Ford F-350 Super Duty vs Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a design that was often described as polarizing, with a front end and grille reminiscent of a vintage furnace or freight train. It was a vehicle that exuded machismo, appealing to those who valued a rugged and bold appearance. Inside, the cabin was more conventional, prioritizing space over refinement. Despite not having the best fit and finish, the interior was spacious, akin to a living room. The Silverado 3500HD offered various trim levels, from the basic Work Truck (W/T) to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort as you moved up the range.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, was likened to the Lincoln of pickups, combining stately design with purpose. It featured plush leather seats and a high-end audio system, making it suitable for both work and leisure. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cab, which was necessary given the truck's height. The interior was spacious, with a sensible layout and ample storage, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. The F-350 came in multiple trims, with the higher-end versions providing more luxurious interiors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engine options. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivered 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the truck featured an automatically locking rear differential. The diesel engine, in particular, provided excellent performance, making the Silverado 3500HD feel lively despite its size. When properly equipped, it could tow up to 36,000 pounds and had a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, generating 475 horsepower and a remarkable 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive performance, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads. The F-350's fuel efficiency was notable for its class, averaging 15.4 mpg on a testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of highway driving. The truck's Tremor off-road package enhanced its off-road capabilities, providing features like a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. However, its size posed challenges in urban environments, requiring careful maneuvering and parking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in various configurations, including 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 ample headroom and legroom. The truck featured integrated bed steps in the rear bumper corners and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, particularly in the crew cab configuration, provided generous space for five passengers. The Limited trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The interior featured a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door panel bins for storage. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with ample legroom and heated outboard seat surfaces. The truck's cargo bed was accessible via an integrated tailgate step or retractable bed step, and the BoxLink system allowed for secure cargo storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, featuring hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado also offered a range of trailering features, including backup camera guidelines and multiple camera angles for trailering, as well as a trailering app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. While Sync 3 was functional, it was becoming outdated compared to competitors. The Limited trim included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a B&O premium sound system. The screen size was a drawback when using the truck's advanced towing technologies, such as the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Despite its limitations, the system offered a range of features, including a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and a full array of airbags. However, advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system were also available, aiding in maneuvering the large truck.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, with its substantial weight, was likely to offer good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It featured a range of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. The adaptive cruise control system had some limitations in traffic, and the lane-departure warning system provided a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel. The truck's Sync 3 system offered 911 Assist, which could contact emergency responders in the event of a collision.