With their powerhouse engines and brawny, all-American style, the 2021 Ford F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD are tough rivals. Wondering which heavy-duty truck you should choose? Read our comparison guide to find out.
Premium Power: 2021 Ford F-250
Anyone shopping the heavy-duty market is in need of power, full stop. That’s where the F-250 comes in, with two heavyweight, gas-powered V8 options and a turbodiesel V8 that delivers an incredible output of 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Choose your weapon:
- 6.2-liter Flex Fuel V8 engine (385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque) + six-speed automatic transmission
- 7.3-liter gas-powered V8 engine (430 horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque) + 10-speed automatic
- 6.7-liter Powerstroke turbo diesel V8 engine (475 horsepower, 1,050 pound-feet of torque) + 10-speed automatic
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, meanwhile, offers a gas-powered V8 and a turbo diesel V8. Both are excellent options — they’re just not quite as impressive as what the F-250 has to offer.
- 6.6L V8 engine (401 hp, 464 lb-ft) + six-speed automatic
- 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8 engine (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) + 10-speed automatic
Towing and Hauling Capabilities: 2021 Ford F-250
Thanks to its extra torque, the F-250 can tow a much heavier trailer than the Silverado 2500HD can manage. Equipped for conventional towing, and depending on configuration, this Ford Super Duty can tow up to 20,000 pounds. Equipped for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, that figure rises to 22,800 pounds. The F-250 also hauls major weight, with payloads reaching up to 7,850 pounds.
Even if its not as capable as the F-250, the Silverado 2500HD is still a heavy contender. At its most capable, this Chevy truck can tow up to 18,500 pounds’ worth of conventional or gooseneck trailer. And, depending on configuration, the Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 3,979 pounds.
Comfort and Tech Features: It’s a Tie!
Both heavy-duty trucks offer a variety of trim models, offering all the luxury that money can buy. Climb the trim levels for luxury add-ons, including premium leather upholstery and sound systems. You can even add heated and ventilated front seats for a very classy ride to work.
And both all-American pickups offer an impressive collection of infotainment features and driver safety aids. For example, the F-250’s touch-screen infotainment system includes complete smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And the same goes for the Silverado 2500HD. Both trucks also offer a variety of camera systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera, to help you guide these big vehicles around with maximum visibility.
Off-Roading Capabilities: 2021 Ford F-250
If you’ve never driven this Ford Super Duty, the F-250 may surprise you with its off-road capabilities. For one thing, this big truck is surprisingly nimble. And features like four-wheel drive come in handy when you’re high-tailing it through the mud. Better yet, you can add the Super Duty Tremor package, which is designed to help you move through especially rugged terrain with upgraded suspension, increased ride height, a locking rear differential, and more.
Like the F-250, the Chevy Silverado 2500HD offers some of the features that you’ll need in rugged territory, including four-wheel drive and the Z71 off-road package. However, the Silverado 2500HD’s off-road package isn’t as inclusive as Ford’s Tremor package. And Chevy’s heavy-duty truck doesn’t feel as agile as the F-250, forcing you to be extra cautious in a narrow spot.
Final Grades
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD certainly pulls its weight, but the 2021 Ford F-250 is the ultimate heavy-duty truck. Not only does the F-250 manage heavier payloads, but it also gives you the option of extra outdoor adventure. Check it out for the best possible heavy-duty experience.