverado 1500 offers a range of engines, with the Duramax turbodiesel standing out for its efficiency and torque. It delivers 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, making it a compelling choice. The turbodiesel is paired with a flawless 10-speed automatic transmission and offers impressive towing and payload capacity, although they're not as high as the Silverado's maximum figures.
The Ford F-150 also offers a variety of powertrains, including a PowerBoost hybrid with a total system output of 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Silverado's V8. The F-150 excels in payload and towing capacity, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and towing capacity of 14,000 pounds (with the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6). The hybrid powertrain provides sufficient power, but transitions between electric and hybrid modes can be jarring.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 for form and function.
The Silverado's crew cab offers ample space with wide, supportive front seats and generous rear-seat room. However, the cabin lacks innovation, and storage spaces are somewhat limited. The rear seatback has built-in storage areas but lacks locks for security. The Silverado boasts a spacious and deep bed, offering ample cargo space. Additionally, the new Multi-Flex tailgate design provides six configurations for versatility.
The Ford F-150 impresses with its functional design. The shifter can fold flat, creating a work surface, and certain trims offer fold-flat Max Recline Seats, in case you find yourself in need of a quick nap. The truck offers ample storage space, including a large center-console bin and cupholders. Ford also includes an angled wireless-charging pad for convenience. The F-150 comes in various cab and bed sizes, with power running boards and a power tailgate for easy bed access. It also offers in-bed power outlets with the optional Pro Power Onboard system.
CarGurus experts gave the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a respectable score of 6 out of 10 in the technology department. While it might lag behind its competitors in terms of larger infotainment screens, the Silverado's Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 is nothing to scoff at.
The system boasts quick loading times, an impressive high-definition 8-inch display with modern graphics, and essential features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Even the basic Silverado WT trim surprises with an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot via Chevrolet Connected Services. Opt for the LTZ trim, and you get a fully-featured infotainment system with an even larger 8-inch HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, enhanced voice recognition, wireless smartphone charging, and a seven-speaker Bose premium sound system.
Additionally, Chevrolet offers a head-up display (HUD) and multiple high-definition cameras that are useful for various purposes, from towing to visibility enhancement. While the Bose speakers may not be top-tier, the Silverado's infotainment system is overall user-friendly and responsive, making it a solid choice for tech-savvy truck enthusiasts.
The 2021 Ford F-150 earns high praise, with CarGurus experts awarding it an impressive 9 out of 10 in the technology department. Ford introduces its new Sync 4 infotainment system in the 2021 F-150, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the capability for over-the-air updates. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is functional, but for those seeking a more immersive experience, there's the optional 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
Ford's Sync 4 system is sensibly organized, offering easy-to-read menus and convenient physical buttons and knobs for essential functions. The digital instrument cluster provides vital information like engine RPM and speed in large, legible numerals. However, it's worth noting that even with the enhanced processing power of Sync 4, there can be a slight delay in menu loading.
The 2021 F-150 also comes equipped with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, making trailer maneuvering a breeze. Additional features like Trailer Reverse Guidance and Dynamic Hitch Assist enhance towing safety. Ford's Active Drive Assist system, although not available at launch, promises advanced driver assistance technology, further elevating the F-150's tech prowess.
In the technology showdown, the Ford F-150 emerges as the winner, offering a more advanced and responsive infotainment system along with a host of driver-assistance features.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a less impressive score of 3 out of 10 in the safety department. Unfortunately, this rating reflects the Silverado's subpar performance in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), where it received a "Marginal" rating for front passenger protection in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Silverado's headlights also earned a "Poor" rating, raising concerns about nighttime visibility.
Results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were also lackluster, with the Silverado receiving four-star frontal-impact ratings for both the driver and front passenger. Given that the Silverado was redesigned in 2019, these safety shortcomings are perplexing.
In terms of safety features, Chevrolet offers a decent range, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard or optional equipment. The truck also features a rearview camera, parking sensors, automatic collision notification, and a rear-seat reminder system for crew cabs. Teen Driver safety technology is standard and free, with optional upgrades such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat.
The 2021 Ford F-150 garners a far more favorable rating of 7 out of 10 in the safety category from CarGurus experts. Although full crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of the review, the F-150 benefits from the previous-generation model's "good" rating for roof strength, ensuring structural integrity.
Ford equips the F-150 with a suite of standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional safety enhancements include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, hill-descent control, and intersection assist for left turns. Active Drive Assist, though not available at launch, elevates driver assistance with advanced features like hands-free highway driving.
The F-150's safety package, combined with its advanced safety technology, places it in a favorable position in the safety department.
CarGurus experts give the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a rating of 4 out of 10 in cost effectiveness. While truck buying often involves personal preferences, the Silverado's primary value proposition comes from its affordable turbodiesel engine. However, it falls short in various aspects compared to rivals. It doesn't offer superior towing or hauling capacities, lacks dedicated off-road performance trims, and struggles to match competitors in terms of quality, safety, technology, and utility.
In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-150 receives a more favorable rating of 7 out of 10 in cost effectiveness. Ford's PowerBoost hybrid engine impressively delivers competitive fuel efficiency for a full-size pickup, making it a sound choice for those conscious of fuel costs. The F-150's 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and Power Stroke diesel options also provide good mileage. While the PowerBoost hybrid comes at a premium, it offers a slight improvement in efficiency. The F-150's ability to tow and haul more than its competitors from General Motors and Ram adds to its cost-effectiveness appeal.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is 5.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-150 scores an impressive 7.8 out of 10. Both the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 have their strengths. The Silverado offers a compelling turbodiesel engine, while the F-150 excels in power, towing, and payload capacity, especially with its hybrid powertrain. The F-150 also boasts innovative features for convenience and utility.
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
You prioritize a budget-friendly turbodiesel engine option.
You appreciate a simple, no-frills truck.
You don't require top-tier towing or hauling capabilities.
In this head-to-head comparison, the 2021 Ford F-150 emerges as the stronger contender, offering superior technology, safety features, and overall value, making it our recommended choice among these two formidable trucks.
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