Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado

Though the Ford F-150 has maintained its title as America's favorite truck, it's had some contenders. The Chevy Silverado is Chevrolet's answer to the F-150, and they stack up well against each other. Though there are some key performance differences, these two trucks both have loyal fanbases for a reason.

If you're wondering how the 2019 Silverado and 2019 F-150 compete, here are all of the relevant performance details to know, and what each of these trucks can offer you.

Whether or not you are a fan of the aesthetic changes, Chevy offered up some great new features for the redesigned half-ton 2019 Silverado, perhaps so it can be an even stronger competitor against the ever-popular Ford F-150. Both light-duty pickups now offer a diesel engine, which is perfect for those consumers who need the extra torque for hauling heavy loads. The 2019 Ford F-150 has seven trim models to choose from, with six total engine options available. Those numbers are comparable to the 2019 Silverado, which also has six engines available for eight different models.

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500

2018 Ford F-150

F-150 vs Silverado: Exterior

In 2019, Chevy updated their truck. The current generation of Chevy’s favorite truck is more modern with its revitalized exterior. There have been many changes to both the design of the truck and the engineering. Constructed from mixed materials, the truck is a massive 450 pounds lighter than the previous generation. The fenders, roof, and bed are all made from steel while the doors, hood, and tailgate use aluminum. Chevrolet decided to return to its roots with the stamped “CHEVROLET” wording on the tailgate of certain truck models, with other trim levels still donning the Chevy bowtie emblem. The tailgate also has a power function, so it can be activated to go up or down using a key fob.

Even though the truck weighs significantly less than the former models, the pickup is stronger than ever with a high-strength, roll-formed steel floor for the bed. The wheelbase of the 2019 Silverado 1500 is 3.9 inches longer, increasing the truck’s available cargo space and interior room. With several new aerodynamic features, the 2019 Silverado 1500 is sleeker than ever. Besides the uniquely shaped headlights, the grille features functional air curtains that help route air around the front wheel wells, reducing drag. Speaking of the wheel wells, Chevrolet has moved away from the squared look in favor of a rounder wheel well. Not only are the rounder wheel wells more aerodynamic, but they also give the 2019 Silverado 1500 a completely different look than older models.

Although the thirteenth generation of the Ford F-150 began in 2015, there were several updates to the 2018 F-150, mainly to the powertrain and design. Featuring a completely unique grille for each trim level, Ford emphasized the wideness of the truck by utilizing horizontal lines. The other refreshes to the design are fairly subtle, with slight changes to both the headlights and taillights. Just as the Silverado 1500 features the “CHEVROLET” moniker stamped in the tailgate, Ford also features the “F-150” name stamped in the tailgate for certain models. An updated rear bumper can also be found on the back end of the truck. The Ford F-150 is made out of a lightweight, military-grade aluminum-alloy body on a high-strength steel frame.

Both the F-150 and Silverado 1500 have distinct styles that clearly differentiate them from each other. That being said, they are undeniably good-looking trucks. The F-150 has a wider-looking front end while the new 2019 Silverado 1500 has a boxier front fascia. When it comes to the exterior of the Silverado or F-150, it all comes down to personal preference.

F-150 vs Silverado: Interior

Both the Silverado and F-150 have high-quality, comfortable interiors that are going to stack up relatively similar to each other. Of course, the nicest interiors are going to come with the more expensive trim models, which would be the F-150 Limited and the Silverado 1500 High Country. The 2019 Silverado is more spacious, boasting additional legroom in the back and extra storage space. Enhanced climate control features make the cabin even more comfortable. For the new 2019 Raptor, Recaro sport seats with Alcantara blue inserts are available.

Certain models of the 2019 F-150 feature Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment technology with an 8’’ LCD productivity screen and customizable home screen. SYNC Connect, powered by FordPass, allows you to remotely access your vehicle’s features and track the location of your pickup. Other upgraded features include a push-button start, overhead console, power-adjustable pedals with memory, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and more. A 360-degree camera with a split-view display gives you incredible visibility so you can see every side of the truck. Added safety options include a lane-keeping system, blind spot information system, and pre-collision assist.

The 2019 Silverado features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone. Chevy also features a lane-keep assist system with lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, a backup camera, a safety alert driver seat, and low-speed forward automatic braking. There are three additional inches in the back of the 2019 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, so passengers riding in the back seat can have even more legroom.

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country Interior

2018 Ford F-150 Interior

F-150 vs Silverado: Performance

So, let’s talk numbers. Both the F-150 and Silverado 1500 offer several different engine options to choose from, including 3.0L diesel engines. Although the power numbers haven’t been revealed yet for the 2019 Silverado 1500’s 3.0L Duramax diesel engine, Ford’s 3.0L Power Stroke diesel puts down 250 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. Chevy expects the 3.0L Duramax to surpass the horsepower and torque numbers that Ford boasts for their 3.0L, but only time will tell if that will truly be the case.

The six 2019 Silverado 1500 engines include the 3.0L diesel, a popular addition. Some of the engines are equipped with Active Fuel Management, or AFM, while other engines feature the newer Dynamic Fuel Management Technology, or DFM.

Completely new for the 2019 Silverado is Chevy’s new 2.7L I4 Turbo engine. With the capability to travel from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds, the turbo produces great amounts of both horsepower and torque. Developed specifically as a truck engine, the turbo will come equipped on the Silverado 1500 LT and RST models. The turbo will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature start/stop technology. The 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 are paired with Chevy’s new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission, which will help increase fuel economy.

While the 2019 Ford F-150 also offers six engines to choose from, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, and the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 are all equipped with Ford’s electronic 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission features enhanced acceleration at both the mid and low ranges of the power band, as well as several selectable driving modes including Normal, Tow/Haul, Snow/Wet, EcoSelect, and Sport.

F-150 vs Silverado: Specs & Prices

Not surprisngly, the 2019 F-150 and Silverado are very close in terms of price, and in terms of what specs it offers at the base price. While the base F-150 may offer a smidge more horsepower, the Silverado 1500 WT offers 40 additional foot-pounds of torque.

Sources: Chevrolet, Ford, Motor1, GM Authority | Image Credit: Motor Trend, Chevrolet, Ford