Which is the best light-duty truck, the 2023 Ford F-150 or the Chevy Silverado 1500? The truth is that the best truck for you is the one that best meets your personal priorities! Thanks to our comparison guide, you can get a feel for each of these trucks’ pros and cons before you arrive at the dealership.
Key Takeaways
- Fleet owners look to the F-150 for the best price on a new work truck.
- In addition to the longest list of engine options, the F-150 also delivers best-in-class towing capabilities.
- With its optional turbo diesel engine, the 2023 Silverado 1500 provides the most efficient performance.
- Although both trucks offer luxury features and the usual tech and safety features, the F-150 is available with work-friendly features that other trucks don’t offer.
Lowest MSRP: 2023 Ford F-150
Whether you’re shopping to expand your fleet or simply want to drive home in a basic work truck, you’ll appreciate the F-150’s starting price. The 2023 F-150 (starting at $33,695) provides a substantially lower MSRP than the 2023 Silverado 1500 (starting at $36,300).
Maximum Power: 2023 Ford F-150
Not only does the F-150 offer more power, but it also provides the widest range of engine options. Whether you’re looking for a full-size truck that tows best-in-class figures (up to 14,000 pounds) or a high-speed desert racer (check out the Raptor R’s supercharged V8), the F-150 is king.
Choose from these 2023 Ford F-150 engine options:
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- Raptor-specific turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R-specific supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- PowerBoost turbo 3.5L hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
While the 2023 Silverado 1500 isn’t quite as accommodating as the F-150, it delivers something that many truck drivers still appreciate, and that’s tried-and-true V8 performance. Unlike the F-150, which tows max loads with its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, the Silverado does its best work with the 6.2-liter V8 engine. The Silverado 1500 is also available with a turbo diesel engine, which walks the fine line between power and efficiency.
Choose from these 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine options:
- Turbo 2.7L four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft)
- 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.0L six-cylinder diesel engine (305 hp, 495 lb-ft)
Maximum Fuel Economy: 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500
With its turbodiesel engine, the Silverado 1500 provides the highest EPA ratings of up to 26 mpg combined (24 city/29 highway). Just like with towing and hauling performance, those figures vary according to body style and equipment. As you may have guessed, the most efficient F-150 engine is the hybrid PowerBoost engine. Depending on equipment, it can help the F-150 earn up to 25 mpg combined (25 city/25 highway).
Comfort and Convenience Features: 2023 Ford F-150
Ford is always looking for little ways to make its best selling truck even more attractive. Currently, the F-150 offers features you won't find anywhere else, including the Pro Power Onboard power generator. If you do a lot of work from the job site, you’ll appreciate the Interior Work Surface (a space for your laptop) and the Tailgate Work Surface (an area where you can measure, cut, or otherwise prepare materials). The available Max Recline front seats fold nearly flat, providing a comfy place to catch a few Zs.
Of course, the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 also offers a wide range of creature comforts and tech features. However, the F-150 can match them in just about every way. For example, both trucks offer LED headlamps and fog lamps, leather upholstery, and a variety of towing cameras.
Choose the Best Truck for the Job
In the end, although the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 tries to keep up, the 2023 Ford F-150 inches ahead of the competition almost every time! If you’re looking for the strongest performance, the most innovative features, or simply the lowest starting price, then you should drive home in the F-150!