The Chevy Silverado and the Ford F-series are two of the best-selling trucks in America, and it can be hard to choose between them.
You need a truck that has uncompromising hauling power to get where you’re going, and you don’t want to trust your work to the wrong vehicle. This comparison, using base trim models, could help you choose which truck is perfect for your toughest jobs.
Price
Most people consider the price to be one of the most important considerations for a new vehicle, especially if one is out of their price range. The 2018 Silverado 1500 and the 2018 Ford F-150 are in the same ballpark. The Silverado is more expensive with a starting MSRP of $28,300 for the regular cab, while the F-150 starts at $27,705 for the regular cab. Both trucks offer a slew of trims and features if you’re willing to pay.
Towing and Payload
You want to know that your truck can pull everything you need, and one truck slightly outperforms the other in that department. The Chevy Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. This is just slightly less than the Ford F-150, which has a maximum towing capacity of 13,200lbs. Of course, these max numbers are when the trucks are properly equipped and configured, which typically makes them much pricier than the aforementioned MSRP base prices. Ford prides itself on the fact that it can tow more than any other truck on the market and the 2018 F-150 lives up to the legacy.
The payload of the two trucks aren’t as drastically different as the maximum towing capacity, but Ford’s F-150 can carry more and take heavier loads. The Silverado can carry up to 2,250 lbs., but the F-150 seems designed with commercial users in mind since the maximum payload is 3,270 lbs. Both trucks offer heavy-duty payload package options that increase that capability.
Engine and Fuel Economy
The Silverado has had better mileage than the F-150 in the past, but this year the two trucks are comparable. The Silverado has a 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine with two-wheel-drive. This engine has an estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Ford’s F-150 got a complete drivetrain overhaul last year, with a new 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine that has greatly improved its fuel economy. Now, the truck gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Features
The 2018 Silverado comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen with options to increase the size to an eight-inch. It also has a six-speaker audio system, rear camera, an integrated step into the rear bumper for easy bed access, and outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, all standard.
The 2018 F-150 also has a touchscreen with SYNC connectivity to allow Bluetooth streaming from your phone. Also standard is a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist, curve control to help when cornering. Plus, the F-150 also has an optional Pro-Trailer Backup Assist to help get your trailer where you want it to go.
