It's the ultimate pickup truck rivalry: The 2024 Ford F-150 vs. the Chevy Silverado-which is better?

By Nick Kurczewski

When the dust settles, it could come down to a couple of inches and some cargo space

The 2024 Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 face off in the biggest truck rivalry of all time - Ford vs. Chevy. The two full-size pickup trucks routinely rank as the first and second-best-selling vehicles in the U.S. Ford (F) holds the best-seller bragging rights, if you are curious.

Each truck is highly customizable and can be transformed from standard work trucks to rock-crawling adventure machines to luxury models packed with leather upholstery and multiple versions between.

Which truck will come out ahead in this comparison? Keep reading to find out.

2024 Ford F-150

Ford went to great lengths to streamline the F-150 shopping experience. That's not a bad thing, considering ordering features on Ford's best-selling truck could be akin to taking a course in quantum mechanics.

The 2024 Ford F-150 benefits from a mid-cycle freshening that includes updated exterior styling, a revamped cabin, more tech items, and clever storage solutions. Pricing starts at $38,765, including factory-to-dealer delivery fees.

Ford F-150 highlights

Engine variety: Truck buyers love having many choices, which explains why so many flock to the Ford F-150. The truck offers five engine choices, starting with a 320-horsepower twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 as the standard powertrain. Also available is a 5.0-liter V8, a hybrid V6, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, and a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 reserved for the mighty Raptor R model.

Upgraded tech: A 12-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument panel are newly standard in every Ford F-150. The infotainment system has wireless Apple (AAPL) CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and advanced voice recognition. Ford's infotainment units are highly informative and easy to use. A head-up instrument display is available for the first time in the F-150.

Class-leading towing and hauling: Few do it better than the Ford F-150 when it comes to towing and hauling. When properly equipped, the truck has a maximum payload capacity of 2,455 pounds and a towing capacity of 13,500 pounds. The Silverado comes close, though it doesn't quite match these figures.

Learn more: The 2024 Ford F-150: Pricing, specs, and what's new this year for the talented full-size pickup

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 rolls into the 2024 model year with a few welcome changes. Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard, and you can now fit a turbodiesel in the off-road-focused ZR2 model, and safety packages gain front and rear parking sensors. Pricing starts at $37,445, including delivery charges.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 highlights

Strong standard engine: The turbodiesel has loads of torque, and the two available 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines have plenty of punch when called upon. Don't discount the base turbocharged 4-cylinder. It produces a stout 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It's also reasonably good on gas with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.

Trailering tech: Chevrolet wants to help take the stress out of towing. With this in mind, available features like the Trailer Camera System and Max Trailering Package are great to have onboard. The camera arrangement provides 14 views of the truck and trailer, while Max Trailering goodies consist of stronger rear springs, a more robust rear axle, and additional cooling.

Multi-Flex tailgate: This feature ranks as one of the most clever features any automaker has designed for a truck. Offered on every trim, this two-piece tailgate can serve as a handy step, function as a work surface (including a handy built-in ruler), or extend the cargo bed. Ford introduced its Pro Access Tailgate for the 2024 model year, with a partial swing-gate function for the center section of the gate. The feature hasn't spread to the entire lineup but will add healthy function when it takes hold.

Plus: Why Tesla's Cybertruck is no threat to traditional pickups

Similarities

You couldn't ask for two trucks with more overlap at every one of their many trim levels. They're priced and sized extremely close to one another and have identical basic and powertrain warranty coverage. And if fuel economy is a top priority, the Ford F-150's hybrid engine and the Chevy Silverado's turbodiesel are available.

Also on MarketWatch: 'Why did I do this to myself?' says TikToker with $1,600 truck payment and $1,400 SUV payment

Conclusion

The Chevy Silverado is nipping at the proverbial heels of the Ford F-150 and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a full-size pickup truck. It can't quite match the best hauling and towing figures posted by the Ford, though few truck owners ever come anywhere close to using their vehicle's maximum capabilities.

When the dust settles, the Ford F-150 maintains a slight edge and justifies its long-running status as KBB's Full-Size Truck Best Buy award winner. This year's round of updates made a good thing even better.

                          2024 Ford F-150                                                                                    2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 
   Starting Price         $37,445                                                                                            $37,445 
   Popular Powertrains 
   Engine                 Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6                                                                            Turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder 
   Horsepower             325 hp @ 5,000 rpm                                                                                 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm 
   Torque                 400 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm                                                                              430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm 
   Transmission           10-speed automatic                                                                                 8-speed automatic 
   Fuel economy           19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined                                                         18 mpg city/22 mpg highway/20 mpg combined 
   Also Available         5.0-liter V8, twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, twin-turbo gas-electric V6, supercharged 5.2-liter V8, 4WD  Turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-6, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, 4WD 
   Specs 
   Basic Warranty         3 years/36,000 miles                                                                               3 years/36,000 miles 
   Powertrain Warranty    5 years/60,000 miles                                                                               5 years/60,000 miles 
   NHTSA Overall Safety   5 star                                                                                             5 star 
   Max Seating Capacity   6                                                                                                  5 
   Wheelbase              145.0 inches (crew cab/short box)                                                                  147.4 inches (crew cab/short box) 
   Overall Length         231.7 inches                                                                                       231.9 inches 
   Width                  79.9 inches                                                                                        81.2 inches 
   Height                 75.2 inches                                                                                        75.5 inches 
   Turning Diameter       47.8 feet                                                                                          46.3 feet 
   Headroom, Front        40.8 inches                                                                                        43.0 inches 
   Headroom, Rear         40.4 inches                                                                                        40.1 inches 
   Legroom, Front         43.9 inches                                                                                        44.5 inches 
   Legroom, Rear          43.6 inches                                                                                        43.4 inches 
   Shoulder Room, Front   66.7 inches                                                                                        66.0 inches 
   Shoulder Room, Rear    66.0 inches                                                                                        65.2 inches 
   Cargo Volume           52.8 cubic feet                                                                                    62.9 cubic feet 

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

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05-23-24 0502ET

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