In the full-size pickup segment, it’s hard to find a better combination of workhorse, daily-driver, and off-road adventure machines than the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150. They are both well-suited to the combination of on and off-road use thanks to their numerous powertrain configurations, hefty maximum trailer weights, and advanced infotainment systems; there are even luxury-oriented and off-road-oriented versions of both trucks. The F-150 gets the nod for its hybrid Power Boost powertrain, more comfortable cabin features, and better resale value, while the Silverado is more affordable, offers more traditional V8 powerplants, and has useful trailering tech.

Determining the better truck goes way beyond what you pay at the time of purchase. The cost of maintenance, fuel economy, towing needs, safety features, comfort, and depreciation all contribute to the question of which pickup offers the better value. Those focused on creature comforts and resale value might be more interested in the Ford F-150, while those concerned with lower estimated maintenance costs and a basic level of towing assistance may want the Chevrolet Silverado. We’re about to look at the key differences between these two full-size trucks to help you decide which one is the best value.

1. Base and Luxury Trim Pricing

Price is a big factor in this comparison between the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Both of the trucks we mentioned above have every configuration from a low-cost work truck to top-tier luxury trucks loaded up with features, so prices can vary quite a bit. The work trucks are the cheapest at roughly $30,000 to $38,000, while the mid-range trim levels are $53,000 for the Silverado and $55,000 for the F-150. However, things become far more expensive at higher trims with packages and optional upgrades tacking thousands more to the base purchase price.

Truck Pricing Highlights:

• Affordable entry-level work truck options
• Silverado mid-range costs around $53,000
• F-150 mid-range costs around $55,000
• Premium Silverado trims approach $75,000
• Fully equipped Raptors can exceed $80,000

Other trucks have a bit more range in the high end. The Chevrolet Silverado High Country and ZR2 get to around $75,000 with premium features or even off-road equipment, respectively. The most expensive versions of the Ford F-150, including the Raptor and Limited, can go beyond $80,000 when added packages and options are included. This makes trim level all the more important to shoppers. Consumer Reports found that F-150s have good resale value, which could mean the buyer gets back more of his or her money when trade-in time rolls around. Buyers should consider what features are included at different trim levels and what the long-term value might be.

2. Powertrain and Engine Diversity

One feature to consider when researching the Ford F-150 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the engine. Ford provides a wide variety of engine options with turbocharged V6 engines, Eco Boost engines, a 5.0-liter V8, and the Power Boost full hybrid system. Buyers can select the one that best meets their needs for cruising, hauling, or other activities. The Power Boost hybrid has the added benefit of increasing efficiency and enables the addition of the available Pro Power Onboard generator system, so the truck can power tools and electronic devices directly.

Engine Options at a Glance:

• Turbocharged V6 powertrain choices
• Traditional 5.0-liter V8 engine
• Available PowerBoost full hybrid system
• Silverado offers turbocharged four-cylinder engines
• Available Duramax turbo-diesel engine

For Chevrolet, competition comes in the form of Chevrolet’s own wide engine selection that features the turbocharged four-cylinder, a multitude of V8s, and the turbocharged Duramax as an option. Diesel power is known for its high-end torque output and ability to cruise efficiently on long journeys, which is a significant advantage for those who often head out on the highway or tow. Both automakers make a variety of different powertrains that cater to the needs of different drivers instead of picking between the two trucks based on a preference for a certain powertrain, potential buyers should consider what they will primarily use it for, their costs, and other factors.

3. Towing Capability and Trailering Tech

Put another way, capability at a glance is the most significant factor to consider when shopping for a full-size pickup particularly if you frequently tow, haul or move big stuff around. Every one of the trucks on this list is capable of towing far more than 13,000 pounds, but that’s only the maximum rating for a truck built with the best engine, axle ratio and trailering package available from the factory. When comparing maximum tow ratings from various trucks, always see what the default ratings are for the model you’re considering.

Towing and Trailering Advantages:

• Both trucks exceed 13,000-pound towing
• Engine choice affects maximum capacity
• Axle ratios influence towing performance
• Chevrolet offers extensive trailering camera views
• Ford provides available BlueCruise assistance

Along with towing capability, technology also enhances the ease of use and towing experience. Chevrolet wins accolades for its trailering camera system and trailer-specific applications, which help drivers attach trailers and even back up in tight spots. These features could make hard towing tasks easier. Ford has strong mechanical towing assistance and offers its Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving assistance (a feature that could make long highway drives with a trailer more enjoyable). Whichever one is the best option depends on what the buyer is interested in, be it trailering visibility, towing applications, or highway-driving assistance. Double-check the equipment list on each particular trim level before choosing.

4. Interior Comfort and Functional Work Features

Engineered interior to allow for the user’s working day and daily drive The interior of a full-size truck needs to be both robust enough to handle the workday and accommodating enough for everyday driving. That’s why the Ford F-150 has a host of features that span those lines, including the available flat-folding work surface built into the center console. The available Max Recline seats will rest even the driver on those short breaks, while various trim levels of the F-150 use a variety of interior materials, from easy-to-clean varieties in the entry models to more lavish trims and accessories.

Cabin Comfort and Practicality:

• Available fold-flat center work surface
• Max Recline seats for resting
• Durable materials in entry-level trims
• Spacious Silverado crew cab configurations
• Improved Silverado cabin material quality

Inside the Silverado Chevrolet’s interior is roomy and relatively simple in the crew cab models, with ample space for rear-seat passengers if you use the truck for hauling a crew around or as a family hauler. Interior design has been refreshed to offer a more stylish, higher quality feel in recent years, but base models still have a straightforward, functionality-focused interior design. Pricing is designed to keep the use of cheap but serviceable materials to a minimum, and models are set up to maximize use of interior cargo and storage areas. Take these factors into consideration when deciding which of these trucks best meets your needs for transport and working.

5. Infotainment and Dashboard Technology

Infotainment The modern infotainment system affects both the convenience and connected-ness of the daily driver truck. Both the F-150 and Silverado provide their large touch-screen displays along with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto as part of the standard experience. Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system has a fast, fluid interface, easy-to-use maps and simple-smartphone syncing, enabling the driver to view critical information and entertainment from the road without necessarily pulling out a phone. Whether for work or just a daily driver, a reliable, easy-to-use dashboard can make a big difference.

Infotainment Features Compared:

• Large touchscreen display availability
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system
• Chevrolet offers premium sound upgrades
• Available Super Cruise hands-free technology

There are a wide array of infotainment options available on the Silverado, with Chevrolet offering a choice of upgraded screens and sound system depending on the model. Buyers who want to drive without using their hands can also opt for Super Cruise driver aid in higher-spec models, which allows for self-driving in select situations. Although these additional features and technology can add to the cost of the vehicle, they can also enhance the ownership experience by making it more comfortable and convenient but it’s important to be aware of these as options when buying. Which is best? Comparing the trim levels so you know what standard features come on each level and which upgraded features are important to you can help get the best value.

6. Off-Road Capabilities and Specialty Trims

The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado offer more than basic work-truck capabilities, with off-road capabilities represented by factory built trucks. The Ford F-150 Raptor and Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 illustrate the extreme ends of the market, catering to buyers looking to indulge in full-grown car sex and aggressively romp into the desert on a bender. The specific uses for each include high-speed desert crossings, trail crawling, and large, off-road adventures. These trucks are a little more focused on the engineering rather than providing the basic should-have capability that comes with any pickup truck. For buyers who like to get off the beaten path on a regular basis, picking a specific set of specialty trims can be just as important as selecting an engine or cab configuration.

Off-Road Truck Highlights:

• Ford F-150 Raptor performance model
• Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 off-road model
• Designed for demanding terrain
• Silverado ZR2 starts near $75,000
• Fully equipped Raptor can exceed $80,000

Pricing makes a worthwhile difference between the two off-road pickups. The ZR2 Silverado is priced from $75,000 and up, and offers an off-road package from the factory for those who want a high-performance model direct from the assembly line. Ford charges from $80,000 and up for the Raptor, pushing it to a higher pricing tier depending upon the trim, and features. Ford can command a premium for specialized suspension design and off-road driving expertise to handle extreme conditions, so consumers should compare the features included in each of the editions and consider what type of off-road driving might be required on the trail or off. If the latter is preferable, then being able to pay more for what is essential may make sense.

7. Safety Suites and Driver-Assistance Technologies

Safety and driver assistance tech-savy pickup drivers who regularly experience busy highway traffic, gridlock city roads and construction areas Ford offers the Ford Co-Pilot360 that comes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet supplies the Chevrolet Safety Assist feature set with the Silverado. Both feature sets offer a handful of notable driver assist technology designed to warn drivers of possible danger and adapt to changing traffic conditions. Those include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warnings, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The systems offer an extra helping hand to the driver, but their availability and specific features can vary with the trim level and packages of the truck.

Safety Technology Comparison:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance suite
• Chevrolet Chevy Safety Assist package
• Automatic emergency braking availability
• Lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring
• Available BlueCruise and Super Cruise systems

Top trims offer an extra safety relief by adding more hands-free highway-driving systems. For example, Ford has Blue Cruise, a hands-free highway driver-assist technology for supported roads that could make long-haul highway driving more manageable. Chevy has Super Cruise on a couple of top trims, providing buyers with another advanced driver assist. As long-haul driver assistance could be important to commuters and those who tend to travel further, check the equipment and supported operating conditions for the top-trim models you’re considering. Advance driver assists may also drive up the sticker price at the dealership, so it’s worth considering whether they’re a feature you need or simply a service you want to have. Both trucks come with a bunch of safety technology solutions to fit different budgets and expectations.

8. Long-Term Reliability and Proven Durability

Reliability A major factor for some buyers of a full-size pickup is how reliable the truck will be if they will depend on it for work, family trips, or both. The Ford F-150 receives high reliability ratings from most other major industry surveys, and some of the engine options have a proven track record to give buyers more confidence in their purchase. The Power Boost hybrid has also proven to be quite reliable since it was introduced. If your truck will be a reliable workhorse for a decade, reliability can be as important as purchase price in your decision.

Reliability and Durability Factors:

• Strong F-150 reliability survey ratings
• Established Ford engine lineup
• PowerBoost hybrid operating history
• Silverado traditional V8 engine options
• Extensive nationwide dealer service networks

The Chevrolet Silverado is also well known to be capable and dependable, especially in a heavy-duty capacity. Its venerable V8 engine family is known for mechanical reliability that many truck buyers will appreciate. Both Ford and Chevrolet have large nationwide dealer and service networks, making routine repairs and servicing in the event of any problems more manageable across numerous locations. However, the ownership experience ultimately will be based on the individual vehicle, the service history, and the demands on that vehicle, so buyers should compare the engine and configuration they are considering to other options rather than assume that they will perform just the same long-term. Analyzing reliability data along with servicing needs can provide some useful insights.

9. Ownership Costs and Resale Value Retention

You might think that the price you pay at the dealership is all you’ll have to spend, but routine maintenance, fuel costs and resale value can all factor into the equation down the road. The Silverado offers lower projected maintenance costs, with average annual costs of between $500 and $700 according to the provided estimates. Edmunds reports that the Silverado loses around 40 percent of its value after five years. Still, those numbers offer an idea of what to expect in terms of ownership costs, though actual costs and resale value will vary based on the truck’s configuration, condition, mileage and upkeep.

Ownership Value Comparison:

• Silverado maintenance averages 500-700 annually
• Silverado depreciates around 40 percent
• F-150 maintenance averages 600-800 annually
• F-150 retains approximately 50 percent
• Resale value affects long-term costs

The Ford F-150 also keeps its value better. Consumer Reports says that the F-150 retains about 50 percent of its purchase price after 5 years. Its annual maintenance costs are slightly higher, ranging from $600 to $800, but higher resale prices may help mitigate those extra costs. This comparison helps to explain why lowest cost may not be lowest value. Think about how long the buyer would keep the truck, and whether he or she plans to eventually sell or trade it in. Comparing the estimates of maintenance and depreciation can help reveal the potential savings or costs over time.

10. Dealership Support and Ownership Experience

The dealership support of the vehicle can also make a difference in how happy the buyer is to own the vehicle, especially for a truck buyer if the vehicle is their primary mode of transportation or for work. Ford and Chevrolet both have expansive dealer networks across the US that sell both OEM parts and parts that are covered under warranty and offer repairs as well as regular service and maintenance. Knowing you will be able to access both when needed could make keeping up with scheduled maintenance or getting repairs when you need them easier. Regional dealers like Stivers Ford IA in Des Moines can also remind you how good, customer-first service can make the ownership experience much less stressful in the long-term.

Dealership and Service Benefits:

• Extensive nationwide dealership coverage
• Access to OEM replacement parts
• Routine maintenance and warranty support
• Vehicle locator services for buyers
• Multi-point inspections and financing options

Purchasing through a dealership can have greater transparency. In addition to inspecting the vehicle before and possibly after the sale through multi-point inspection, the customer can also see the car’s price and check whether they get a good rate on credit approval, and locate their chosen vehicle. This can be extremely important for truck owners that want or need a vehicle that can be used in a business operation. Comparing the Ford F-150 against the Chevrolet Silverado should not be based on advertised prices alone, but also on the availability of nearby service and dealership support to help through the coming years.