Two capable, full-size trucks.
Managing many aspects of your daily life can become so much easier when you're driving a full-size truck. Equipped to accommodate you comfortably as the driver, a truck also offers plenty of room for passengers such as family, friends, or co-workers.
Whether you want to increase work productivity with an extended cab that can bring more colleagues onto a project or you hope to encourage friends and family in their hobbies by helping with equipment hauling, a truck has you covered.
Consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150, both of which seat up to six people. While these trucks have plenty in common, we've made it easier to choose the model that's right for you. Read on for our side-by-side comparison of the Chevrolet Silverado vs. Ford F-150.
Side-by-Side Comparison
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2019 Ford F-150 | |
|---|---|---|
Average Price | $40,000 | $35,500 |
Performance | ||
Base Engine | 4.3 L V6 | 3.3L V6 |
Horsepower | 285 hp | 290 hp |
EPA-est. MPG | EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined (RWD model) | EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (RWD model) |
Seating | 3 with Regular Cab, 6 with Double Cab and Crew Cab | 3 with Regular Cab, 6 with SuperCab and SuperCrew |
Maximum available bed size | 98 inches | 97.6 inches |
Maximum estimated towing capacity | 12,200 lbs | 13,200 lbs |
Interior | ||
Cargo Space | 71.7 cu ft (Standard Box), 89.1 cu ft (Long Box) | 62.3 cu ft (Standard Bed), 77.4 cu ft (Long Bed) |
Front Legroom | 44.5 inches | 43.9 inches |
Rear Legroom | 35.2 inches with Double Cab, 43.4 inches with Crew Cab | 33.5 inches with SuperCab, 43.6 inches with SuperCrew |
Ratings | ||
Tailpipe emissions | 509 grams per mile (RWD model) | 412 grams per mile (RWD model) |
NHTSA Safety Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Features and Trim Options
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 are both capable, light-duty trucks that seat up to three in their base models and up to six with the larger cab options.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 has plenty of pleasing elements. You'll find these standard features on the 2018-2021 base trim model:
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Bluetooth® capability
Rearview camera
Seven-inch touchscreen
Vinyl seating
Six-speaker audio system
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 also has plenty of features across its many trim options. However, the base trim is not as well furnished as the equivalent Silverado. Notable standard features on the 2017-2020 Ford F-150 base trim model include:
Rearview camera
4.2-inch central display screen
Cloth upholstery
Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (from 2020)4
Four-speaker audio system
12V power outlet
Engine Options
2018-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
With multiple trims, cab sizes, and bed options, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a wide range of engine options, too. The 2018-2021 base model Silverado has a 4.3L V6 engine, while a 2.7L turbocharged engine is the standard option for mid-level trims from 2019-2021. In 2020, a 3.0L turbodiesel engine became an available option as well. Here's the full line-up of Silverado engines:
4.3L V6 engine with 285 hp
2.7L turbo four-cylinder engine with 310 hp (from 2019)
5.3L V8 engine with 355 hp
6.2L V8 engine with 420 hp (optional from 2018-2020)
3.0L inline-six turbocharged diesel engine with 277 hp (optional from 2020)
2018-2021 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 also has a good selection of powertrains to choose from, including the 2021 introduction of a hybrid option, which pairs a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp. From 2018, the standard engine for the base trim is a 3.3L V6. Here's the full selection of powertrain options for the Ford F-150:
3.3L V6 engine with 290 hp
2.7L turbocharged V6 with 325 hp
5.0L V8 with 395 hp (400 hp from 2021)
3.5L turbocharged V6, from 375 hp
3.0L turbodiesel V6 with 250 hp (from 2019)
Hybrid option: 3.5L turbocharged V6 with electric motor and onboard battery pack with 430 hp (from 2021)
Towing
When it comes to hauling duties, you may be pleased to find either of these trucks in your driveway. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 are both extremely capable for anything from hooking up a horse trailer to taking your midsize camper on a road trip.
With many configurations possible for both the Silverado and F-150, towing figures are dependent on several factors, including cab size, bed load, engine size, transmission type, and more.
When properly equipped, the 2019 Silverado has an estimated towing capacity of 12,200 lbs (6.2L engine, double cab, AWD, 3.42 axle ratio).††† The 2019 F-150 pulls ahead, with an estimated towing capacity of 13,200 lbs (3.5L engine, RWD, SuperCrew cab, 3.55 axle ratio) when properly equipped.†††
The Silverado base model, the WT trim (fitted with 4.3L engine, RWD, regular cab, 3.42 axle ratio), has an estimated towing capacity of 7,900 lbs when properly equipped.††† The 2019 Ford F-150 base model, the XL trim (fitted with 3.3L engine, RWD, regular cab, 3.55 axle ratio), has an estimated towing capacity of 5,100 lbs when properly equipped.†††
While these two trucks are pretty evenly matched, the Ford F-150 edges out the Silverado here, thanks to a broader range of towing figures and higher estimated towing capacity.
Fuel Economy
For both the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150, EPA fuel economy estimates vary depending on the engine, transmission, and configuration you choose. Take a look at some of the most recent engine options and their EPA-estimated miles per gallon.
The 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gets some great figures with its optional diesel engine; the RWD, 3.0L turbodiesel engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined.†† The best performing gasoline engine for the 2019-2021 Silverado is the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder option, netting an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined when paired with AWD.††
The 2021 Ford F-150 mild-hybrid powertrain with RWD delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, as does the 2019 3.0L turbodiesel with RWD.†† The 2019-2020 F-150 with the 3.3L V6 base engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined when matched with RWD; this drops to 21 mpg combined in 2021.††
Clearly, both trucks have some great options if you rack up the miles on work or long-distance family visits and would like to travel farther between fill-ups.
Tech Features
These two full-size trucks have some high-end tech available across their trim levels, offering you and your passengers features that can help you stay connected to your family or entertained throughout the workday. These trucks also boast driver-assistance features designed to boost your confidence in the driver's seat.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Standard tech features:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Bluetooth audio streaming capability
Seven-inch touchscreen
Hill start assist
StabiliTrak®
Rearview camera
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system
12V power outlet
Teen driver technology
Tech feature trim upgrades include:
Remote keyless entry (from Custom trim)
Available remote start (from RST trim)5
Cargo bed LED lighting (from LTZ trim)
Bose® premium seven-speaker sound system (High Country trim)
Available wireless charging (High Country trim)
Power liftgate (High Country trim)
2019 Ford F-150
Standard tech features:
Auto start-stop technology
Rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist
Hill start assist
12V power outlet
4.2-inch display screen
Four-speaker audio system
Tech feature trim upgrades include:
Remote keyless entry (from XLT trim)
SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad (from XLT trim)
MyKey® teen driver monitoring technology (from XLT trim)
Eight-inch touchscreen (from XLT trim)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (from XLT trim)
Seven-speaker audio system (from Lariat trim)
Reverse sensing system (from King Ranch trim)
10-speaker premium sound system (from King Ranch trim)
Voice-activated navigation system ( King Ranch trim)
Terrain management system (Raptor trim)
The Silverado 1500 clearly offers more features on its base model, but as you move up the trim levels, both trucks come out pretty even in terms of comparable features.
Cargo Space
Both trucks have a choice of three cargo beds, with the Silverado 1500 boasting the largest available storage. The Ford F-150 has a handy 52.8 cu ft short-bed option, ideal if you find yourself needing to maneuver your truck into tight spots to collect cargo or equipment. Which truck is better for cargo? That really depends on your needs.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
62.9 cu ft (Short Box)
71.7 cu ft (Standard Box)
89.1 cu ft (Long Box)
2019 Ford F-150:
52.8 cu ft (Short Bed)
62.3 cu ft (Standard Bed)
77.4 cu ft (Long Bed)
Pricing
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2021 Ford F-150 are newer model years and we currently have a limited number in our inventory. See below for average CarMax prices for previous model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2017 - Average prices less than $32,000†
2018 - Average prices less than $32,500†
2019 - Average prices less than $40,000†
2020 - Average prices less than $41,500†
Ford F-150
2017 - Average prices less than $34,500†
2018 - Average prices less than $37,000†
2019 - Average prices less than $35,500†
2020 - Average prices less than $44,000†
Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (all body styles) achieved an overall four-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2019 Ford F-150 (gasoline powertrain in regular and SuperCab body styles) also achieved an overall four-star safety rating by NHTSA. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (all body styles)
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
2019 Ford F-150 (gasoline powertrain, regular and SuperCab body styles)
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
Reliability
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 have similar RepairPal reliability ratings. However, the Silverado takes the lead on lower average costs for repairs and maintenance, while the F-150 is less likely to need attention for a severe or major repair. Both fare much better on average repair costs than other full-size trucks.*
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as above average.
Cost: RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is $714, compared to an average of $936 for full-size trucks and $652 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency: According to RepairPal, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.2 times per year, compared to an average of 0.3 times for full-size trucks and 0.4 times for all the vehicle models RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity: RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 16% for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, compared to an average of 18% for full-size trucks and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Ford F-150:
RepairPal gave the Ford F-150 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as above average.
Cost: RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford F-150 is $788, compared to an average of $936 for full-size trucks and $652 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency: According to RepairPal, Ford F-150 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.3 times per year, compared to an average of 0.3 times for full-size trucks and 0.4 times for all the vehicle models RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity: RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 15% for the Ford F-150, compared to an average of 18% for full-size trucks and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2010–2019 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
*RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 12/31/2018. Learn more.
Performance
The 2019 Silverado 1500 performs best in the AWD High Country trim, going from zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds (when new) with the 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 6.2L V8 engine. If you're looking for maximum mpg in the 2019 model, shop for the Silverado equipped with the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and RWD, which gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.††
Want to reach the work site, campsite, or both? Choose the Silverado High Country trim for specific off-road features that can help you go off the beaten path.
With an e-boost system as standard, the 2019 Silverado 1500 is designed to deliver a consistent braking response regardless of whether you're fully loaded, towing, or finished for the day and driving home empty.
Equally adventurous is the Ford F-150, performing well across its trims and delivering plenty of excitement, too. It also wins the zero to 60 matchup; when new, the AWD 2019 F-150 Limited trim with 3.5L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission can race from zero to 60 in just 5.2 seconds. For 2019, the best miles-per-gallon performer is the F-150 with the 3.0L turbodiesel engine and RWD: it achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.††
If you're looking to take your truck into the wild, the Ford F-150 Raptor trim is an excellent off-roader, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and plenty of equipment to get you across rough terrain.
While both trucks boast impressive acceleration stats and specific off-road trims, the Ford F-150 achieves better mpg figures, which can certainly add up when you're using your truck every day.
Emissions
Both the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 have a variety of EPA-estimated tailpipe emission figures, thanks to the wide range of engine options and configurations available. Here are some of their notable 2019 emission figures:
Chevrolet Silverado
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 engine (base engine, WT trim) has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 509 grams per mile.
The lowest emission figure for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is an EPA-estimated 421 grams per mile for the RWD 2.7L engine (LT trim). The highest is an EPA-estimated 558 grams per mile for the AWD 4.3L V6 engine (Custom Trailboss trim).
Ford F-150
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2019 Ford F-150 with the 3.3 engine (base engine, XL trim) has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 412 grams per mile.
The lowest emission figure for the 2019 Ford F-150 is an EPA-estimated 403 grams per mile for the RWD 2.7L engine (XL trim). The highest is an EPA-estimated 555 grams per mile for the AWD 5.0L flexible fuel engine (standard on King Ranch and Platinum trims).
These estimates are based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
The Bottom Line
Two fantastic trucks that would be welcome in any driveway, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 are suited to singles, families, and anyone driving every day in an active work role. The Silverado offers high-end features as standard and plenty of packages, while the F-150 has great available features on every trim.
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