Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500: which one fits you?
The short answer
On the published specs the F-150 and Silverado 1500 are close, so the choice comes down to the trim you want, the price you're quoted and how each one drives. Sticker prices start at $37,290 for the F-150 and $37,200 for the Silverado 1500, quoted on different bases, so compare written quotes.
Our read: On the published specs the F-150 and Silverado 1500 are close, so the choice comes down to the trim you want, the price you're quoted and how each one drives.
| What you get | Ford F-150 Public record | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Public record |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (MSRP) | $37,290–$79,005 | $37,200–$72,100 |
| Bed length | 5.5 or 6.5 or 8 ft bed | 5.8 or 6.6 or 8 ft bed |
| All-wheel / four-wheel drive | Optional: AWD (Two-speed automatic 4WD with neutral towing (Lariat); Hi-Lock transfer case (Raptor)) | Optional: AWD |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 19–24 mpg | 15–25 mpg |
| What owners report (My MPG) | Too few owner reports yet | Too few owner reports yet |
| Max towing | 13,500 lb | 13,300 lb |
| Max payload | 2,440 lb | — |
| NHTSA recalls, 2024–26 models | 22 campaigns | 5 campaigns |
What the all-wheel drive actually does
The Ford F-150 comes with four-wheel drive, which Ford calls Two-speed automatic 4WD with neutral towing (Lariat); Hi-Lock transfer case (Raptor), as an option. 4x4 is optional. Lariat has a two-speed automatic 4WD system, and Raptor uses a heavy-duty Hi-Lock transfer case. Ford's page doesn't describe the 4x4 on XL, STX or XLT.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with four-wheel drive, as an option.
The bed, and how much it can carry
Bed lengths: the Ford F-150 comes with a 5.5, 6.5, 8 ft bed and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.8, 6.6, 8 ft, depending on the cab. A longer bed usually means a shorter cab or a longer truck, so measure your garage and parking spot before you choose.
The Ford F-150's best-case payload is 2,440 lb; the door sticker on the truck you buy gives its real number.
Fuel: the EPA number and what owners really get
On the EPA's combined rating the Ford F-150 gets 19–24 mpg and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gets 15–25 mpg, depending on engine and drivetrain. The higher end of each range is usually the hybrid or front-drive version.
What each one costs before you negotiate
By the window sticker, the Ford F-150 runs $37,290–$79,005 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs $37,200–$72,100.
The two makers quote these differently (one with the destination charge, one without), so compare written out-the-door quotes rather than these ranges.
Reliability: what we can and can't tell you
We couldn't find a free, independent reliability signal for either the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that we could verify, so we won't guess one: any reliability estimate here would be ours, not a measurement.
Recalls are facts, not scores: NHTSA lists 22 campaigns for the Ford F-150 and 5 campaigns for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for the last three model years. Recall repairs are free; check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What to know before you test-drive
Ford F-150: PowerBoost hybrid is offered on STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Trims: XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor (and Raptor R).
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: An all-new 2027 Silverado 1500 has been revealed. Expect 2026/2027 overlap on dealer lots.
Questions people ask
Is the F-150 or the Silverado 1500 bigger inside?
Both are full-size pickups; see the table above for the maker's figures.
Does the F-150 or the Silverado 1500 have better all-wheel drive?
The Ford F-150 comes with four-wheel drive, which Ford calls Two-speed automatic 4WD with neutral towing (Lariat); Hi-Lock transfer case (Raptor), as an option. 4x4 is optional. Lariat has a two-speed automatic 4WD system, and Raptor uses a heavy-duty Hi-Lock transfer case. Ford's page doesn't describe the 4x4 on XL, STX or XLT. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with four-wheel drive, as an option.
Which gets better gas mileage, the F-150 or the Silverado 1500?
On the EPA's combined rating the Ford F-150 gets 19–24 mpg and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gets 15–25 mpg, depending on engine and drivetrain. The higher end of each range is usually the hybrid or front-drive version.
How do the F-150 and Silverado 1500 compare on price?
By the window sticker, the Ford F-150 runs $37,290–$79,005 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs $37,200–$72,100. The two makers quote these differently (one with the destination charge, one without), so compare written out-the-door quotes rather than these ranges.
Sources
- EPA fuel economy ratings and owner-reported MPG (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. Department of Energy / EPA. Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
- NHTSA recalls database, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
- Cars.com 2026 Ford F-150 research (trim list 'Starts at'; destination not stated; Raptor R not in list). Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
- Cars.com 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 research (2WD Reg Cab WT to 4WD Crew Cab ZR2; destination not stated). Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
- iSeeCars 2026 Silverado 1500 specs. Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
- Ford.com 2026 F-150 (max gas; PowerBoost hybrid up to 11,600). Checked October 18, 2026. Public record
Labels tell you how much to lean on a figure: Public record comes from a government or manufacturer source, Estimate is worked out and can move, Keel data is aggregated from many listings, and Dealer says is a dealer's own claim.