2023 Ford F-150 VS. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado

Hey and welcome to our in-depth comparison of the 2023 Ford F-150 versus the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. You'll find my final verdict on which truck is better in my blog.

Difference between Ford F-150 VS Chevrolet Silverado in 2023

The main difference between these two vehicles is payload and towing capacity. The ability to tow and haul was the most impressive feature of the Ford F-150 across the range - from the Workhorse XL to the Classy Limited. With the base 3.3-liter V6 engine having a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 400-horsepower twin-turbo engine have a towing capacity of a whopping 14,000 pounds. The highly regarded 5.0-liter V8 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds. The V6 diesel has a capacity of up to 12,100 pounds, and the hybrid model has a capacity of 12,700 pounds. We hitched a thirteen-thousand-pound Keystone Laredo fifth-wheel trailer to the highest trim for the test, and it took us to the mountains and back without getting bogged down by the weight of the trailer on hill climbs.

These towing capabilities put the 2023 Ford F-150 in direct competition with the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. But after the F-150's impressive performance, we were eager to test it. And in keeping with our goal of testing the best for this feature, we took the 6.2-liter V8 with a 13,000-pound towing capacity on the same trip. And no surprise, it did the job with relative ease. It's worth noting that while the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a capable hauler, it trails the F-150 by 700 pounds in terms of towing capacity, with the Silverado four-cylinder turbo 2.7-liter engines capable of hauling 9,500 pounds and the 5.3-liter versions doing up to 11,500 pounds. You're sure to find an F-150 or Silverado trim that will serve your hauling needs in the 8,000- to 13,000-pound range.

After finding the two models nearly equal in towing capability, we were disappointed with the Silverado's payload capacity. The most we were able to load was 2,280 pounds, regardless of the truck's towing capacity. The F-150's best payload was 3,250 pounds, almost a thousand pounds more. The Ford F-150 beats the Silverado 1500 in payload and towing capacity, infotainment and connectivity.

If size is all there is to it, then the Silverado 1500, especially the horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen display on trims higher than the LT, would be the best touchscreen display infotainment system. We love that it has Apple CarPlay and, for Android users, Android Auto and a mobile hotspot. We also like that it has dials and buttons that make the system easy to use. The screen is very responsive, making it easy to make calls, manage phone files, and connect directly to your phone's functions while driving. Higher trims have enhanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay, a Google-powered voice assistant, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Since size isn't everything, we quickly found ourselves trying to figure out which one we liked more.

Once we got into the F-150 with an optional 12-inch unit, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and the upgraded version of Ford's Sync 4 software as standard, a Wi-Fi hotspot for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard on all trims. Unlike the Silverado, where these were only available on higher trims. Here, only the Sirius XM radio navigation and Bang Olufsen audio system are optional. However, we found the new software for the Sync 4 to be a game changer, and we no longer cared that the display was smaller. That's because it provides cloud connectivity in addition to over-the-air updates for upcoming software releases and traffic and weather updates via the auxiliary navigation system. If your truck is part of a fleet, it can support telematics to track vehicle locations and usage. Despite its smaller display size, the Ford F-150's infotainment and connectivity system is superior and wins in this category.

The 2023 Silverado 1500's overall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rating is 5 stars, which makes us feel safe in this truck. We like that every Silverado comes standard with a number of driver-assist technologies, and we discovered that the truck can be equipped with several towing aids to make towing and hitching a trailer easier. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, as are blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, the higher trim level High Country, can also be equipped with SuperCruise, General Motors' hands-free technology that Chevrolet says works even when towing a trailer. As you can imagine, we were disappointed with the Ford F-150. We found that while Ford offers a number of driver assistance features, only a few come standard. Although Automatic Emergency Braking with Human Detection is standard, things we expected to be obvious inclusions, especially coming from testing the Silverado, were not standard. These include lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, which are not standard but can be purchased separately. You'll also need higher trims for more features, such as a rearview camera for tracking a trailer while driving. The Silverado wins on safety and driver-assist features, most of which come standard on all trims.

Trim levels

Chevy Silverado

We have to admit that when we first heard about this truck, we were confused by the number of options. So much so that we had to list the versions to get it right. This is because the 2023 Silverado 1500 is available in not two or three, but nine different trim levels. Chevrolet decided to give buyers everything they could want in a full-size truck. The base truck is the Work Truck (WT). Then there are Custom, ZR2, Trail Boss, RST, LT, LTZ, LT Trail Boss and High Country. Each offers attractive powertrain features and options to attract potential buyers. In addition, the 2023 Silverado 1500 is available in Regular, Crew and Double Cab body styles.

Ford F-150

We're not sure who copied whom, but the number and configurations of the sleek Ford F-150, which comes in eight different trim levels, initially overwhelmed us. Ford offers full-size trucks in two two-door base models, the XL and XLT, with plenty of options and features. Lariat, King Ranch, Tremor, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited are the six other 2023 Ford F-150 trims. In a simple count, the Silverado 1500 wins by one trim level over the Ford F-150.

How do the two trucks compare in terms of specifications?

• Dimensions: The Silverado's larger size makes it a more attractive truck and wins this category.
• Transmissions: The F-150 wins because it has a more efficient 10-speed transmission.
• Vehicle Type: The vehicle type is a tie because both can comfortably carry five people. Kerb Weight: The F-150 wins because it is a heavier vehicle, which gives it better traction.
• Towing Capacity: The F-150 wins because it has more towing capacity.
• Space: It is evident that although the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado is roomier, the Ford F-150 is the better truck overall due to its better practicality.
• Similarities: Both trucks are five-door and four-passenger vehicles. Both have high towing capacities and can carry more than 1,800 pounds.

Things You Should Know Before Buying the 2023 Ford F-150?

Before you buy a 2023 Ford F-150, you need to consider the following.

First, there are many configurations, and we realize that what best suits you and your needs may not be the highest trim, since these come at a cost. Prioritize your needs. We found the Ford website helpful in this process. Second, we found the ride quality on dirt roads to be rough. The non-hybrid trims are gas guzzlers; we averaged only 15 miles per gallon. And while we love the interior, we wish the storage compartments were bigger.

Wide range of engines, including gas, hybrid, and all-electric options. High-quality interior. High towing and cargo capacities. Lots of truck-friendly features like an onboard generator. What we didn't like? The hybrid powertrain is noisy when running the onboard generator. Interior storage is small or impractical.

Things You Should Know Before Buying the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado?

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado is a rugged truck and attractive on the outside, but we were disappointed when we got inside because the interior didn't seem to match the exterior. You also need to be aware that it comes in many versions that include different trim levels, four engine types, three cabs, and bed sizes, so take your time in the selection process to make sure you get a good fit. We found that there's no electric or hybrid option yet, so look elsewhere if that's what you need. As with the F-150, we found the ride uncomfortable on unpaved roads.

Plenty of powertrain options. Useful bed features. Responsive handling. Most trims have roomy second-row seating. No electric or hybrid options, lacking on the inside.

Conculsion

So which is better, the 2023 Ford F-150 or the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado? The 2023 Ford F-150 wins this comparison. It has better towing and hauling capabilities, a more efficient transmission, and better infotainment and connectivity, which is more than you'd expect from a work/play truck. Although the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado has many trim options and impressive safety and driver-assist features, it still has some way to go to catch up to the F-150 in some key areas.

If you have already purchased your truck, come check out MOSTPLUS and we will provide you with the most specialized accessories to help you protect and upgrade your truck.