2026 Ford Super Duty in a Minnesota winter storm at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson, MN

Heavy-duty truck buyers in central Minnesota typically have two trucks on their cross-shop list: the 2026 Ford Super Duty® and the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD and 3500HD). Both are body-on-frame, three-quarter-ton through one-ton-plus pickups built for serious towing, payload, and work-truck duty. Both come from manufacturers with long histories in the heavy-duty pickup segment. Both have devoted owner bases who’ve been running them on Minnesota farms, jobsites, and ranches for generations. This guide compares the 2026 Ford Super Duty against the 2026 Chevy Silverado HD honestly — calling out where each truck wins, where each one loses, and helping you figure out which one fits your work. The comparison is intentionally fair: GM builds a good heavy-duty truck and the Silverado HD has real strengths. The Super Duty has its own set of real strengths. The right answer depends on what you actually need.

The bottom line on cross-shopping

Before the deep dive, here’s the short answer:

Get the 2026 Ford Super Duty if: you want best-in-class diesel power (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft on the HO Power Stroke), best-in-class gas power (430 hp / 485 lb-ft on the 7.3L Godzilla), the highest gooseneck tow rating in the segment (40,000 lbs on F-450), the highest payload at 8,000 lbs on F-350 DRW, the Tremor Off-Road Package as the most off-road-capable HD truck option, or the only factory Snowplow Prep Package in the segment from a Ford pickup.

Get the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD if: you specifically want the Allison 10-speed transmission’s reputation, you want the Multi-Flex Tailgate, you want the 14-camera trailering system with Transparent Trailer View, you want the Multimatic DSSV dampers on the ZR2 (well-respected damper technology), or you prefer GM’s overall styling and interior approach.

Both trucks are good. Ford and Chevy have been competing in this segment for decades. The differences come down to specific priorities — engine output, towing maximums, off-road package preferences, trailering tech preferences, and brand loyalty. Test drive both before deciding.

Engine and powertrain comparison

Side-by-side engine specs:

2026 Ford Super Duty engines:

  • 6.8L 2V V8 Gas — 405 hp / 445 lb-ft (standard on XL, XLT, Lariat F-250/F-350)
  • 7.3L 2V V8 Gas “Godzilla” — 430 hp / 485 lb-ft (standard on King Ranch and Platinum; optional on lower trims)
  • 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel B20 — 475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft (optional on F-250/F-350; standard on F-450 retail)
  • 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel — 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft (optional)
  • 10-speed TorqShift®-G automatic on gas, 10-speed TorqShift automatic on diesel

2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD engines:

  • 6.6L V8 L8T Gas — 401 hp / 464 lb-ft (standard)
  • 6.6L V8 L5P Duramax® Turbo Diesel — 470 hp / 975 lb-ft (optional)
  • Allison 10-speed automatic transmission paired with both engines

Powertrain takeaways:

  • More engine choices on Super Duty. Four engines vs. Chevy’s two. The Super Duty’s lineup spans more price/performance options — from the affordable 6.8L gas to the maximum-capability HO Power Stroke. Silverado HD’s two engines cover the basics but don’t offer the same range.
  • Best gas engine: Super Duty. 7.3L Godzilla at 430 hp / 485 lb-ft beats Chevy’s 6.6L gas (401 hp / 464 lb-ft) by 29 hp and 21 lb-ft.
  • Best diesel engine: Super Duty. 6.7L HO Power Stroke at 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft beats Chevy’s 6.6L Duramax (470 hp / 975 lb-ft) by 30 hp and 225 lb-ft.
  • Allison transmission reputation. Chevy’s Allison 10-speed has a long-standing reputation for durability and longevity in commercial use. The Allison name carries weight in heavy-duty truck communities, particularly among commercial operators. Ford’s TorqShift 10-speed is also a capable transmission, but doesn’t carry the same legacy reputation.
  • Diesel torque advantage: Super Duty. The HO Power Stroke’s 1,200 lb-ft of torque is 225 lb-ft more than the Duramax’s 975 lb-ft — a significant difference for maximum-load towing.

For detailed Super Duty engine info, see our Super Duty engines guide.

Towing capacity head-to-head

Maximum towing capacities when properly equipped:

2026 Ford Super Duty maximum towing:

  • F-250: up to 23,000 lbs (gooseneck/5th-wheel with HO Power Stroke)
  • F-350 SRW: similar to F-250 with stronger ratings
  • F-350 DRW: up to 38,000 lbs gooseneck (HO Power Stroke)
  • F-450: up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck (HO Power Stroke, High-Capacity Gooseneck Tow Package)

2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD maximum towing:

  • Silverado 2500 HD: up to 22,500 lbs gooseneck/5th-wheel (Duramax with Max Trailering Package); 18,700 lbs (gas)
  • Silverado 3500 HD DRW: up to 36,000 lbs (Duramax with Max Trailering Package)

Towing takeaways:

  • F-250 ties or slightly leads Silverado 2500 HD. Super Duty 23,000 lbs vs. Silverado 22,500 lbs — comparable, with Ford’s 500-lb edge.
  • F-350 DRW leads Silverado 3500 HD by 2,000 lbs. Super Duty 38,000 lbs vs. Silverado 36,000 lbs.
  • F-450 leads everything at 40,000 lbs. Chevy doesn’t offer a consumer F-450 equivalent — the Silverado 3500 HD is Chevy’s top trailer-rated truck.
  • Gas tow ratings: Super Duty 7.3L Godzilla wins. Up to about 19,500 lbs (5th-wheel) vs. Chevy 6.6L gas at 18,700 lbs.
  • Diesel tow ratings: Super Duty’s extra torque (1,050-1,200 lb-ft vs. 975 lb-ft) translates to higher maximum ratings across configurations, particularly for buyers ordering trucks for maximum-capability work.

For most buyers, both trucks deliver more capability than needed. A 12,000-lb fifth-wheel camper, a 15,000-lb cattle gooseneck, or a 10,000-lb equipment trailer is well within either truck’s capability with the right configuration. The differences matter most at the upper end — commercial gooseneck operators, professional horse haulers, and recreational buyers approaching 35,000+ lbs.

For complete Super Duty towing details, see our Super Duty towing capability guide.

Payload capacity comparison

Maximum payload capacities:

2026 Ford Super Duty maximum payload:

  • F-250: approximately 4,200 lbs maximum
  • F-350 SRW: approximately 4,800 lbs maximum
  • F-350 DRW: up to 8,000 lbs maximum (gas Heavy-Duty Payload Package, Regular Cab 4x2 DRW)
  • F-450: commercial-grade payload capacity

2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD maximum payload:

  • Silverado 2500 HD: up to approximately 4,081 lbs (gas, Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD)
  • Silverado 3500 HD SRW: mid-range payload (Crew Cab Standard Bed 4WD SRW around 4,361 lbs)
  • Silverado 3500 HD DRW: up to approximately 7,290 lbs (gas, Regular Cab Long Bed DRW 2WD); 6,644 lbs with Duramax diesel

Payload takeaways:

  • F-350 DRW leads at 8,000 lbs max payload vs. Silverado 3500 HD DRW at ~7,290 lbs. Ford’s 710-lb advantage matters for buyers carrying serious loads.
  • F-250 and Silverado 2500 HD are roughly comparable on max payload — both around 4,000-4,200 lbs at maximum configurations.
  • Diesel payload penalty similar on both. The heavier diesel engine reduces available payload on both trucks — that’s inherent to the diesel weight.
  • Both trucks lose some payload with Crew Cab and 4x4 configurations. Maximum payload ratings on both come from Regular Cab, 2WD, gas-engine configurations.

Technology and trailering features

Both trucks have substantial technology stacks. The differences are in specific feature implementations.

Display setup:

  • Super Duty: 4.2-inch cluster on XL, 12-inch digital cluster on Lariat and higher. Center stack varies by trim (8-inch on XL/XLT, larger on Lariat+).
  • Silverado HD: 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on LT and higher; 12.3-inch digital cluster on ZR2 and higher.

Trailering technology:

  • Super Duty: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™, Trailer Reverse Guidance, 360-Degree Camera with Picture-in-Picture, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (XLT and higher).
  • Silverado HD: 14-camera trailering system with Transparent Trailer View (the “see through” camera angle through a trailer for visibility), Cargo Bed View Camera for fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitching, In-Vehicle Trailering App with custom trailer profiles, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control.

Trailering tech takeaways:

  • Chevy’s Transparent Trailer View is unique. The 14-camera system can effectively “see through” a connected trailer, showing what’s behind the trailer on the screen as if the trailer were transparent. Genuinely useful for buyers towing larger trailers where rearward visibility is limited.
  • Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist with knob-control steering is unique. The system steers the trailer automatically based on knob input while you control gas and brakes — substantially easier than learning inverse-steering trailer backing. Chevy has trailer backup guidance features but doesn’t have a knob-controlled steering equivalent.
  • Both have integrated trailer brake controllers. Standard on Silverado HD upper trims, standard on Super Duty XLT and higher.
  • Both have integrated trailering apps. Ford’s through the Ford App with FordPass, Chevy’s through the In-Vehicle Trailering App and myChevrolet App.

For trailering tech specifically, this is closer to a tie than the other categories. Each truck has unique features the other doesn’t match. Buyers should test drive both with a trailer if possible and decide which feature set fits their use better.

Off-road: Tremor vs. ZR2

Both manufacturers offer dedicated heavy-duty off-road trims. The comparison is genuinely interesting.

2026 Ford Super Duty Tremor (option 17Y):

  • 35-inch off-road tires (LT285/75R18)
  • Unique front springs with ride-height increase
  • Performance front and rear shock absorbers (passive)
  • Rear electronic locking differential
  • Front limited-slip differential
  • Skid plates (transfer case and fuel tank)
  • Water fording vent tubes
  • Unique front air dams for approach angle
  • Rock Crawl Mode, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist
  • Available on XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum 4x4 Crew Cab only with qualifying engines

2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2:

  • 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
  • Factory 1.5-inch suspension lift
  • Multimatic DSSV dampers (dynamic suspension spool valve technology — well-respected in performance and off-road circles)
  • Rear electronic locking differential
  • Heavy-duty steel skid plates
  • Available 14-camera trailering system
  • Multi-Flex Tailgate standard
  • Technology Package standard for 2026 (previously optional)
  • 13.4-inch touchscreen + 12.3-inch driver display
  • Exclusive Jet Black/Graystone perforated leather interior
  • Available on 2500 HD Crew Cab only
  • ZR2 Bison edition: AEV-partnered extreme off-road build for next-level capability

Off-road takeaways:

  • Same fundamental tire size. Both run 35-inch off-road tires — the headline off-road spec is comparable.
  • Suspension technology differs. Ford Tremor uses performance passive shocks; Chevy ZR2 uses Multimatic DSSV dampers (sophisticated technology used in racing applications and well-regarded for both on-road and off-road performance). DSSV is genuinely advanced damper tech.
  • Ride-height increase comparable. Tremor uses unique springs for ride-height increase; ZR2 uses factory 1.5-inch lift. Both achieve similar ground clearance gains.
  • Differentials comparable. Both have rear electronic locking diff. Tremor adds a front limited-slip diff that ZR2 doesn’t match.
  • Drive modes more comprehensive on Tremor. Rock Crawl Mode, Trail Control, and Trail Turn Assist are Ford-proprietary modes. Silverado HD ZR2 has Tow/Haul and other modes but doesn’t have a direct Trail Turn Assist equivalent.
  • Water fording: Ford Tremor unique. Water fording vent tubes for stream crossings and deep water aren’t a standard ZR2 feature.
  • ZR2 Bison: Chevy unique. The AEV-partnered ZR2 Bison adds extreme off-road capability beyond standard ZR2 — no direct Super Duty equivalent (the F-150 Raptor is the closest Ford equivalent in spirit but isn’t a Super Duty).
  • Tow capability with off-road package: Silverado ZR2 leads. ZR2 maintains 16,000-18,500 lbs tow capacity. Tremor SRW Crew Cab also delivers strong tow capacity but Ford doesn’t publish specific Tremor max tow figures the way Chevy publishes ZR2 ratings.

Honest off-road assessment: both trucks deliver genuine heavy-duty off-road capability. Tremor edges on drive mode sophistication (Rock Crawl, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist) and adds the front limited-slip diff. ZR2 edges on damper technology (Multimatic DSSV) and offers the ZR2 Bison for buyers wanting next-level off-road capability. For most central MN off-road use — deer leases, unmaintained access roads, rough property — either truck handles it well. Test drive both to see which suspension feel and interface you prefer.

For complete Tremor details, see our Super Duty Tremor deep-dive.

Trim lineup comparison

2026 Ford Super Duty retail trims (5):

  • XL — work-truck base
  • XLT — volume retail trim
  • Lariat — personal-use sweet spot
  • King Ranch — Southwest-themed luxury (standard 7.3L Godzilla gas)
  • Platinum — flagship luxury (with available Platinum Plus Package requiring HO Power Stroke diesel)

2026 Silverado HD trims:

  • 2500 HD: WT (Work Truck), Custom, LT, LTZ, ZR2, High Country (6 trims)
  • 3500 HD: WT, LT, LTZ, High Country (4 trims; no Custom or ZR2)

Trim lineup takeaways:

  • Silverado 2500 HD has more retail trim options (6) than Super Duty F-250 (5).
  • Silverado 3500 HD has fewer trim options than 2500 HD — same pattern as Super Duty where F-350 DRW has fewer trims than F-250.
  • King Ranch is distinctive. Ford’s King Ranch with the Southwest-themed Kingsville Antique Affect leather is genuinely unique — no equivalent in the Silverado lineup. The closest Silverado match would be High Country, which is a more traditional luxury aesthetic.
  • Platinum Plus Package is the Super Duty flagship. Requires HO Power Stroke diesel, adds 2 kW Pro Power Onboard, six upfitter switches, Smoked Truffle premium interior — the most-equipped heavy-duty pickup configuration available. Silverado HD High Country is comparable in luxury equipment level but doesn’t require a specific engine.
  • ZR2 vs Tremor availability: ZR2 only on Silverado 2500 HD. Tremor on F-250 OR F-350 SRW (in qualifying configurations) — more chassis options for the Ford off-road trim.

For complete Super Duty trim details, see our Super Duty trim levels guide.

Work truck and upfit capability

2026 Ford Super Duty work-truck features:

  • Pro Power Onboard up to 2 kW (with Platinum Plus Package)
  • Up to six factory upfitter switches (Platinum Plus Package)
  • PTO provisions with diesel engines (up to 300 lb-ft diesel PTO torque)
  • Snowplow Prep Package (option 473) on all 4x4 pickups — includes computer-selected snowplow springs, alternator upgrades, supplemental cab heater on diesel
  • Pickup Box Delete (option 66D) for service body or other upfit
  • Camper Package (option 471) for slide-in campers
  • Heavy-Duty Payload Package on F-350

2026 Silverado HD work-truck features:

  • Available 2 kW power outlets (cargo bed + cabin) on certain configurations
  • Factory upfitter switches available (4-9 switches depending on configuration)
  • PTO provision available on diesel
  • Available factory plow/camper prep packages
  • Pickup Box Delete available for upfitter installations
  • Cargo Snow Plow Prep Package available
  • Multi-Flex Tailgate (six-way configurability)

Work-truck takeaways:

  • Pro Power Onboard branding and configuration. Ford’s Pro Power Onboard at 400W standard (XLT+) and 2 kW with Platinum Plus is more clearly differentiated by trim level than Chevy’s power outlet options. Both can deliver significant in-vehicle power.
  • Snowplow Prep specifics. Ford’s Snowplow Prep Package is consistently spec’d across the lineup — same package with predictable contents. Chevy’s snowplow prep varies by trim and configuration. Both manufacturers offer factory snowplow-ready configurations.
  • Multi-Flex Tailgate is Chevy-unique. The six-way configurable tailgate (load stop, easy access, full-width step, inner gate work surface, etc.) is a real ergonomic advantage for work-truck use. Ford doesn’t have a direct equivalent.
  • Upfitter switch counts comparable. Both manufacturers offer multiple upfitter switches in upper configurations. Ford’s six switches with Platinum Plus is the high end; Chevy offers similar counts in upper configurations.
  • Both work with major upfit body builders. Reading, Knapheide, and other major service body manufacturers build for both Ford and Chevy heavy-duty chassis.

For complete Super Duty work-truck details, see our Super Duty work truck and upfit guide.

Central Minnesota considerations

Some specific factors for central Minnesota buyers:

Local service and parts availability. Jay Malone Ford has been the Ford dealer in Hutchinson since 2005. We service what we sell — warranty work, diesel maintenance, snowplow installation, parts — all here in McLeod County. For Silverado HD buyers, the nearest Chevy heavy-duty service is typically in surrounding cities. For buyers who value local dealer support for diesel maintenance and warranty work, that’s a real factor.

Diesel fuel infrastructure. Both trucks run on standard #2 diesel widely available throughout central MN. Ford’s Power Stroke is B20 biodiesel-compatible (up to 20% biodiesel blend); Chevy’s Duramax is also compatible with biodiesel blends. For ag operators sourcing fuel from cooperatives that blend biodiesel, both trucks work.

Snowplow operations. Both manufacturers offer factory snowplow-ready configurations. For commercial plowing — township road work, commercial site plowing — both trucks are field-proven in central MN. Local plow shops and installers work with both Ford and Chevy heavy-duty configurations.

Ag and ranching use. Central MN ag operations split between Ford and Chevy historically. Both trucks handle the cattle goosenecks, equipment trailers, livestock hauling, and farm work that defines large agricultural operations in McLeod, Meeker, and Renville counties. Brand loyalty within ag families is strong — if your family has run Ford trucks for generations, sticking with Ford is logical; same for Chevy families.

Cold-weather starting. Both trucks include cold-weather provisions for their diesels — glow plug systems, available block heaters, and other features for sub-zero Minnesota winters. Diesel cold-start performance is comparable; both benefit from consistent block heater use in extreme cold.

Long highway distances. The Hutchinson-to-Twin Cities commute (about 60 miles each way), trips to Sauk Centre or Sioux Falls, family trips to the Black Hills or Yellowstone — long-haul highway driving is common for central MN buyers. Both trucks handle long highway runs well. The Ford’s slightly higher torque and the Chevy’s Allison transmission reputation are both factors for long-distance towing — test drive with a trailer if possible.

Which one fits which buyer?

Specific buyer profiles:

Maximum capability commercial gooseneck operator. 2026 Ford Super Duty F-450 with the 6.7L HO Power Stroke diesel and High-Capacity Gooseneck Tow Package. Up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck towing is the highest in the segment — ahead of Silverado 3500 HD’s 36,000 lbs. For professional operators at the upper end, the Ford’s extra capacity matters.

Serious off-road buyer wanting the most capability. Both Tremor and ZR2 are strong options. Tremor edges on drive mode sophistication (Rock Crawl, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist) and adds front limited-slip diff. ZR2 edges on damper technology (Multimatic DSSV) and adds the ZR2 Bison for next-level capability. Test drive both and decide based on damper feel and feature preferences.

Heavy fifth-wheel and gooseneck recreational buyer. Either truck handles this well. Super Duty F-350 DRW with HO Power Stroke gives more capability headroom (38,000 lbs gooseneck vs. 36,000 lbs); Silverado 3500 HD with Duramax delivers the Allison transmission and Transparent Trailer View. Brand preference and dealer experience often decide.

Family ranch or ag operation buyer. Both work. Super Duty Lariat F-250 4x4 with Power Stroke diesel is the personal-use sweet spot for ag and ranching duty. Silverado 2500 HD LT or LTZ with Duramax is comparable. Both handle cattle goosenecks, equipment trailers, and the kind of work that defines large agricultural operations.

Distinctive luxury heavy-duty buyer. Ford King Ranch is unique in the segment — the Southwest-themed Kingsville Antique Affect leather and Java interior have no equivalent in the Silverado lineup. For buyers wanting something different from a Ram Limited or Silverado High Country, King Ranch delivers a distinctive aesthetic.

Maximum-equipment flagship buyer. Super Duty Platinum with Platinum Plus Package (requires HO Power Stroke) is the most-equipped configuration in the segment. 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft, 2 kW Pro Power Onboard, six upfitter switches, premium Smoked Truffle interior. Silverado HD High Country is comparable in luxury but doesn’t reach the same maximum equipment level.

Snowplow operator (commercial or personal). Either truck. Ford’s Snowplow Prep Package (option 473) on the Super Duty is straightforward and predictable. Chevy offers similar snowplow prep. The decision often comes down to local dealer support — for buyers in McLeod County, Jay Malone Ford is the local Ford service.

Buyer who values the Allison transmission. Silverado HD with Duramax and Allison 10-speed. The Allison’s reputation in commercial heavy-duty applications is well-established; for buyers who specifically want that transmission, the Chevy is the answer.

Buyer who wants the most engine choice. Super Duty with four engine options. Buyers can spec from the budget-friendly 6.8L gas up to the maximum-capability HO Power Stroke. Silverado HD’s two-engine lineup is simpler but offers fewer choices.

Brand loyalty buyer. Stick with what you know. If your family has run Ford trucks for generations, the Super Duty is the natural answer. If your family has run Chevy, the Silverado HD is. Both trucks deliver real heavy-duty capability and have decades-long track records in the segment.

The buyer who can’t decide. Drive both. Spec sheets only get you so far. The trucks read differently from the driver’s seat — transmission shift feel, throttle response, steering feel, interior ergonomics, sight lines for towing. Take a real test drive of both and the right answer usually becomes clear.

Key Takeaways

  • Best-in-class gas engine: Super Duty 7.3L Godzilla (430 hp / 485 lb-ft) beats Silverado 6.6L gas (401 hp / 464 lb-ft).
  • Best-in-class diesel engine: Super Duty 6.7L HO Power Stroke (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft) beats Silverado Duramax (470 hp / 975 lb-ft).
  • Engine choice: Super Duty offers 4 engines; Silverado HD offers 2.
  • Max gooseneck towing: F-450 leads at 40,000 lbs; F-350 DRW second at 38,000 lbs; Silverado 3500 HD DRW at 36,000 lbs.
  • Max payload: F-350 DRW leads at 8,000 lbs; Silverado 3500 HD DRW at ~7,290 lbs.
  • Allison 10-speed transmission is Silverado HD’s reputation advantage.
  • Multi-Flex Tailgate is Silverado HD-unique; Ford doesn’t have a direct equivalent.
  • 14-camera Transparent Trailer View is Silverado HD-unique trailering tech.
  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist with knob-control is Super Duty-unique trailering tech.
  • Off-road: Tremor and ZR2 are comparable with different strengths (Tremor on drive modes; ZR2 on damper tech and Bison edition).
  • King Ranch is Ford-unique distinctive luxury aesthetic; no Silverado equivalent.
  • Platinum Plus Package is the most-equipped HD pickup configuration in the segment.
  • For most buyers, both trucks deliver more capability than needed; the decision comes down to specific feature preferences, brand loyalty, and dealer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Allison transmission really better than the TorqShift?

Both are 10-speed automatics designed for heavy-duty truck use. Allison has a longer commercial heavy-duty history and a well-earned reputation for durability in fleet applications — the Allison name carries weight among commercial operators. Ford’s TorqShift is also a capable transmission, designed specifically for the Super Duty’s torque output, and has its own track record. For most buyers, both transmissions deliver reliable service. For buyers who specifically value the Allison reputation or have positive experience with Allison units, that’s a legitimate reason to choose Silverado HD. For buyers who don’t weight transmission brand heavily, the rest of the comparison matters more.

Why does the Super Duty diesel have more torque than the Duramax?

The Super Duty’s 6.7L Power Stroke produces 1,050 lb-ft (475 hp) on the standard version and 1,200 lb-ft (500 hp) on the High-Output version. The Silverado HD’s 6.6L Duramax produces 975 lb-ft (470 hp). Multiple factors contribute to the difference — engine architecture, tuning calibration, peak torque RPM (both peak around 1,600 RPM but the curves differ), turbocharger specs, and Ford’s decision to offer two diesel tunes (standard and HO) versus Chevy’s single Duramax tune. Practically: more torque means easier hauling at maximum loads, better hill-climbing, and more headroom under sustained heavy duty.

How does the Multi-Flex Tailgate compare to Ford’s tailgate options?

The Silverado HD’s Multi-Flex Tailgate is a six-position configurable tailgate — primary tailgate, primary tailgate with load stop, inner gate, inner gate with load stop, easy-access step, and full-width step. It’s genuinely useful for work-truck and load-handling scenarios. Ford’s Super Duty offers a tailgate step (available with certain packages) but doesn’t have a direct six-way Multi-Flex equivalent. For buyers who load and unload bed cargo daily, the Multi-Flex Tailgate is a real ergonomic advantage for Chevy. For buyers whose tailgate use is more limited, the difference matters less.

What’s Transparent Trailer View?

Transparent Trailer View is a Silverado HD camera feature using the 14-camera system to effectively “see through” a connected trailer on the dashboard display. Cameras mounted on the trailer (if compatible) combined with the truck’s camera array create a composite view where the trailer appears transparent — you can see what’s behind the trailer on the screen. Genuinely useful for buyers towing larger fifth-wheel campers or larger gooseneck trailers where rearward visibility is otherwise limited. Ford doesn’t have a direct equivalent — the Super Duty’s 360-Degree Camera with Picture-in-Picture shows multiple camera angles but doesn’t composite a transparent trailer view.

Should I switch brands or stick with what I’ve been running?

For most buyers, brand loyalty in heavy-duty trucks is more meaningful than in passenger cars — HD trucks last longer, get used harder, and develop deeper relationships with parts/service/repair networks. If you’ve been running Ford trucks for years and the local dealer (Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson) has served you well, the Super Duty is the natural answer. If you’ve been running Chevy and have a good dealer relationship somewhere local, that’s a legitimate reason to stay. Switching brands makes sense if specific features matter to you (e.g., you specifically want Pro Trailer Backup Assist’s knob-controlled trailer backing, or you specifically want the Multi-Flex Tailgate). For most buyers, the trucks are close enough that the dealer and service relationship matters more than the spec sheet differences.

What about the Ram 2500/3500 HD?

Ram is the third major player in the HD pickup segment. The Ram 2500/3500 HD with Cummins diesel has its own devoted owner base, and the Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel is a meaningful engine in commercial heavy-duty applications. For this guide we focused on Ford vs. Chevy because most central MN cross-shoppers we see are choosing between those two. Ram is a legitimate option too — if you’re cross-shopping all three, test drive all three. The Super Duty’s advantages in our comparison (engine power, max tow capacity, Tremor off-road package, King Ranch luxury, Platinum Plus) generally hold up against Ram as well, but Ram has its own strengths (Cummins reputation, distinctive styling, specific feature implementations).

Does Jay Malone Ford service Chevy trucks too?

Our service department is Ford-certified and primarily focused on Ford vehicles. For some routine maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes, general mechanical work), we can service many makes — call us at (320) 587-4748 to confirm. For warranty work on Chevy vehicles, you’ll need a Chevrolet dealer. For buyers choosing between Ford and Chevy HD trucks, having local dealer service is genuinely valuable — for Ford Super Duty owners in Hutchinson, we’re right here on Highway 7. That’s the “Your Dealer for Life” commitment that defines how we operate.

Test Drive a 2026 Super Duty at Jay Malone Ford

If you’re cross-shopping Super Duty and Silverado HD, the best way to decide is to test drive both. Come down to our Hutchinson showroom on Highway 7 and we’ll set you up with a real test drive that includes the kind of roads you’ll actually drive on. Tell us about your trailer, your typical loads, your work and recreational use — we’ll help you figure out the right configuration if Super Duty is the answer for you.

If we don’t have your exact configuration in stock, we’ll either pull one from another dealer at no extra charge or place a factory order through Ford. Same price either way — that’s how we’ve operated since 2005, and that’s the local service commitment that comes with buying from Jay Malone Ford.

About the Author

I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. I’m proud to be part of the family business my dad Jay started in 2005 — and even prouder to serve the community I grew up in. When I’m not at the dealership, you’ll find me involved with the Hutchinson Ambassadors and Chamber of Commerce. If you have questions about any Ford vehicle or want to talk through your options, reach out — I’d love to help.

Categories: New Inventory

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