Starting at
Starting at
83.5 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 78.5 |
3,979 | Payload (lbs) | 3,940 |
464 | Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 430 |
In the world of heavy-duty pickup trucks, two names often rise to the top: Chevrolet and Ford. These two companies have been providing American workers with powerful vehicles for decades. They make a range of pickups from light, easy-to-maneuver options to some undeniably hefty vehicles. Today, we look at that latter category: heavy-duty utility trucks that are ready for a hard day's work. They aren't right for everybody, but those who need a serious pickup might consider comparing the 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD vs 2022 Ford F-250. These are both exceptional contenders in the competition to find the best three-quarter-ton pickup.
Interestingly enough, the Ford Super Duty and Chevy Silverado were both first released as 1999 models. So Chevy and Ford have been perfecting these impressive automobiles for over twenty years. Each year, their offerings seem to come out stronger, safer, and with features that the modern driver has come to expect. Let's break down the features of these cars and see which one comes out on top.
You can't talk about pickup trucks without talking about power. Due to the mere size of the vehicles themselves, it's important that they have powerful enough engines to carry their weight. Then, of course, there's the matter of towing capacity. Because these trucks are so often used to tow large loads from trailers to campers to boats, they have to boast impressive towing capacities. Their engines must also be strong enough to keep up when they're pushing their trailering abilities to the limits.
The 2022 Chevy 2500 HD comes with a standard gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 engine that kicks out an impressive 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. It has a standard six-speed automatic transmission to make gear shifts smooth and seamless. Those wanting to feel a little more power can go for the optional 6.6-liter V8 Duramax diesel, which gives a generous 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. For a hefty vehicle, the Silverado 2500 HD drives smoothly thanks to its powerful engine options, offering excellent downhill speed and nimble handling even on rough terrain.
As for towing capacity, you can expect to tow up to 17,370 pounds in the gas-powered Silverado HD and a generous 18,510 pounds in the diesel option. Pulling that large load won't be an issue in this vehicle. If you do need a little more oomph, you can add the optional Z71 off-road package, which includes all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, 18-inch wheels, a spray-in bedliner, and underbody protection. Those looking to do some serious damage on paths less traveled will appreciate this package.
Now onto the Ford F-250. It also has impressive capabilities. However, it's worth noting that many are only accessed once you invest in the higher of its six trims, and the MSRPs for those aren't exactly budget-friendly. Nonetheless, those willing to dig into their pockets can experience a real thrill in this choice. Some of its more powerful choices can pull 22,800 pounds, noticeably more than the maximum capacity of the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. You might want to utilize the towing capabilities of this truck because some drivers note that the 2022 Ford F-250 feels bouncy when not trailing anything.
As for the engine, the 2022 F-250 has a standard 6.2-liter V8 that kicks out 383 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This is noticeably lower than the 464 pound-feet of torque created by the base engine of the Chevy 2500 HD. Nevertheless, those willing to pay a larger price tag can go in for a gas-fed 7.3-liter V8 that will deliver 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, or the impressive Power Stroke diesel 6.7-liter V-8, offering 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.
Let's take a look inside these impressive vehicles. Though they are utility vehicles, workers taking these out for a long day on a job need to be comfortable and equipped with modern technologies. So, with that in mind, the 2022 Chevy 2500 HD does have plenty of available convenience features. Options include a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, LED lighting in the cargo bed, a heated steering wheel, dual climate control, and remote start. With these add-ons, it's easy to create a perfect interior environment so the driver can focus on the road ahead without distractions over any discomforts.
The Chevy also has a massive dashboard with intuitive switchgear controls and a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Chevy's Infotainment 3 software integrated, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is an optional larger 8-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi hotspot, along with wireless charging to keep those important devices powered on the go.
Ford paid attention to interior details, too. However, its focus seemed to be more on aesthetics than functionality. Ford does offer some luxury upgrades such as leather-trimmed upholstery, ambient lighting, and massage seats. However, these will require a bit of a financial investment and perhaps don't speak to the true needs of the driver of a hefty utility truck.
The base model 2022 F-250 does not have a touchscreen, unlike the Chevy Silverado HD, but rather a small non-touch display. Adding a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot means paying more. All in all, it feels like Ford was more concerned with how the interior looked than felt and restricted the true conveniences for those with a larger budget.
Safety is a concern for any driver. However, the safety features of a large utility pickup are of particular importance because these are no ordinary cars. Drivers ask a lot of them, often taking them off of paved roads, towing large loads, and pushing them to their limits. Features that assist the driver are very much appreciated in this grade of vehicle.
The 2022 Chevy HD 2500 HD has a safety package that includes blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert available on every trim. When driving a vehicle of this size, additional eyes and ears are essential, so features like these are very appealing. Visibility doesn't have to be impaired just because you're towing something, either. The trailer assist package has a Multiview camera system that boasts a unique transparent trailer mode, which allows you to see "through" your trailer for increased safety. The Chevy also has a useful head-up display that shows the driver important information within their natural line of sight, meaning they don't need to turn their head to get that data. This can greatly increase safety on the road.
The 2022 Ford F-250 is a near match with Chevy here. It has adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts available. It also has an optional camera system that lets you see out the back of a trailer you're towing––the system works on trailers that are up to 33 feet long but doesn't offer the Chevy transparent trailer view. The Ford F-250 also has pre-collision with automatic braking to react to an impending crash when you fail to, and a driver alert mode to protect tired drivers. This will detect when lane drifting is recurring and send a notice that it's time to pull over and take a break. All in all, drivers can feel safe in either of these vehicles, but Chevy goes a bit further to provide the features a heavy-duty truck driver wants.