Rugged, capable, and comfortable, the 2020 Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are two full-size trucks vying for a space in your driveway. Which should you choose? That all depends on what you need from your truck. For a closer look at both models, check out our comparison guide.
Configure the Perfect Truck: It’s a Tie!
Both of these trucks are highly configurable, with a range of cabins, bed sizes, and trim models to suit every driver need and desire. Choose from three cabin options – regular, extended, and crew – each of which offers more passenger space for you and your crew. Each truck also offers three bed size options, so it’s easy to select the right truck for your hauling needs.
The Silverado 1500 comes in eight different trim models, giving you everything from workhorse basics to all-star luxury. The F-150 offers six main trim levels, plus an off-road-ready model. As you move up the trim hierarchy, you’ll find a lot to love – including classy comfort features like leather upholstery and seat heaters.
Smartest Features: 2020 Ford F-150
With its unique utility features and safety technology, the F-150 gives you a very modern version of trucking. There’s a lot to like here – including optional multicontour front seats with massage functions. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system helps you backup a trailer, giving you the means to direct a boat or camper in the desired direction. And every 2020 F-150 comes standard with pre-collision assist technology with automatic emergency braking. More than peace of mind, this system actually has the power to help bring you up short of danger.
The 2020 Silverado 1500 is also pretty tech-savvy. Like the F-150, Chevy’s full-size truck treats you to complete smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This infotainment technology gives you impressive hands-free access to apps, minimizing distraction when you’re towing and hauling heavy loads. Both trucks also offer power-releasing tailgates, which give you quick and easy access to your stuff.
Max Towing and Hauling: 2020 Ford F-150
Here, the F-150 has the Silverado 1500 roundly beat. Depending on configuration, the F-150 tows max loads of 13,200 pounds. The Silverado 1500 can only manage smaller trailers, with towing capabilities of up to 12,200 pounds.
The F-150 also hauls bigger payloads. Depending on body style and equipment, Ford’s full-size truck can haul 3,270 pounds’ worth of equipment. The Silverado 1500 is a little less capable, hauling max payloads of 2,250.
Max Fuel Economy: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
With the Silverado’s optional turbodiesel engine, you can combine strength with efficiency. This engine helps Chevy’s full-size truck earn up to 27 mpg combined (23 city/33 highway mpg).
Ford’s optional turbodiesel is also the F-150’s most efficient engine. With it, the F-150 can earn up to 25 mpg combined (22/30 mpg). That’s not quite as efficient as the Silverado, but keep in mind that, of the pair, the F-150 is the more capable truck overall.
There’s a lot to recommend the 2020 Silverado 1500, but the 2020 Ford F-150 has it beat in just about every category. If you need muscle and crave modern comfort, it’s the full-size truck for you.