2026 Ford F-150 vs. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The F-150 spans 325–720 horsepower and 9 mapped trim positions; the Silverado 1500 spans 310–420 horsepower and 9. The better fit depends on the exact powertrain, drivetrain and equipment path. This comparison weighs powertrain range, drivetrain, trim structure, capability, seating & cargo, using each vehicle's own verified manufacturer and EPA-sourced facts instead of a single averaged rating. The F-150 carries 9 mapped trim positions and 3 linked sources; the Silverado 1500 carries 9 and 3, so either side can be verified against its own primary record instead of taken on this page's summary alone. Configuration, not badge name, decides which one actually fits. Check the exact trim and powertrain before treating either vehicle's specification as settled.

Checked Aug. 17, 2026United States specifications6 linked sources

Decision fieldFord F-150Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Power325–720 hp310–420 hp

DrivetrainRWD / 4WDRWD / 4WD

Trim map9 published positions9 published positions

Seating3, 5 or 63 or 6

Powertrain contextPowertrain: 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid V6, 3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6, or 5.2L supercharged V8 (Raptor R) · Output: 325–720 hpPowertrain: 2.7L turbo four, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel · Output: 310–420 hp

Towing contextThe most the 2026 Ford F-150 is published to tow is up to 13,500 lb (properly equipped, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, best-in-class).The most the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is published to tow is up to 13,300 lb (properly equipped).

Ranges and maximums describe family-level possibilities. Open each vehicle record before treating a number or feature as applicable to a particular trim.

What separates them

Four decisions that change the answer.

This comparison does not force a universal winner. It identifies the configuration question that matters for each use case.

Powertrain range

F-150: Powertrain 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid V6, 3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6, or 5.2L supercharged V8 (Raptor R); Output 325–720 hp. Silverado 1500: Powertrain 2.7L turbo four, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel; Output 310–420 hp.

Drivetrain

The F-150 is represented with RWD / 4WD; the Silverado 1500 with RWD / 4WD. Standard status must be checked by trim.

Trim structure

The F-150 comes in 9 trims and the Silverado 1500 in 9. Package combinations can create additional builds.

Capability

The most the 2026 Ford F-150 is published to tow is up to 13,500 lb (properly equipped, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, best-in-class). The most the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is published to tow is up to 13,300 lb (properly equipped).

Seating & cargo

The 2026 Ford F-150 seats 3, 5 or 6 (full-size pickup). The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 seats 3 or 6 (full-size pickup).

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Ford F150: 12 records · Chevrolet Silverado: 31 records.

Decision field	Ford F150	Chevrolet Silverado
Exact EPA records	12	31
Model / option labels	7	23
Drive layouts	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2.7L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 5.2L 8-cyl, 5L 8-cyl SIDI & PFI	2.7L 4-cyl SIDI, 3L 6-cyl, 3L 6-cyl w/ Sport and Off Road Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; FFV, +2 more
Transmissions	Automatic (S10)	Automatic (A1), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 8-spd
Fuel types	Premium, Regular	Diesel, Electricity, Gasoline or E85, Premium, Regular
EPA classes	Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD	Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Combined efficiency	12–24 MPG/MPGe	15–70 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	283–493 miles
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$2700–6650 per year	$1100–5300 per year

Head to head

Ford F150 vs. Chevrolet Silverado: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Ford F150	Chevrolet Silverado
Starting price (KBB base)	$40,085	$39,695
Top trim price (KBB base)	$113,725	$74,595
Horsepower	325-720 hp	305-355 hp
Torque	400-640 lb-ft	383-495 lb-ft
Curb weight	4,655-4,895 lb	4,750-5,710 lb
Length	209.4-243.9 in	229.7-241.4 in
Wheelbase	122.8-157 in	140-157 in
Towing capacity	7,500-13,500 lb	9,000-13,200 lb
Seating	3-6 seats	3-6 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 model year); prices are KBB base prices.

The Chevrolet Silverado starts $390 lower: $39,695 against $40,085 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Ford F150 leads: 720 hp against 355 hp.
On peak torque, the Ford F150 leads: 640 lb-ft against 495 lb-ft.
The Ford F150 is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 4,655 lb against 4,750 lb.
On length, the Ford F150 leads: 243.9 in against 241.4 in.
Both list the same wheelbase: 157 in.
On maximum towing capacity, the Ford F150 leads: 13,500 lb against 13,200 lb.
Both list the same seating capacity: 6 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Ford F150 and the Chevrolet Silverado.

2026 Ford F150

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since model year 1948 as a range of full-size pickup trucks—positioned between Ford's Ranger and Super Duty pickup trucks. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

Recalls and problems: 2026 recall In June 2026 Ford issued a recall order of over 741,000 vehicles, including the F-150, in the U.S. due to a transmission issue that may damage the park system.

Source: Ford F-Series (Wikipedia)

Recent recalls (21 campaigns across the latest model years)

September 2026, Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles. Incorrect rear axle tail bearings may have been installed, which can result in rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation. Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can result in a loss of vehicle control. Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is parked…
September 2026, Suspension:Rear. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles.The stabilizer rod fasteners may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, which can allow the rod to shift out of position. Consequence: A misaligned stabilizer rod can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, which can increase the risk of a crash.
September 2026, Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2027 F-150 vehicles. The fuel tank may be improperly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving. Consequence: A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of a…

2026 Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks.

Safety: Sitting higher than other consumer vehicles, the Chevrolet Silverado has significantly larger blind spots in which people or other cars are invisible to the driver. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Silverado is the second most likely car to be involved in a fatal crash. The 2022 Silverado 1500 LTD Crew Cab was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

Source: Chevrolet Silverado (Wikipedia)

Special Editions. For 2015, Chevrolet introduced a Special Edition for the Silverado truck series. They are in the following series of Rally Edition 1 and 2, Midnight Edition, Custom Sport Edition, Custom Sport Plus Edition, Black Out Edition, and Texas Edition.

Special editions. In 2016, GMC introduced the Sierra All Terrain X, which is equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine with performance exhaust, increasing power from 355 to 365 horsepower (265 to 272 kW; 360 to 370 PS).

NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)

May 2026, Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV… Consequence: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
November 2025, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about engine (52), electrical system (24), power train (20).

Comparison answer desk

13 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Ford F150 or the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado?

Efficiency

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (42.5 vs. the 2026 Ford F150's 18 MPG/MPGe).