Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado: We Break Down The Differences
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Ford and Chevrolet are two of the car manufacturers that compete most directly with one another. They have a lot of similar lines, similar models, and designs for a similar customer base. So, it makes sense to compare the Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado because these two trucks are both designed to do the same things.
For clarification, we’re going to be using the latest model releases of both vehicles, and are focusing on the Chevy Silverado 1500 as the closest comparison for the F-150.
Historically when it comes to Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado, the F-150 has had an edge when it comes to interior comfort, and often also had some advantages in terms of power and hauling capacity. But the latest generation of Silverado has more bed options and better capacity, plus an updated interior that helps close the gap there too.
The F-150 is still probably the more comfortable vehicle, but not by as much as it used to be.
Let’s take a look at the performance, safety, dimensions, and more so you can decide which pickup is right for you.
Performance
Pickup trucks need to offer good performance if they’re going to do their job. These are working vehicles, and even if you never have to haul a trailer or load the bed, you still want a vehicle that can handle the pressure.
Starting with the F-150, the latest F-150s come with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. According to CarAndDriver.com, they offer about 20mpg city and 26mpg highway on average.
Ford has also started to offer turbocharged, hybrid, and fully electric versions of the F-150. These alternatives can improve fuel efficiency, but come with some of their own pros and cons in other performance metrics.
F-150 Engine Options:
- 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6
- 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8
- 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6
- 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
- 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6
All the engine options work well, but choosing a turbo or the larger V-8 will offer more power and more athletic performance.
The Silverado also comes with a range of engines, though their range tends more heavy-duty. There are two V-8 options, an inline 6-cylinder, and a turbocharged 4-cylinder, each with its own advantages.
The Silverado matches the F-150’s transmission, both trucks have a standard 10-speed automatic.
However, the Silverado does come out slightly ahead when it comes to fuel efficiency. According to CarAndDriver.com, the Silverado gets approximately 23mpg city and 29mpg highway.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety features both Chevy and Ford have added plenty of options to their vehicles. In terms of Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado, the question isn’t so much which truck has more safety features and more about which truck offers more features standard.
In that regard, the Silverado comes loaded with more driver assistance and bettering towing assistance.
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That said, Ford still has plenty of options for consumers – you just need to pay to upgrade the trim level on your F-150 if you want to add them.
Feature information from CarAndDriver.com.
Ford Key Safety Features:
- Pedestrian detection + automatic emergency braking
- Lane assist + lane departure warnings
- Cruise Control
- Rear-Facing Camera
Chevy Key Safety Features:
- Blind-spot monitoring and collision warning
- Forward collision warning + emergency braking
- Lane assist + lane departure warnings
- Super Cruise (hands-free)
*note: We’ve included optional features that are option/require a specific trim level in both lists.
Dimensions
The dimensions of your pickup truck might not be one of the most important qualities – but they’re right up there. A powerful but small pickup isn’t as versatile as a slightly larger version of the same truck, and both cabin and bed dimensions matter for how you can use your truck.
Comparing Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado, which truck measures up to your needs?
Let’s look:
- Wheelbase: 145.4 in
- Length: 231.7 in
- Width: 79.9 in
- Height: 79.3 in
- Passenger Volume: 136 ft3
- Curb Weight: 5562 lb
- Wheelbase: 157.0 in
- Length: 241.3 in
- Width: 81.2 in
- Height: 75.4 in
- Passenger volume: 139 cu ft
- Curb weight: 5653 lb
As you can see, the Chevy Silverado is larger in almost all dimensions but slightly shorter than the F-150. It’s also about 100 lbs heavier, which isn’t that much considering all the extra inches in its design, or the 3 extra feet of cabin space.
Of course, space isn’t everything when it comes to a vehicle’s cabin. Next, let’s look at the amenities Ford and Chevy included in their pickup designs.
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Amenities
Amenities are all about making it more fun and relaxing to be in your truck, whether you’re driving to work or hauling cross-country.
Both Ford and Chevy have invested a lot of time and effort into designing their cabins and the amenities in them, lets’s see how their efforts measure up:
Ford Amenities:
- 8-inch infotainment system Standard
- 12-inch infotainment systems Optional
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Onboard Navigation
- Optional Weather Updates
- Optional Radio and Entertainment Programs
- Optional Mobile Hotspot And Wifi Hotspot
Chevy Amenities:
- Infotainment touch screen included, upgradable to 13.4 inches
- Alexa optional
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Onboard Navigation
- Mobile Hotspot optional
The actual amenities of both trucks are fairly comparable, Ford has more options, but you’ll also pay for those upgrades if you choose them.
In terms of comfort, Ford is still more highly rated than the Silverado, but it’s a closer competition than ever according to JDPower.com.
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Price
At the end of the day, a lot of car buying decisions come down to price. While the cheapest option isn’t always the best one, it’s important to think about the value of the vehicle you’re buying vs. the cost of buying it.
According to CarAndBuyer.com the F-150 starts at $32,665 and goes up to $78,405. The prices for the upcoming 2023 model are expected to be similar but aren’t yet available.
CarAndBuyer.com prices the Chevy Silverado starting at $34,845 and going up to $61,495.
That means that it costs slightly more to get a basic Silverado than a basic F-150, but that the most advanced F-150 is more expensive than the most advanced Silverado. Given the number of extras Ford packs into their higher trim levels, the price difference makes some sense.
At the same time, Silverado consumers should be happy to know that they’re getting a similar feature lineup for less and that more of the Silverado’s most important features are included in the lower-trim models.
Which Comes Out On Top: Ford F-150 Vs. Chevy Silverado
Choosing Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado is harder than ever with modern versions of both trucks. Where the F-150 had a solid advantage in comfort and even performance in previous years, Chevy has caught up and even surpasses the F-150 in some performance metrics, while the F-150 is only moderately more comfortable than the Silverado.
What does that mean for consumers? Well, both of these trucks are great options and good working vehicles. The Chevy has a few more safety features and is more affordable if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles.
However, the Ford F-150 is more comfortable and doesn’t lose much in performance despite being slightly smaller.
Both are good options, but we’d give the edge to Ford for comfort and use as a local or long-distance work vehicle. The Silverado comes out on top for additional safety features and for hauling trailers.
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