Starting at
Starting at
14,000 | Towing (lbs) | 13,300 |
2,240 | Payload (lbs): | 3,325 |
290-563 | Horsepower (hp) | 277-420 |
In the battle of the fiercest pickup truck, two top contenders typically come to mind when comparing power, capabilities, durability, and strength. America's favorite for over 45 years, the Ford F-150 can certainly topple over its competitors, especially since few trucks can come close to its strength. The other is the Chevy Silverado 1500, the perfect truck for the hard worker, with immense capabilities and agility like no other. When comparing the 2022 Ford F-150 vs 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 in the areas such as powertrains, trim levels, and versatility features, can the Silverado 1500 beat out the crowd-favorite F-150? There's a reason why the F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck year after year, and it may take more than a few interior upgrades and an off-road model to strike this fearless legend down.
The F-Series line of pickup trucks made its debut in the late 1940s, as WWII ended and Ford was able to focus again on its loyal customers. Ford's efforts resulted in the F-Series Bonus Built trucks, marked by numerous options that varied in size and power. As the years ticked by, the F-Series progressed, continuing to get better, placing Ford on the map for designing some of the most iconic pickups that have ever crossed our paths. The Chevy Silverado 1500, on the other hand, got its start much later than the F-150, first as a trim level in 1975, becoming its own model in 1999. Despite the late start, the Silverado 1500 still wowed crowds everywhere, with impressive engine offerings, functional design features, and more options catered to hard workers everywhere.
It's difficult to choose between the two trucks, especially if you're unfamiliar with what each brings to the table. Rest assured, however, that both pickups are designed to excite you, and the proof is in their available engines, trim levels, configurations, tech features, work-ready functions, and more. If it's time to get the truck that can handle it all, make sure you're well-versed in what each model will bring to your ride.
In typical Ford fashion, you're able to select from a number of engines to deliver the exact level of performance you're looking for in your truck. Best-in-class towing capabilities belong to the strong 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which showcases immense talent when it comes to getting tasks done. With 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, this engine allows the F-150 to tow up to 14,000 lbs, making it a force in the industry. Best-in-class payload belongs to the 5.0L Coyote V8, which allows the F-150 to handle up to 3,325 lbs of payload without the slightest hint of a struggle.
Other outstanding engine options include the efficient 2.7L EcoBoost Turbo V6, which is able to get up to 26 MPG on the highway, and the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. This gas/electric combination showcases an incredible 570 lb-ft of torque, which allows it to tow up to 12,700 lbs. All engines are paired with a refined 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers a smooth, precise ride, with expert handling and control on any road condition, further catapulting Ford to the top of the list when it comes to available powertrains.
Perhaps what places the F-150 even further ahead of the rest is its all-electric offering. For those who want maximum efficiency without compromising on power, you'll want to take a closer look at the F-150 Lightning. This truck pairs the reputation of the F-150 with the power of electricity to make for a pickup that simply can't be rivaled. With a range of up to 320 miles and an estimated towing capability of up to 10,000 lbs, there's nothing the F-150 Lightning can't accomplish. As the only electric truck in the industry, the F-150 is revolutionizing the way we travel and the way we complete our everyday tasks.
Not to be outdone, Chevrolet continues to offer its acclaimed Silverado 1500 with a number of powertrains to appeal to more drivers everywhere. Its 2.7L High-Output Turbo is upgraded this year to include a 24% increase in torque, offering 430 lb-ft of torque to allow it to complete more challenging tasks. Although the Silverado 1500 is available in a number of powertrains, it continuously falls short when competing against the F-150. Its top-performing engines, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 and the durable 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, are only able to tow up to 13,300 lbs, which is significantly less than the F-150. Either an 8-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission is available, and both offer a pleasing ride, which is a plus, considering you're not getting as much power out of the Silverado 1500 as you would in rivals.
What's most disappointing is the absence of a hybrid powertrain or an all-electric option. It has been confirmed that the Silverado EV is on its way, but it'll be a few years before we see any making their way onto dealership lots. In the end, the Silverado 1500 just can't compare to the F-150 when it comes to its engine selection. The F-150 is more powerful, more capable, and more versatile, appealing to more drivers, no matter what their travels entail.
What really draws a crowd to the 2022 Ford F-150 is the fact that it's available in a superb variety of trims. Its Limited trim is among the most luxurious on the market, with comfort features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, and premium appointments dotting its cozy cabin. Its King Ranch is also impressive, with exclusive King Ranch leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Lariat is always a favorite, with plenty of premium features inside, including leather-trimmed seating and an arsenal of tech, showcasing the innovative SYNC 4 infotainment system, all for an affordable price.
Opt for special models, like the Tremor and Raptor, to enjoy off-road-ready features designed to heighten the thrill of your next adventure. From sport-tuned shocks to an enhanced suspension system and available 37-inch tires, traveling anywhere in the Raptor will command respect from others on the trails. Another favorite is the Tremor, which also showcases mean off-road behaviors, with 33-inch all-terrain tires, special Tremor badging, and more intimidating features inside and out. From the base XL, which features simple appointments designed for the average hard worker, to the luxurious Limited, off-road models, and more, the 2022 F-150 lineup is invigorating.
Like the F-150, the Silverado 1500 is available in a number of trim levels to appeal to virtually any type of driver. Its top-of-the-line High Country model is its most impressive trim, offering premium leather appointments, open-pore wood trim, and elegant features throughout its spacious cabin. Opt for the new ZR2 trim for more fun off-road, with a rugged build, featuring a reinforced bumper and skid plates, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and more athletic elements. Unfortunately for the Silverado 1500, its base models just include the bare-bones essentials, which makes these models severely outdated. It's not until you get to the mid-level LT trim that the Silverado 1500 gets comfortable, which means spending more money, and if this isn't in the budget for you, you're stuck with the bare minimum.
Although both trucks showcase a fine variety of trims, the F-150 takes the lead here. Its premium trims are utterly luxurious, while its base trims are pleasantly equipped as well. The Silverado 1500 can't come close to the level of comfort and luxury that resides in top-level F-150 models, even in its own top-level High Country trim. It's also disappointing to see the lack of features in base trims, which means that in order to enjoy any type of comfort, you'll need to spend more.
No matter what you're using your truck for, you want to be sure that it's able to complete the task at hand, which means it needs to be built to handle anything. You'll find that the 2022 Ford F-150 features a fully boxed high-strength steel frame, which allows it to take on tougher tasks without hesitation. Its lightweight and durable bed, made from military-grade aluminum, means it can handle more payload than its rivals while maintaining its structural integrity. A mobile workspace is also available, transforming your truck bed into a hub of productivity, allowing you to cut materials, fine-tune construction plans, and more right from your tailgate. In addition to being built strong, the F-150 is also loaded up with options to make the workday easier, including Pro Power Onboard, which features up to 9.6 kW of electricity to power up tools and other necessities during your hectic workday.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is no stranger to tough work, which is why it includes its own set of versatile features designed to heighten productivity during the day. From a multifunction tailgate to an available interior work surface and convenient storage compartments, the Silverado 1500 ensures that you remain organized and focused on the task at hand. Plenty of camera views help you during your journey, whether you're transporting materials from the construction site or towing your camper for a weekend road trip out of town. All in all, the Silverado 1500 does a nice job of offering features to appeal to today's busy worker, which explains why, like the F-150, you're able to notice its prominent presence on job sites near and far.
Both the F-150 and the Silverado 1500 do a great job of offering drivers what they need in a tough pickup. The idea that the F-150 has been torture-tested and reinforced to include so many durable elements in its build is the reason why it pulls ahead in our comparison. It's strong and powerful, and it's obvious that it's able to accomplish what it sets out to do, no matter what obstacles it has to navigate through.