2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, including special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Silverado's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar look akin to other F-150s. Available in four trims—Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum—the Lightning came exclusively with a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Unique styling cues included a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic grille façade. Inside, the Lightning offered ample space, with nearly 44 inches of legroom in both front and rear seats. The Lariat trim featured high-quality materials, a panoramic sunroof, and extensive power outlets, including a 240-volt outlet in the bed. The Lightning's interior work surface and strong air conditioning added to its practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine producing 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine could handle 3,715 pounds. Towing capacities ranged from 14,500 pounds (gas) to 18,500 pounds (diesel). The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured dual electric motors, delivering 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, both offering 775 pound-feet of torque. All models came with all-wheel drive and a standard locking differential. The standard range battery provided an EPA-estimated 230 miles, while the extended range battery offered 320 miles. The Lightning's independent rear suspension and low center of gravity improved handling, though its over three-ton curb weight limited its agility. The standard range battery was 98-kilowatt hours, and the extended range was 131-kilowatt hours, with fast charging capabilities allowing a 15 to 80 percent charge in under 45 minutes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab variant offered the most rear legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard, with more luxurious options available in upper trims.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning emphasized functionality with a 5.5-foot bed equipped with numerous tie-down points. Its standout feature was the "Mega Power Frunk," a 14.1 cubic foot front trunk with an underfloor storage bin and drain. The Lightning could serve as a backup generator, powering a typical household for three days with a full battery. It offered a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, with onboard scales to manage weight and driving range.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Standard features included a 12-volt power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Available upgrades included an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a bed-view camera.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and three years of navigation on all trims. The Lariat and Platinum trims boasted a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. The Pro trim had an AM/FM radio, while higher trims included SiriusXM and a B&O stereo system. The Lariat trim added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also included games for entertainment during charging.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera.