The Chevrolet Silverado was introduced by GM in 1998 for the 1999 model year and has since gone on to become one of Chevrolet's most popular brands. There has been a consistent improvement over the years and the 2021 model is arguably the best so far; a highly capable work truck with a wide range of engine options and modern technology. It has a lot of best-in-class potential but there is one problem - the Ford F-150.
The F-150 is currently the world's most popular truck; a title won by a combination of rugged durability and class-leading performance. The competition is fierce and here we examine if the 2021 Chevy Silverado now packs enough arsenal to mount a credible challenge against the supremacy of the Ford F-150.
8 Ahead of The Ford F-150 - Standard Features
The new Chevrolet Silverado does get one up over the F-150 pickup when it comes to the availability of standard gadgetry, especially driver assistance features that help promote safety on the roads. With the Chevy, the most basis trim level still gets features like the automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and a following distance indicator.
You can still get these on the Ford F-150 but they are more likely to be available as standard on the top-spec trims or as a separate options package which invariably adds to the final purchase price.
7 Ahead Of the Ford F-150 - A More Versatile Design
It is hard to fault the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado when it comes to overall design functionality. The pickup truck does have a host of refreshes that make the overall design more appealing. However, it is more than just the aesthetics that put it ahead of the Ford F-150.
The multiplex tailgate for example, comes with a 6-way adjustable setup, allowing for easier access to the cargo bed, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. It is a standard feature on all Silverado models too. There's also LED lighting for the bed area and a variety of camera angles that generally makes towing a lot more easier.
6 Ahead Of The Ford F-150 - Pricing
The entry level Chevy Silverado carries a sticker price of about $28,600 - a price point that makes it one of the cheapest American pickups in its category. That is something of a big deal especially when you factor in the value you get with the package.
Chevrolet have to a large extent been able to competitively price the 2021 Silverado with little compromise and you can expect them to get better in this area. It may just get to a point when Ford F-150 customers begin to seriously debate whether it's worth spending the extra bucks to get an entry-level Ford F-150, currently priced at about $31,000; a price point that climbs pretty rapidly as you move up the trim level.
5 Ahead Of The Ford F-150 - Cargo Space
The Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 are proper work trucks; therefore, cargo space forms a crucial part of the decision making process. The Ford F-150 is offered with a choice of 3 bed sizes ranging from about 5.5 feet to 8 feet.
You also get 3 bed sizes with the Chevrolet but they, according to Chevrolet, offer the largest cubic space in the class. More crucially, each of the size options is at least a few inches bigger than what's offered by Ford.
4 Still Behind - Towing Capacity
The Ford F-150 is the king when it comes to how much it can haul behind the truck bed. Tucked among the variety of engine options is a twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoostV6 that can haul an impressive 14,000 pounds.
To be fair, the Chevy Silverado is not too far behind. A maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds is achievable if the truck is paired with a potent 6.2-litre V8 powertrain. A difference of less than a thousand pounds is not a lot but these are fierce rivals and anything to claim bragging rights will do.
3 Still Behind - Interior Layout And Refinement
One of the biggest knocks the Silverado has received in the recent past has had to do with a dated cabin and substandard interior trimmings compared to its other rivals. The 2021 Silverado has significantly improved in this area but it still lags behind the Ford F-150 by some distance.
The interior of the Ford F-150 feels quite roomy and plush particularly the top trim models. You still have a few plastic bits but nowhere as abundant or cheap looking as the ones in the Silverado and even better, the 2021 Ford F-150 now comes with Apple CarPlay as standard.
2 Still Behind - Powertrain
The 2021 Ford F-150 comes in with a healthy choice of 6 different powertrains; starting with a 3.3-litre V6 that can generate 290hp and 265 pound-feet of torque. The power output increases as you work your way up, culminating in the 3.5-litre PowerBoost V6 Hybrid with a thumping 430hp and 570 pound-feet of torque.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado also has a robust lineup; with 5 engine options to choose from. There's the 285hp V6 engine at one end and a 6.2-litre V8 at the other end; able to crank out 420hp and 460 pound-feet of torque.
1 Still Behind - Fuel Economy
The 2021 Chevy Silverado is generally less powerful than the Ford F-150 but that does not mean its engines are any less thirstier. According to Fuel Economy website, the 6.2-Litre V8 equipped Silverado manages 18mpg combined city/highway usage. The Ford F-150, also with a V8, can do 19mpg combined usage.
However, the biggest deal here is the F-150 with the hybrid powertrain that can achieve an impressive 25mpg combined usage. For now, there's. no hybrid powertrain for the Silverado. Ouch.