Who wins in the matchup between the 2020 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Chevy Silverado? Can we finally answer the question? Go to any job site or construction shop, and you will most likely find a passionate defense for either truck. Or better yet, bring a new Ford truck into work—you know you’re going to hear it from the Chevy guys. What you might first notice when comparing the two trucks is how competitive the trucks are, but there has to be a winner, so let’s take a look at what sets these two apart.
The Silverado was redesigned in 2018, and the F-150 was last redesigned in 2015, so if you’re looking for an updated interior, the Silverado might be the truck for you. Of course, Ford is known for its interiors, and this one still holds up. But what makes a truck a truck, when it comes down to it? That’s right, its engine. So let’s focus on what engine options each truck offers and see if we can’t draw a line in the sand.
The 2020 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the perennially best seller in the full-size truck market with the Chevy Silverado coming in right behind as the runner up. What makes this truck so popular among consumers, aside from customer loyalty? With the F-150 you get a tremendous value, along with the capability you expect in a full-size truck. The Chevy Silverado might offer a little more towing capacity this year if properly outfitted, but it’s not a big difference at only 200 pounds more.
What makes the F-150 stand out is the many trim options available. Literally, there is an option for anyone; whether you need a stripped-down work truck or a luxury vehicle, the features are there to build your dream truck.
Let’s take a look under the hood and see how many engine options we have to choose from. The base engine is a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The next option, and hold on, because there are six options to choose from, is the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Being a diesel, you’re looking at good gas mileage as well for this engine (22/30 mpg).
Next in line is the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Then the 5.0-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Last is the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This one’s only available on the Raptor and Limited trims, but it’s one of the features that really sets the Ford apart from the Silverado, with best-in-class torque.
If you’re looking for fuel economy and towing prowess, you should definitely take a look at the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. At 20/26 mpg, and 9,000 lb of towing capacity, with as much torque as the big V8, this engine is a great value. But clearly, there is an option for everyone. If you’re hauling gravel all day, you might just need 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, with the tow package, can tow 13,200 pounds.
The options seem dizzyingly endless, as the truck even has many upscale options available, such as a 3-prong outlet, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, adaptive cruise control, and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen. The infotainment system fully integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As mentioned before, the last redesign was 2015, but the truck did get an update in 2018, so the luxury and technology are on par with its class.
Chevy Silverado
This is a truck worth looking into. You’ll find the trim levels are just as expansive as Ford’s, ranging from the brawny Work Truck to the luxury High Country trim. You’ll also find the redesigned truck is now lighter and more fuel-efficient. New also for the 2020 year is a new diesel engine. This is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 460 lb-ft of torque that peaks at low revs (1,500 rpm), which makes it a great engine for towing and off-roading.
If you need something to tow more than the 9,300 pounds this engine can handle, then there’s the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. We’re sure 13,400 is enough to get the job done, as this engine leads its class in towing capacity. This engine is now available across four trim levels, so even if you’re not looking for a luxury-leaning truck, but need the power, you can find it in a less expensive trim. The four options are now: RST, Custom Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country.
Looking for something else? Take a look at the base engine 4.3-liter V6 (6 speed automatic) with 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Then there is the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 (8-speed automatic), making 310 horsepower with 348 lb-ft of torque. Still haven’t found an engine that suits your needs? Well, there’s the 5.3-liter V8 (w/Active Fuel Management and 6-speed automatic transmission) at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also offered as an 8-speed transmission with Dynamic Fuel Management if you’re looking for better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
The last of the group is a 5.3-liter V8 (Dynamic Fuel Management and 10-speed automatic transmission) with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This comes with a 10-speed transmission and is available on the LT Trail Boss and High Country trim levels.
What does all of this mean? Well, aside from that, there is an option for anyone and everyone, as with the Ford F-150, the Silverado is definitely a truck to consider if you will be towing heavy and often. The 2020 model also brings an “invisible trailer” camera that allows you to see directly behind what you’re towing.
Both trucks can tow and haul more than any other full-size truck ever made, so you really can’t wrong with either truck.
Do We Have A Winner?
There has to be a winner, right? That’s what keeps these trucks evolving and why each manufacturer puts so much research and development into its trucks. You have the Silverado getting the slight nod for its towing capacity but then the F-150 taking the payload-capacity crown by almost 1,000 lb. That’s another half-yard of rock or so, from a half-ton, which is impressive. The interior is a wash, the exterior and style seem more a personal preference, and the range of options available for both trucks is similar. Maybe you have already made up your mind before reading this, which is most likely the case with trucks that inspire so much brand loyalty, as these two trucks do.
Ford would have to get a slight edge here, mostly because of the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque—those are big numbers, and when paired with the Raptor trim, the Silverado really does not have an answer for an off-roader with this kind of capability. This is a vehicle with a range of performance that no other vehicle can match, with its long-travel suspension allowing for incredible ride comfort and unparalleled off-road chops. Starting at $54,800, the Raptor is a relative bargain when considering its unmatched versatility.
