These are competitive times for the 2021 Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, two full-size trucks with hefty capabilities and plush comfort features. Check out our comparison guide to learn more about the features that each new truck has to offer. By the end, we’re confident you’ll know which light-duty truck is right for you.
Engine Options: 2021 Ford F-150
The F-150 offers six engine options (the Silverado has four), so there’s something for just about every kind of truck driver. And, if you’re looking for power, the F-150 is your truck. Its top-of-the-line turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is ready for some serious action, with 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. And the new hybrid powertrain takes that V6 engine and adds a battery-powered motor to create a total of 430 horses and 570 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, the F-150’s most powerful engine is also its thriftiest, helping F-150 hybrid trucks earn up to 25 mpg combined.
The Silverado’s most powerful engine is a 5.3-liter V8. It delivers 355 horses and 383 pound-feet of torque, which is pretty muscular, even if it won’t be able to pass the F-150 any time soon. On the other hand, if you’re looking for maximum fuel economy, you’ll like the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Depending on body style and equipment, this engine helps the Silverado earn up to 27 mpg combined.
Heavy Lifting: 2021 Ford F-150
Whether you want to configure your light-duty truck to maximize towing or hauling capabilities, the F-150 is the strongest option. With the right body style and equipment, Ford’s full-size pickup can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Payloads reach up to 3,325 pounds.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is certainly musclebound, but it can’t quite compete with the F-150’s everyday utility. Properly equipped, the Silverado can tow max loads of 13,000 pounds. Configured to haul maximum payloads, this Chevy truck can move up to 2,280 pounds.
Cutting-Edge Features: 2021 Ford F-150
The newly redesigned F-150 introduces some features you won’t find on any other light-duty truck. The optional Active Drive Assist system, which will soon be ready to use on thousands of miles of pre-mapped highways, provides hands-free cruising. And the new Pro Power Onboard is an in-bed power station that can charge power tools when you’re traveling and give you the means to operate them when you’re parked on the job site.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn’t offer hands-free driving just yet. But it can almost match the F-150 in terms of towing technology. For example, you can add a wide range of towing cameras to help you see what’s going on in and around your trailer. However, the F-150 is the only truck to offer something like its Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, which makes it easy to back a trailer in the desired direction.
Lowest Price: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Which truck has the lowest MSRP? It’s the Chevy Silverado 1500, which starts at $34,900. The Ford F-150 is only a little more expensive, however, starting at $36,650.
As you move up the trim levels, the Ford F-150 can rack up extra costs, with the MSRP range capping off at $74,250. The Silverado’s trim lineup never gets quite as expensive, with a top-trim starting price of $57,200.
Final Score
The Chevy Silverado 1500 gives you a great deal on a full-size truck, and it’s also pretty capable. It’s just not as capable as the Ford F-150. Indeed, the fully redesigned 2021 F-150 has features you won’t find on any other truck, including a hefty hybrid powertrain, an onboard power station, and hands-free driving technology.