2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2023 Ford F-150

Shopping for a new 2023 Ford F-150 used to involve setting a budget and identifying specific needs from a full-size, light-duty pickup truck due to its almost overwhelming number of configurations. The F-150 lineup offered regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles, each paired with short (5.5-foot), standard (6.5-foot), and long (8-foot) cargo beds. The eight core trims ranged from the basic XL work truck to the performance-oriented Raptor. Multiple engine options and the separate electric F-150 Lightning were also part of the roster.

Prices for the 2023 F-150 varied widely, starting at $35,690 for the regular cab XL model with two-wheel drive and climbing to $109,345 for the high-performance F-150 Raptor R, both figures including a $1,995 destination charge. Optional equipment lists were lengthy, exemplified by the test truck—a fully-loaded F-150 XLT SuperCrew. It featured four-wheel drive, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, and packages for towing and sport appearance, among others, rounding out to a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $69,115, destination charge included.

Visually, the F-150 in Ford’s blue-gray Area 51 paint color looked appealing. Its styling retained a familiar and approachable vibe, a comfortingly recognizable trait among its competitors, save for the bolder Toyota Tundra. Inside, the modular, functional approach dominated over aesthetics, though without any glaring errors. One notable interior feature was the Ford Work Surface, enabling the transformation of the center console into a flat work area by folding the transmission shifter. However, this feature made the shifter feel a bit flimsy, and the steering wheel controls’ creakiness detracted from the overall quality. Cloth seats were a surprise at the test truck's price point but were appreciated for their comfort in varying weather conditions and durable feel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, available in the reviewed 2500 model or the beefier 3500 variant, offered buyers choices of regular, double, or crew cabs with seven-foot or eight-foot beds. Six trims—Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specialized ZR2—added to the selection mix. This truck was substantial in size, with wheelbases stretching as long as 14 feet and overall lengths reaching 22 feet.

Each trim level of the Silverado 2500HD had distinct front fascia styling, with the basic Work Truck appearing plain yet handsome, and higher trims like the High Country adorned with chrome grilles and fancy headlamps. The off-road ZR2 added unique touches like a blacked-out grille and Chevrolet's “flow tie” badging. For 2024, Chevrolet enhanced its lineup with standard tow hooks, wheel options up to 22 inches in bright chrome, and a broader color palette, albeit mainly consisting of red, gray, and white shades.

The interior of the High Country trim, tested alongside the ZR2, stood out with open-pore wood, leather trim, and sophisticated embroidery, achieving a simple yet upscale look. Chevrolet had improved on previous struggles with cheap materials, presenting a cabin that looked and felt high-quality.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered multiple engine choices, with the test truck featuring an optional twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. This engine produced 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, delivering effortless acceleration despite lacking the classic V8 sound. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that impressively adapted gear selection without delay. The four-wheel-drive system had a two-speed transfer case but lacked a full-time or automatic 4WD mode.

Ford stated a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 3,315 pounds for the 2023 F-150, depending on configuration and powertrain. Driving the F-150 unloaded sometimes felt harsh and skittish in town but bettered the Silverado’s ride, although not as composed as a Ram 1500. The F-150’s brakes resisted rumble and fade, and secure handling was notable despite unremarkable steering. Fuel efficiency was a slight disappointment, averaging 17 mpg against the EPA’s 19 mpg estimate.

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque; however, the optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 was the highlight with 470 horsepower and an astounding 975 pound-feet of torque. This Duramax engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, ensured quiet operation and seamless gear shifts.

Our drive of the Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax diesel in 2WD returned 20.3 mpg for about 100 miles, while a longer 250-mile mix of 2WD and Auto 4WD averaged 17 mpg. The ZR2 Bison variant excelled off-road with Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and a one and a half inch lift providing significant ground clearance and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. Additional off-road enhancements included skid plating and robust steel bumpers, making the ZR2 Bison apt for tackling rugged terrain.

While climbing in and out of pickup trucks like the 2023 Ford F-150 posed challenges, step rails provided helpful assistance, albeit at the cost of reduced breakover angles. Inside, the F-150 XLT with the High equipment package offered comfortable seating for five, featuring multiple power adjustments, and plenty of storage options in the cabin. The rear seats were versatile with storage configurations that made handling beach gear for a trip easy. The cargo bed’s factory-applied spray-in bedliner and 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system enhanced utility, though the absence of an integrated tailgate step demanded a bit of effort for bed access.

Towing and payload capacities were critical measures for both trucks. The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, particularly the 2WD regular cab DRW with a diesel engine, achieved an immense towing capacity of 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. In contrast, the 2500HD max capacity was closer to 22,430 pounds, with our tester managing around 19,000 pounds. Payload capacities mirrored this hierarchy, ranging from over 7,000 pounds for a 3500HD to around 3,000 pounds for the tested 2500HD. Towing 11,000 pounds behind a Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison was straightforward, aided by extensive camera views and hitching technologies. The truck featured convenience enhancements like a side step, MultiFlex tailgate, power-retractable running boards, and a grab bar for ease of use.

The 2023 Ford F-150 in XLT trim came equipped with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, offering over-the-air software updates, a 12-inch touchscreen, and seamless integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SiriusXM satellite radio and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. However, during the test drive, Sync 4 exhibited slower-than-expected load times and readability issues with its on-screen graphics. Despite these minor gripes, the system's ease of use and excellent voice recognition stood out. Notably, the test truck included features like remote engine start, tailgate locking, an integrated trailer-brake controller, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD stepped up the tech game with a standard 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen beginning from the LT trim. This system was designed thoughtfully, with the screen slightly canted toward the driver for easier reach. Chevrolet replaced its mapping interface with Google Maps and incorporated Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and wireless smartphone integration. The truck boasted an array of USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An available 15-inch head-up display and rear camera mirror added to the impressive tech suite, though the Silverado lacked an onboard generator, which was available on competitors like the Ford SuperDuty.

The 2023 Ford F-150’s safety features were encompassed within the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite. This included a host of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as automatic high beams, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Assist upgrade added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, and intersection assist among others. Evaluations showed mixed results, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering performing well under specific conditions, but with minor quirks in curve negotiations. The test truck’s surround-view camera was crucial for parking, and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems proved highly functional. The high safety ratings from IIHS and five-star NHTSA scores were reassuring.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD didn't reach the same breadth of standard ADAS as the F-150. Standard features included front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-departure warning. The Silverado also offered GM’s Safety Seat, which delivered tactile feedback to avert potential collisions, and adaptive cruise control was available as an option. This adaptive cruise could adjust for the increased braking distances needed when towing a trailer. The truck also featured configurable safety settings and Teen Driver technology to monitor and report younger drivers' behaviors. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had rated the 2024 Silverado 2500HD at the time of this comparison.