The full-size, light-duty pickup truck market is one of the most fiercely contested sectors. The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are consistently the front runners in this battle of the titans. Here at Sioux Falls Ford in South Dakota, we've put together a detailed comparison of the 2024 models to help you make an informed choice.
The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado
Ford and Chevrolet trucks each take a huge share of the truck market. Ford F-series trucks have been America's best-selling vehicles for decades, but Chevrolet is always nipping at their heels. Both manufacturers have constantly strived to stay ahead of the pack by introducing new designs with updated features and technology.
Design and Exterior Features
Both the F-150 and Silverado 1500 are offered in nine trim levels and are available with three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Both models offer high-performance off-road specialized trim levels with the F-150 Raptor and the Silverado ZR2.
The F-150 features a high-strength steel frame and a military-grade aluminum body. An innovative new Pro-Access 20/60/20-split tailgate that lowers or swings open gives you easy and convenient access to your cargo. Most trims are available with Pro Power Onboard, which turns your truck into a mobile generator for powering up your tools or toys.
The Chevrolet Silverado has imposing styling that stands out. The bed is made from roll-formed high-strength steel. It comes with 12 standard tie-downs and offers class-leading cargo volume. Available on all trims is the six-function Multi-Flex tailgate, which makes for easier loading, unloading, and bed access. A corner step rear bumper helps you reach into the bed.
Performance and Powertrains
The 2024 Ford F-150 offers a choice of the following six powerful engines:
- 2.7-liter V-6 turbo: 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.0-liter V-8: 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.5-liter V-6: 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft.
- PowerBoost hybrid engine that mates the 3.5-liter V-6 turbo with an electric motor: 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque.
- Raptor-specific 3.5-liter V-6: 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft.
- Raptor R supercharged 5.2-liter V-8: 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque.
All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tremor and Raptor models come standard with four-wheel drive, which is an option on the other trims.
When properly equipped, the F-150 offers a class-leading towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds and a best-in-class maximum payload of 2,455 pounds. The gas mileage ranges from 15 to 23 mpg for city driving and 18 to 26 mpg on the highway.
The Silverado gives you four engine options depending on the trim:
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbo: 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.3-liter V-8: 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft.
- 6.2-liter V-8: 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft.
- 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel: 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft.
The four-cylinder engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other powertrains feature a 10-speed automatic transmission.
With the right equipment, the Silverado has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds and a payload of up to 2,260 pounds. Fuel economy varies from 16 to 18 mpg for city driving and 18 to 21 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
The F-150 has quick and positive steering that makes it easy to maneuver around town, while giving it more stability on the highway. With its supportive seating and independent front suspension, the truck offers a refined ride. The Silverado handles securely, but the steering is overly light. It gives you a smooth ride on the highway, but gets a little bouncy on bumpy roads, making it feel a bit unsettled.
Interior and Comfort
Depending on the cab, the F-150 and Silverado offer seating for up to six with the front bench seat, or five with the available bucket seats. F-150 XL and XLT have cloth upholstery, while the Lariat trim and above offer leather-trimmed upholstery and power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. Standard and available interior amenities include air conditioning or dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, ambient lighting, heated rear seats, real wood trim, and massaging front seats.
The base Silverado has durable vinyl seating, while other trims have cloth or perforated leather upholstery. The Silverado offers similar amenities to the F-150 as you move up the model line.
Technology and Infotainment
All F-150 trims now feature a standard 12-inch digital instrument cluster and the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touch screen. It also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as well as Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity for up to 10 devices. The XLT trim and up feature Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist that take the hard work out of hitching and towing a trailer.
Lower Silverado trims feature a 3.5-inch driver information display and the Chevrolet Infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen. The LT trim and above offer a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 13.4-inch touch screen. An in-vehicle trailering app gives you important trailer information and maintenance reminders.
Safety Features
The F-150 and Silverado offer standard safety features, such as lane departure warning, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, and auto high beams. Higher trims add lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, automatic reverse braking, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering. The 2023 F-150 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Standard on the F-150 Platinum Plus trim and available on some other trims is the subscription-based Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving system. The Chevrolet Super Cruise hands-free system is only available as an option on the High Country trim. The 2023 Silverado also received a NHTSA five-star safety rating.
Pricing and Trims
The starting MSRP price for the Ford F-150 trim levels are:
- XL: $36,570.
- STX: $43,895.
- XLT: $47,620.
- Lariat: $64,995.
- King Ranch: $73,425.
- Platinum: $73,425.
- Tremor: $63,950.
- Raptor: $77,980.
For the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trims, the prices are:
- WT: $47,795.
- Custom: $51,295.
- Custom Trail Boss: $53,795.
- LT: $55,695.
- RST: $56,695.
- LT Trail Boss: $59,995.
- LTZ: $62,495.
- High Country: $68,195.
- ZR2: $71,895.
Is the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the Truck for You?
It's not easy to choose between these similarly equipped trucks. The Ford F-150 comes out on top for starting price, standard technology features, towing and payload capacities, engine options, and fuel efficiency. The top Chevrolet Silverado trims offer lower prices. You need to consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget when making your decision. Contact us at Sioux Falls Ford today for personalized assistance or to schedule a test drive.