2021 Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500

Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500: Performance

The paramount concern of truck drivers is that they receive a model that has plenty of power and control under the hood. Both the 2021 F-150 and Chevy Silverado offer this, so all you have to do is find the configuration that's best for you.

The 2021 Ford F-150 has many different engine options that can suit anyone's needs, including several EcoBoost® options. Standardly, you'll have a 3.3L V6 engine that boasts a respectable 290 horsepower. Plus, this engine is paired with an electric 10-speed transmission for seamless control and shifting abilities.

The more you upgrade through the F-150 model's engine rankings, the more power you'll get. For instance, the available 3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6 engine boasts an impressive rating of a whopping 570 lb-ft of torque, paired with 430 horsepower.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, on the other hand, also offers an impressive lineup of engines starting with the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6. However, this standard engine produces less horsepower than its competitor, coming in at 285 horsepower.

This theme continues as you go through the powertrain roster, ending with their top tier 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. Though ultimately powerful, this engine is also less robust than the high output powertrain in the F-150. With this configuration, you'll only see 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. 

2021 F-150 vs 2020 Silverado 1500: Capability

With loads of pure strength under the hoods of the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500, it's no surprise these trucks can tow quite a lot. Let's see how they compare when it comes to towing and payload ratings. 

Thanks to all the power that its high-performance engines are making under the hood, the 2021 Ford F-150 achieves some incredible towing and hauling capabilities. The Ford F-150 offers a max best-in-class tow rating of 14,000 pounds as well as a 3,325-pound best-in-class payload capacity. This means you can load up your truck as well as a trailer for trips to the lake or on the worksite.

Unfortunately, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 doesn't offer nearly as much payload as the 2021 F-150. Because of the less-powerful engine options for this model, even at the top level, this truck can only offer up to 2,250 pounds of payload. Yes, this is still remarkable for a light-duty pickup, but it results in less ability than the Ford F-150.

F-150 vs Silverado 1500: Technology Features

No drive is complete without a suite of high-end technologies that make your life easier. From assisting with trailering to keeping you aware of what's around you, the Ford F-150 and the 2021 Silverado 1500 have you covered.

On top of all the power and capability that the 2021 Ford F-150 has to offer, it also goes above and beyond when it comes to technology. To start, this model makes towing easy and enjoyable with its Class-Exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ feature; this allows you to steer your trailer with the turn of a knob. This neat system also helps you keep your truck and trailer on the same page, whether you're new to towing or a seasoned vet.

The F-150 model also offers up a 360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display. Right on your infotainment screen, you'll have a bird's-eye view of your surroundings to help you see what's going on and if anything is in your way. Plus, this system comes with a dynamic hitch assist feature with a line of sight, making lining up your hitch and trailer tongue a breeze.

As for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, though it has a lineup of trailering technology like Trailer Sway Control (also available in the Ford F-150), you won't find any of the advanced features that Ford makes available. Additionally, the camera system in the Silverado doesn't provide 360 degrees of visibility, limiting your sight, whether you're parking or towing.

Ford vs Chevy: Safety Features

Whether you're towing, off-roading, or just taking the kiddos to school, you deserve to feel safe and secure behind the wheel. That's why both Ford and Chevrolet make a suite of advanced driving aids and safety features available on their pickups.

The 2021 Ford F150 safety features include the Ford Co-Pilot360™-a package of driving-assistive systems that elevate confidence. This handy feature includes the following:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-and-Go (available)
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (standard)
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage and Cross-Traffic Alert (available)
• Rear View Camera (standard)
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps (standard)

The Silverado 1500 also makes available advanced safety features, but for most of them, you'll have to move to the higher trims to utilize them. This may result in not as much peace of mind on the standard trim levels.