Starting at
Starting at
570 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 460 |
14,000 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 13,300 |
3,325 | Max Payload (lbs) | 2,280 |
The new 2021 Ford F-150 is everything you would expect in terms of performance and power. But what might be a bit of a surprise is the level of comfort and features Ford brings to the table in its latest F-150. Anyone who knows anything about Ford trucks is well aware of their impressive towing capacities and superior performance, but what will have people talking is how the new F-150 is fun and comfortable to drive with all the latest features and options. Ford's motto for the F-150 is "Nothing Else Stacks Up," which is a pretty bold statement. To show how true it is, let's compare the latest iterations of two long-time competitors - the 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500.
While the 2021 model year marks a brand-new Ford F-150, it also marks a refreshed Chevy Silverado 1500. However, the Silverado's new features pale in comparison to the revolutionary upgrades offered by the new F-150. Not only does Ford's new truck look marvelous and is able to tow almost anything, but once you slip behind the steering wheel, you will quickly forget you are driving a beast of a truck. There is a lot to admire in the Ford F-150, and from the all-new interior to the six powertrain options (which include the ground-breaking PowerBoost hybrid), there is something for any pickup truck fan.
For the 2021 F-150, Ford is offering six engine choices that allow you to choose the perfect fit for your needs. If you will be primarily driving your new truck back and forth to the office or for other casual uses, then the base 3.3-liter V6 or the 2.7-liter EcoBoost are great options that will give you the power you need in an everyday truck and good gas mileage to boot.
However, if you are buying the F-150 for work purposes or as a recreational vehicle to tow your favorite toys, you will probably gravitate to the 5.0-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, or the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel. But there is one more powerplant that no other truck on the market can compete with––the all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6.
This hybrid powertrain combines an electric motor with a powerful turbocharged V6 to provide an incredible 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most potent powertrain available in any current half-ton truck. But not only does it provide monstrous power, the PowerBoost F-150 can also travel around 700 miles on a single tank of gas and act as a 7.2 kW generator with 120-volt and 240-volt power outlets.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado also offers plenty of engine options, but it trails the 2021 F-150 in power and lacks any form of hybrid. The most powerful engine options available for the Chevy is a conventional 6.2-liter V8 that tops out at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft torque. Even on the low end, the Silverado falls behind, with its base V6 producing 285 hp to the 290 hp in the F-150's more efficient V6 option.
The 2021 Ford F-150 delivers the highest maximum towing capacity in its class with a 14,000 lbs rating, while the Silverado comes in at 13,300 lbs. The best towing engine in the Ford is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, while the best choice in the Chevy is the 6.2-liter V8. As far as payload capacity, the 2021 Ford F-150 maxes out at 3,325 lbs, and the Chevy Silverado trails with a maximum payload capacity of only 2,280 lbs. However, these numbers are of little surprise as, year after year, Ford consistently manages to outdo the competition in terms of towing capacity and payload.
The 2021 Ford F-150 touts an impressive list of interior features and options, some that have never before been offered. There are three available instrument clusters, two touchscreen sizes, and plenty of distinctive colors and unique patterns, making the interior of the F-150 a place where you want to hang out. One of the nicer options is the Max Recline seats, which are available in three of the models and allow you to fold the front seats back to create a level sleeping surface. This is perfect for those who are traveling long distances or working long hours. You won't sleep in this much comfort in the Silverado.
Another great feature in the new F-150 is the folding gear shift lever. This makes room for a collapsible table that extends out to the center console, creating an ideal surface for a laptop or paperwork. Working in your truck has never been so comfortable and convenient. In contrast, using a laptop in a Silverado is still a struggle with its conventional truck cab design.
The 2021 F-150 comes standard with an 8-inch central touchscreen and 4-inch digital instrument cluster, which are more than big enough to see the screens clearly. And while both the F-150 and Silverado infotainment systems both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the standard Silverado infotainment screen is only 7 inches, and the instrument cluster is 3.5 inches. The latest F-150 is high-tech in a big way, and buyers won't be disappointed.
And if the standard screen is not enough, Ford also offers a big and bold 12-inch screen, allowing you to run two features at once employing a split-screen interface. The brand-new SYNC 4 software is standard on all 2021 Ford F-150 models. This is an interface that will personalize your driving experience with a high level of intelligence. SYNC 4 features cloud connectivity, voice recognition, and the ability to learn where all of your favorite restaurants are located. Finally, the optional Bang and Olufsen 18-speaker system in the F-150 is vastly superior to the 7-speaker system in the Silverado.
When shopping for a pickup truck, power, towing capacity, and comfort features are all taken into consideration. But just as important as the neat gadgets and powerful engines are the safety features. The 2021 Ford F-150 comes standard with several key safety features, including pedestrian detection, a rearview camera with dynamic hitch support, and forward-collision warning. In addition, the F-150 offers automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beam assist, standard in all models. Available safety options include the Co-Pilot 360 safety suite with a ton of features that include lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and several more.
However, advanced safety features are an area where the Chevy Silverado falls short––the truck's only standard safety system is the government-mandated rearview camera. Systems like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert are only available on the higher trims. Many features are offered as available packages that can be bundled with various models. Of course, these available safety features will come at an extra cost, which could boost the price significantly.
So if you are looking for a truck to use as a daily driver or to transport family members, then the new Ford F-150 is definitely the safer option. Even if safety is not a high priority for you, Ford's convenience systems like adaptive cruise control and automatic headlights will make your driving experience far more relaxing.