Feature-loaded Chevy Silverardo also has plenty of pep

 Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- Receiving the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab RST 4WD one week after testing the new Ford F-150 was unplanned.

Seriously!

But what better way to size up the two mega-competitors than back-to-back?  And yes, I concede that the Ram trucks have made serious progress, including an unprecedented three consecutive Truck of the Year awards from Motor Trend magazine.

Fine, but here's the truth: The Silverado is a very fine pickup.  Loaded.  Comfortable.  Solid.

With a sticker price more than $5,000 less than last week's mega-loaded Ford F-150 -- the tested Silverado weighed in at $56,950 -- the Chevy truck was generously equipped with highly appreciated features.

Standard fare included remote start, brake pad wear indicator, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjuster, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a corner step rear bumper, a tailgate with "EZ Lift" and power lock, LED lights all around and a heated bench across the front.

The "All Star Edition Plus" package of options -- a lengthy list of extras priced at $2,100 -- included a rear sliding power window, cargo bed outlets, wireless/voice-recognition technology, 20-inch painted aluminum wheels and much more.

So, this Silverado stands up well in an era where major truck builders stuff everything and the kitchen sink into their full-size offerings.

But where this Silverado stood out -- to my surprise -- was in the performance field.

The 3-liter, six-cylinder, Duramax Turbo-Diesel -- a $2,390 power plant -- produced a ear-pleasing roar and neck-snapping acceleration ... so much so that I found myself exceeding speed limits and squealing rubber off the line before adjusting to the engine's brute force.

The max horsepower rating on the engine is 277, but the key numbers can be found in the torque -- 460 foot-pounds at 1,500 RPM.  Yes, that will pull you out of a few mud holes and zip you down the freeway at heart-racing clip.

I was completely taken aback at the tested Silverado's ability to function as a road warrior, and yet the steering felt light and just-right firm.  Kudos to Chevy engineers on this sporty arrangement.

So, with two trucks reviewed in two weeks, the age-old questions arises: Would I choose the Ford or the Chevy?

Sorry, no way I'm getting into that argument.  And I've found that Ford and Chevrolet fans, respectively, swear by their loyalties and are not easily convinced otherwise.

Who can blame them?  Both parties are getting exceptional trucks in these 2021 models.