As much as the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 tries, it can’t seem to catch up with the 2021 Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lags behind the Ford F-150 on the list of the best trucks for 2021, and let’s see why. 

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. the 2021 Ford F-150 

According to the U.S.News, the 2021 Ford F-150 currently outranks the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 on the list of the best full-size pickup trucks for 2021. The Silverado is in third place, and the F-150 is in second place. Meanwhile, the 2021 Ram 1500 has secured the top spot. 

But these rankings are subject to change as new information about these vehicles is released. U.S.News ranks vehicles based on various factors determined by reviews performed by credible critics and third-party data sources. 

Each truck is evaluated based on how it drives, its handling, its safety ratings, reliability rankings, interior comfort, strength, fuel economy, and more to determine its score. The Silverado has a score of 8.0, and the F-150 has a score of 8.9. 

Why does the F-150 rank higher than the Silverado? 

The 2021 Ford F-150 was redesigned for 2021. As a result, it has class-leading towing and hauling capabilities, a powerful engine lineup that includes a hybrid option, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. But U.S.News noted that it is less upscale and comfortable than the Ram 1500. 

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is favored for having an excellent towing capacity, powerful engine options, and intuitive tech features. But U.S.News noted that it doesn’t ride as smoothly as competitors and has a less upscale interior. 

You can get started in a Chevy Silverado 1500 for about $29,300. The Ford F-150 begins at about $29,290, making them pretty competitively priced options. 

When properly equipped, the Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 3,250 lbs. The Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,280 lbs. 

How do the Silverado 1500 and F-150 perform? 

With the 5.3-liter V8 engine, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the handling is secure, but the steering can be light, and bumps are felt in the cabin. 

With the new hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Ford F-150 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, but the powertrain lacks smoothness at lower speeds. The steering is responsive, and the truck feels incredibly nimble. The ride is pretty smooth too. 

Both the Silverado and F-150 have a spacious interior with plenty of legroom. However, the Silverado feels a little dated, and the F-150 provides a little more visibility. The Silverado’s massive hood can limit what you see ahead. 

Both trucks offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the graphics could be sharper in the Silverado 1500. The Ford F-150 provides more modern features, such as the available 12-inch center touchscreen. 

It seems like the Ford F-150 is currently ranking ahead of the Chevy Silverado because it recently had a refresh. However, once the Chevy Silverado receives a total redesign, it might pull ahead of the competition.