2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Ram 1500
Reliability Side-by-Side
2021
Ford F-150
Grade B
A highly capable truck with promising long-term potential, but its first model year requires careful vetting due to new-generation teething issues.
2021
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Grade C+
A capable workhorse, but significant powertrain weaknesses elevate the risk of major repairs.
2021
Ram 1500
Grade B-
A comfortable and capable truck, but be prepared for potential tech-related issues, especially with eTorque.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2021 Ford F-150
Score 83/100 vs 82/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2021 Ford F-150★ | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2021 Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | — | — | — |
| Moderate Repairs | — | — | — |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 25 / 26 | 23 / 33 | 20 / 25 |
| MSRP (New) | $28,940 | $28,900 | $32,245 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2021 Ford F-150
Transmission (10R80 Automatic)
Electrical / Infotainment (SYNC 4)
Engine (PowerBoost Hybrid System)
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Automatic Transmission (8-speed & 10-speed)
Engine (V8 AFM/DFM Lifter Failure)
Electrical/Infotainment System
2021 Ram 1500
eTorque Mild-Hybrid System
Uconnect Infotainment System
HVAC Blend Door Actuators
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Editorial Take
The 2021 Ford F-150, 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and 2021 Ram 1500 are commonly compared because they’re the three best-selling full-size half-ton pickups, with similar price ranges, capabilities, and trim walk. Most shoppers cross-shop them for a mix of towing and payload, daily comfort, technology, and long-term ownership costs. The F-150 tends to attract buyers who want the broadest powertrain lineup (including hybrid) and strong work-truck specs. The Silverado often appeals to traditional truck buyers who prioritize straightforward capability, available diesel efficiency, and a wide trim spread. The Ram 1500 is frequently chosen by those who want the most comfortable ride and an upscale interior feel, especially in higher trims. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2021 Ford F-150 (common issues reported) 1) 10-speed automatic (10R80) shift quality: Some owners report harsh downshifts, delayed engagement, or “clunks,” often showing up in the first 5,000–30,000 miles. Not every truck is affected, but it’s a recurring complaint across late-2010s to early-2020s applications. 2) SYNC/infotainment glitches: Intermittent screen freezing, Bluetooth drops, or camera hiccups, typically within the first few years of ownership and often resolved via software updates. 3) Early 2021 model-year build quirks: Some trucks had minor fit-and-finish and electrical gremlins (sensor alerts, module resets). These are usually repairable but can be annoying if you want “set it and forget it” ownership. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (common issues reported) 1) 8-speed automatic (8L90) shudder/shift behavior on certain V8 trims: While more associated with prior years, some 2021 owners still report shuddering under light throttle or inconsistent shifting, sometimes addressed with updated fluid or calibration. 2) Electrical/infotainment and camera issues: Tailgate camera or infotainment bugs are commonly reported early in ownership; software and module updates are frequent fixes. 3) Interior wear and rattles: Some trucks develop dash/door-panel rattles or faster-than-expected wear on high-use touch points by 20,000–50,000 miles, especially on lower trims. 2021 Ram 1500 (common issues reported) 1) Uconnect and electronics: Random reboots, screen delamination reports in some cases, and intermittent sensor warnings can appear within the first 1–3 years. Uconnect is feature-rich but has a higher complaint volume than some rivals. 2) Air suspension (if equipped): The optional air suspension can develop leaks or compressor issues as mileage climbs (often reported in the 40,000–80,000+ mile range), especially in harsh winter climates. 3) HEMI “tick” and exhaust manifold bolts: Some 5.7L trucks develop an exhaust leak sound on cold start due to manifold bolt issues over time; it’s not universal, but it’s a known pattern on HEMI applications.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the Silverado and F-150 started around the high-$20k range, while the Ram typically started a few thousand higher, but incentives often narrowed the gap. On the used market, pricing varies by engine and trim: PowerBoost F-150s and well-optioned 3.5 EcoBoost trucks tend to command strong prices, as do Silverado 6.2L and 3.0 Duramax models, while Ram values are strong in popular trims but can drop more quickly on heavily optioned luxury models due to higher new MSRPs. Insurance is usually similar across the three for comparable trims, with higher premiums for performance/off-road models (Raptor, TRX) and expensive luxury trims. Maintenance costs: the gasoline trucks are broadly similar (oil, brakes, tires), while diesels (Silverado 3.0, Ram EcoDiesel, F-150 3.0 Power Stroke) can cost more over time due to emissions components and fuel system complexity; they can pay back if you do a lot of highway miles. Resale value tends to be strongest overall for the F-150 due to sheer demand and breadth of configurations, with Silverado close behind; Ram resale is still strong but can be more sensitive to trim level and optional air suspension.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: 2021 Ram 1500. The smooth ride, quiet cabin, and excellent rear-seat comfort make it the most family-friendly daily driver, especially in Crew Cab trims with common convenience features. Best for commuters: 2021 Ford F-150 (PowerBoost hybrid) or 2021 Silverado 1500 (3.0 Duramax) depending on your route. Choose the F-150 PowerBoost if you want the best city efficiency and fast, quiet response; choose the Silverado 3.0 if you want outstanding highway mpg (often rated up to 33 mpg highway in 2WD form). Best for enthusiasts: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX for pure performance and off-road speed, or 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2L / 2021 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost for mainstream quickness. If you want the strongest all-around “fast truck” feel without stepping into specialty models, the Silverado 6.2L and F-150 3.5 EcoBoost are the most consistently quick. Best value overall: 2021 Ford F-150. It combines the widest range of powertrains, class-leading available towing and payload peaks (when configured for it), strong tech and work features (including Pro Power Onboard), and typically excellent resale demand, making it the easiest recommendation for buyers who need a truck that can do everything well.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2021 Ford F-150
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