2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasted a myriad of design variations. From its diverse grille selections and finishes to its array of wheel designs and sizes, the Silverado offered a high degree of customization. The truck was available in several trims like WT, Custom, LT, RST, LTZ, and the luxurious High Country, along with the off-road capable Trail Boss versions. Its exterior, especially in the LT Trail Boss version reviewed, featured a commandingly dark theme with black paint and wheels, which, although striking, proved a challenge to keep pristine.

Contrastingly, the Ford F-150 of the same year opted for a more conservative and timeless design. It featured cleaner lines and less aggressive stylings, such as the blocky grille that portrayed a quiet confidence. This design philosophy extended inward with a straightforward and functional dashboard setup. Ford offered the F-150 in numerous trims, each escalating in luxury and features, punctuated by the high-end Limited trim which combined luxury with practical utility.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500's powertrain options in 2020 were extensive. A highlight was the newly available 6.2-liter V8 in the LT Trail Boss, delivering a robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This configuration not only facilitated impressive acceleration but also managed moderate fuel economy figures, topping at an average of 16.8 mpg in combined conditions.

In comparison, the Ford F-150 presented a range of engines, notably the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 was particularly revered for its towing capabilities, with properly equipped models capable of handling up to 12,300 pounds, surpassing the Silverado in this regard. The F-150 also featured a more refined ride that handled like a smaller vehicle, a testament to Ford’s engineering focus on balance and maneuverability.

Inside, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 emphasized ruggedness and durability, factors important for a truck intended for heavy use. Its cabin, though sturdy, lacked the refinement expected at its price point, particularly in configurations approaching $60,000. The Silverado was spacious, especially in the Crew Cab setup, with ample storage solutions and a generous payload and towing capacity highlighted by a 13,400-pound maximum towing prowess when properly equipped.

Ford’s F-150, however, excelled in interior space utilization, especially in the SuperCrew configuration which offered expansive legroom and versatile storage solutions. Payload and towing capabilities were also competitive, but it was the attention to practical usability, like the integrated bed step, that edged out its Chevrolet counterpart for some buyers.

Technology in the 2020 Silverado included a choice of a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen with comprehensive connectivity options but faced criticism for the smaller screen sizes and an overly complex infotainment structure. Its Advanced Trailering Package, though useful, was an added expense for necessary functionality in a truck of this caliber.

The F-150’s SYNC 3 infotainment system was more user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen offering intuitive navigation and connectivity, aligning with modern tech expectations without overwhelming users. Ford’s implementation of Pro Trailer Backup Assist was another highlight, lending drivers an ease of utility that could be a decisive factor for those who frequently tow.