There's a full-size pickup war recently as major automakers have unveiled fully redesigned models over the past few years. The Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are two of the most popular full-size pickup trucks on the market, offering high towing capacity figures, versatile beds, comfortable interiors, and modern tech features. With both pickup trucks being so evenly matched, it can be difficult to choose between the two.
There are a few obvious differences between the F-150 and the Silverado 1500, like available powertrains, tech features, and towing capacity, but there are a few smaller things that may have you leaning toward one model. Which pickup truck should you buy? Keep reading to find out based on our comparison of some of the key features for both models.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Ford F-150 & the Chevy Silverado 1500 »
What The Ford F-150 Gets Right
If towing is your main concern, the F-150 is the clear winner. The F-150 leads the segment with a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, which bests the Silverado 1500’s figure of 13,300 pounds. There’s an even bigger difference when it comes to payload capacity, as the F-150 offers up to 3,325 pounds, while the Silverado 1500 is rated at up to 2,280 pounds.
On the powertrain front, the F-150 offers a more extensive lineup of engines and has more powerful engines, which partly explains why it can tow more cargo. The highlight of the F-150 is its available hybrid powertrain that consists of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor. The combination produces 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque that outshines anything that the Silverado 1500 offers.
At the high end of the range, the F-150 feels more upscale than the Silverado 1500. The pickup can be fitted with things like a 12-inch touchscreen, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a power tailgate with a deployable step, and massaging front seats.
What The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Gets Right
While the Silverado 1500’s design was polarizing when the truck arrived as a heavily updated model, it’s grown on us and certainly helps the pickup truck stand out against more conservatively styled competitors. Against the F-150’s bland design, the Silverado 1500 looks much more distinct.
Chevrolet offers a nifty multi-camera towing system on the Silverado 1500 that makes towing a breeze. The system includes 15 different camera views to see everything from what’s behind the trailer to making the trailer look invisible. For drivers that aren’t comfortable towing large cargo, the Silverado 1500 makes it far easier.
For owners that spend a lot of time at job sites, the Silverado 1500’s available Multi-Flex tailgate is a handy feature to have. It offers roughly six different positions that make it easier to reach into the bed, store large cargo, and use it as a workstation.
More Than Just A Capable Tower
On paper, the Silverado 1500 does everything right. But beyond its handy multi-function tailgate and available high-tech towing camera system, it doesn’t stack up all that well to the F-150. With its unique design, relatively high towing capacity, and handy features, the Silverado 1500 still has a lot to offer consumers.
Our Verdict: Ford F-150
Ford may not have given the F-150 the same nifty features as the Silverado 1500, but the pickup is still the leader. With more tech features, a higher towing capacity, more luxury features, and more powerful powertrains, the F-150 is the clear winner in this comparison.