Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick presented a fresh yet familiar design, maintaining its chunky styling and large wheel arches reminiscent of larger Ford trucks. The removal of the cross bar from the headlights gave it a more conventional look, opening up the grille with various designs depending on the trim level. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, along with specialty models like the off-road-focused Tremor and the street-truck-inspired Lobo. The Lobo stood out with its lowered suspension, cleaner front fascia, and unique wheel design, while the Tremor catered to off-road enthusiasts with its dedicated suspension and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Maverick boasted a well-designed interior with multicolor trim and exposed screwheads, providing a fun and high-quality feel even with basic materials.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a vast lineup with various cab styles and bed lengths, along with a choice of RWD or 4WD and multiple engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel six-cylinder, and V8 engines. The Silverado RST 4WD, equipped with the TurboMax engine, featured a stylish blacked-out design and practical features like assist steps and a spray-on bedliner. Inside, the RST provided a basic yet livable cabin with modern technology and decent-quality materials. The front bench seat allowed for six-passenger seating, and the interior design was more sophisticated than typical pickups. However, the transmission shifter on the steering column blocked access to the stereo volume knob when in Drive, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its two powertrain options, with notable changes in drivetrain configurations. The standard hybrid powertrain, producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, was available with FWD or AWD. The non-hybrid 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged engine, delivering 238 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, was AWD-only. The Maverick Lobo featured a unique seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, lowered suspension, and upgraded brakes, emphasizing handling over off-road capability. The Lobo excelled on winding roads and autocross courses, offering a fun and satisfying driving experience. The basic Maverick hybrid provided a comfortable ride and well-sorted handling, making it a great daily driver despite its modest power.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with the TurboMax turbo-four powertrain, delivered 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system, offered adequate power for daily driving but lacked mid-range punch for passing. The TurboMax engine capped the Silverado's towing capacity at 9,000 pounds, while the available Duramax diesel engine could tow up to 13,000 pounds. The Silverado's real-world fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 15.4 mpg on a mountainous testing loop. The RST handled various driving conditions competently but lacked excitement, with slow steering and a bumpy suspension. Brake overheating was a concern during mountain driving, highlighting potential issues for a vehicle designed to tow heavy loads.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, upgradable to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Towing Package, except for the Lobo and Tremor models. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured innovative cargo management solutions, including molded pockets for cargo dividers and a tailgate that could lock at an angle for additional cargo space. Inside, the Maverick maximized space with intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The unibody platform provided similar headroom and legroom to larger trucks like the Ford Ranger, making the Maverick a practical choice for those needing space and versatility.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST featured a 40/20/40 bench seat, allowing for six-passenger seating. The cloth upholstery and heated outboard front seats provided reasonable comfort, though the seats felt hard after extended periods. The Silverado offered ample room for taller passengers, with rear-seat legroom and thigh support being particularly generous. The RST Select Package included step rails for easier entry and exit, though they limited the truck's off-road capabilities. The Silverado's cargo area was equipped with an EZ Lower and Lift tailgate, CornerStep bumpers, and LED lighting, making it practical for hauling and accessing cargo.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded its tech with the Sync 4 infotainment system and a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous eight-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, along with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. The Maverick also borrowed towing tech from larger Ford trucks, with features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on higher trims. While the tech was user-friendly, the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was less convenient than physical buttons.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered two interior options, with the RST featuring a modern dashboard with clean lines and impressive technology. A 12.3-inch digital display and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in provided a seamless user experience. Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity were supported, making it easy to access navigation and media. The Silverado's towing package included Hitch View and Hitch Guidance technology, though it lacked a semi-automated trailer reversing system available in some rivals.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a limited array of standard driver-assist features, with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams standard on the base XL. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Maverick received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy's Safety Assist package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like blind-spot monitors and parking sensors were absent in our test truck. The Silverado's safety ratings were subpar, with the IIHS giving it low marks in several crash tests.