2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-150

The 2023 Ford F-150 had many variations that offered a multitude of configurations for different needs. Shoppers could choose from regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles, with cargo bed lengths of short (5.5-foot), standard (6.5-foot), and long (8-foot). The model lineup encompassed eight core trims, ranging from the practical XL work truck to the high-performance Raptor, with various engines available. While the electric F-150 Lightning was a separate model, it added another dimension to the F-150 lineup.

Pricing for the F-150 varied significantly, from $35,690 for the regular cab with two-wheel drive in XL trim to $109,345 for the high-performance F-150 Raptor R. Optional equipment could quickly increase the price. The XLT Super Crew test truck featured four-wheel drive, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, and packages such as the Max Trailer Tow and XLT Sport Appearance. It also had useful features like a spray-in bedliner and a twin-panel moonroof, bringing the MSRP to $69,115, including the destination charge.

This configuration resulted in a truck that looked great, especially with Ford's blue-gray Area 51 paint color. The styling was familiar and likable, devoid of the wild elements seen in rivals like the Toyota Tundra. The interior continued this theme of functional simplicity, characterized by a modular approach and decent quality materials, mixed with some cheaper plastics. Features like the Ford Work Surface allowed for practical use but compromised on the sturdiness of the gear shift, contributing to a slightly flimsy feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's design was a subject of debate. While some of Chevy's past designs have aged well, others were best forgotten. The styling included small headlights with body panels jutting into the grille, an aggressive look that might have seemed overdone to some. Various appearance packages, such as the Rally, Midnight, and Redline Editions, could enhance its visual appeal.

Inside, the Silverado was more pleasing, with functional controls logically placed. Depending on the trim, the truck offered two distinct interior layouts. The WT and Custom trims retained pre-2022 facelift interiors, characterized by a simpler, smaller screen and an emphasis on hard controls. In contrast, higher trims offered a modern, high-tech dash layout around a large touchscreen.

The WT trim featured vinyl upholstery, bench seating for up to three passengers, and a basic 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Custom added cloth upholstery, larger alloy wheels, remote start, and more USB ports. The LT trim introduced high-tech systems, a digital instrument panel, and enhanced comfort features, while the RST and Trail Boss trims catered to off-road enthusiasts. The LTZ and High Country trims added luxurious touches like leather upholstery and advanced features, making them attractive options for those seeking more creature comforts.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered various engines, and the test truck featured the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The V6, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance, even if it lacked the V8's characteristic sound. The truck's optional four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case added versatility, but it lacked a full-time 4WD mode.

With a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,315 pounds, the F-150 was a solid performer. However, the performance depended on the specific configuration and powertrain. The standard suspension tuning was somewhat harsh when unloaded, but it improved with additional weight or a trailer. The structural solidity and secure handling were impressive, though the towing mirrors presented challenges on narrow roads. The brakes performed well during intense driving conditions, and the steering, while unremarkable, was functional and reliable. With an EPA rating of 19 mpg combined, the test loop revealed a slightly lower 17 mpg result.

In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a diverse engine lineup, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional V8 engines included a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 offering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The Duramax turbodiesel added another option with 305 hp and 495 lb-ft.

With rear-wheel drive standard and 4WD optional, the Silverado used either an eight-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission, depending on the engine. The 6.2-liter V8 with the Max Towing package allowed for a towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds, while the smaller V8 handled 11,000 pounds. The maximum payload was 2,260 pounds.

The Trail Boss trim, with its turbo-four engine, surprised with its power delivery, though it sounded somewhat harsh. The eight-speed automatic was smooth, and the available V8 engines provided expectedly strong performance. The Silverado handled surprisingly well for its size, making it suitable for daily commuting. Off-road, the Silverado excelled, handling mud, dirt, and obstacles with ease. The ZR2 Bison trim added even more off-road capability with heavy-duty skid plates and steel-stamped bumpers.

Getting in and out of the 2023 Ford F-150 was made easier with step rails, though they impacted the breakover angle. The XLT trim, configured like the test truck, featured comfortable seats for five people, enhanced by the optional High equipment package with power-adjustable seats and pedals. Cloth seats, while surprising at the price point, proved comfortable during hot weather.

Storage options abounded, with large bins, trays, cubbies, and dual glove compartments. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for added cargo room. The cargo bed had a spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, but climbing into the bed was challenging without the tailgate step.

For the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the available body styles included regular, double, and crew cabs with varying bed lengths. The regular cab could seat three with a bench seat, while the double cab had conventional car doors, providing easy access to the rear seats. The crew cab was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear bench's ability to fold upward added significant in-cabin cargo space.

When it came to payload and towing, the F-150 led with a higher towing capacity of 14,000 pounds compared to the Silverado's 13,300 pounds. However, the payload capacity was higher for the F-150 at 3,315 pounds versus the Silverado's 2,260 pounds, making the Ford slightly more capable in this aspect.

The 2023 Ford F-150 in XLT trim came equipped with the Sync 4 infotainment system. This system featured a 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Ford Pass Connect services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot added connectivity options.

Sync 4's performance had room for improvement, with occasional slow loading times for features like SiriusXM. Navigation was easy to use and voice recognition was excellent. The standard stereo was decent, and the available Bang & Olufsen premium audio system was a worthwhile upgrade. Other tech features included remote engine starting, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and On Board Scales with Smart Hitch.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, found in the WT and Custom trims. Higher trims offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports. The screen was vivid and responsive, with a modern dash layout in most trims. The WT and Custom trims provided a simpler, more utilitarian tech setup, catering to those who preferred functionality over glitz.

Our 2023 Ford F-150 test truck featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This package comprised automatic high beams, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic reverse braking.

The Assist part of the package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, intersection assist for left turns, and speed-sign recognition. The adaptive cruise and lane-centering systems performed well, though they had some quirks on curvy roads. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert proved highly useful, and the surround-view camera system was a valuable tool when parking. The F-150 also featured post-collision braking.

Crash-test ratings for the F-150 SuperCrew were impressive, with high scores from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

Similarly, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered many ADAS features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The Teen Driver system was also standard, allowing speed and volume limitations for a second set of keys.

Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. Available safety tech included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a rear-camera mirror, and GM's Super Cruise highway driving system.

The Silverado earned an overall safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.