Matchup
Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2026 F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 3.5 EcoBoost against the 2026 Silverado 1500 LT Crew Cab 4WD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the F-150 costs about $416 a year less to run: $3,535/yr against $3,951/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- IIHS rates the F-150’s headlights Good and the Silverado 1500’s Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The F-150 is rated to tow 1,200 lb more: 10,500 lb against 9,300 lb. PublishedFordPublishedChevrolet
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the F-150 and still stop inside the lit road is 70 mph; in the Silverado 1500 it’s 64 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
Who each one suits
In these trims the F-150 wins most of the measured categories. It tows 1,200 lb more, costs about $416 a year less to run, rides 1.7 in higher, and has Good headlights against the Silverado’s Poor. It also scores better in the IIHS small overlap and side tests, and NHTSA gives it 5★ against 4★.
The Silverado turns 1.5 ft tighter and hides less of the road over its hood.
At a glance
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $56,930PublishedJ.D. Power | $58,090PublishedGM Authority |
| Powertrain | 3.5 L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with port and direct injection and a gasoline particulate filter · Part-time 4x4 (electronic shift-on-the-fly) | 5.3 L pushrod V8 (L84), direct injection, Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation · Auto 4WD (single-speed Autotrac transfer case: Auto, 2H, 4H) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | no data | 6.1 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | no data | 186 ft (56.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Bed length at the floor | 67.1 in (1.70 m)PublishedFord | 69.9 in (1.78 m)PublishedC/D specs |
| Seats | 6Published | 6Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G | NHTSA 4★ overall · IIHS crash tests M/P/A |
Acceleration
In our simulation the F-150 gets to 60 mph 1.1 s sooner: 5.0 s against 6.1 s.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 382 hp (285 kW)PublishedFord | 355 hp (265 kW)PublishedChevrolet |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft (678 Nm)PublishedFord | 383 lb-ft (519 Nm)PublishedChevrolet |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | no data | 6.1 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 5.0 sSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 6.1 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | no data | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | no data | 14.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the F-150 and the Silverado 1500 on what we can measure here.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | no data | 186 ft (56.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 377 ft (114.9 m)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 378 ft (115.4 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 288 ft (87.7 m)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 289 ft (88.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 175 ft (53.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 176 ft (53.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the F-150 and the Silverado 1500 on what we can measure here.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 19.1% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★ · 19.8% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.16Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 1.15Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the F-150 costs about $416 a year less to run: $3,535/yr against $3,951/yr.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $3,535/yrDerivedEPA | $3,951/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 23 mpg (10.3 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.40DerivedEPA | 0.38PublishedChevrolet |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The F-150 rides higher: 9.8 in of ground clearance against 8.1 in.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | no data | 0.78 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.76 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 0.78 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.24 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 0.24 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 47.8 ft (14.6 m)PublishedThe Car Connection | 46.3 ft (14.1 m)PublishedC/D specs |
| Ground clearance | 9.8 in (25 cm)PublishedFord | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedC/D specs |
| Tires | 275/65R18 (Michelin Primacy XC on the XLT 4x4) · 275/65R18EstimateCar and Driver | 255/70R17 all-season · 255/70R17PublishedC/D specs |
Space, luggage and fit
The F-150 is rated to tow 1,200 lb more: 10,500 lb against 9,300 lb.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6Published | 6Published |
| Bed length at the floor | 67.1 in (1.70 m)PublishedFord | 69.9 in (1.78 m)PublishedC/D specs |
| Payload | 1,905 lb (864 kg)PublishedFord | 1,990 lb (903 kg)PublishedGM Authority |
| Towing | 10,500 lb (4,763 kg)PublishedFord | 9,300 lb (4,218 kg)PublishedChevrolet |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +0.3 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +0.3 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.3 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.3 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.0 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +1.5 in (4 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +6.4 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.4 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.5 in head · +2.1 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −1.0 in head · +2.1 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.8 in (104 cm)PublishedFord | 43.0 in (109 cm)PublishedC/D specs |
| Rear head room, published | 40.4 in (103 cm)PublishedFord | 40.1 in (102 cm)PublishedC/D specs |
| Rear leg room, published | 43.6 in (111 cm)PublishedFord | 43.4 in (110 cm)PublishedC/D specs |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the F-150 and the Silverado 1500 on what we can measure here.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | no data | 65 dBAEstimateCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Silverado 1500’s hood hides the first 28 ft of road; the F-150’s hides 32 ft.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 32 ft (9.7 m)Simulated | 28 ft (8.4 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 43%Simulated | 40%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
IIHS rates the F-150’s headlights Good and the Silverado 1500’s Poor.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | PoorTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 341 ft (103.8 m)TestedIIHS | 296 ft (90.1 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 64 mph (103 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 560 ft (170.8 m)TestedIIHS | 531 ft (162.0 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS small overlap front test the F-150 rates Good and the Silverado 1500 Marginal.
| F-150 | Silverado 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 4★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | MarginalTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | PoorTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 5,096 lb (2,312 kg)PublishedFord | 5,226 lb (2,370 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Ford F-150
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the F-150 costs about $416 a year less to run: $3,535/yr against $3,951/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- IIHS rates the F-150’s headlights Good and the Silverado 1500’s Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The F-150 is rated to tow 1,200 lb more: 10,500 lb against 9,300 lb. PublishedFordPublishedChevrolet
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the F-150 and still stop inside the lit road is 70 mph; in the Silverado 1500 it’s 64 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- In the IIHS small overlap front test the F-150 rates Good and the Silverado 1500 Marginal. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In our simulation the F-150 gets to 60 mph 1.1 s sooner: 5.0 s against 6.1 s. Simulated, estimated inputsfrom FordSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- The F-150 rides higher: 9.8 in of ground clearance against 8.1 in. PublishedFordPublishedC/D specs
- The F-150 is rated 19 mpg combined by the EPA, 2 mpg better than the Silverado 1500 (17 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- NHTSA gives the F-150 5★ overall and the Silverado 1500 4★. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
- IIHS measured the F-150’s low beams lighting the road 45 ft farther on a straightaway: 341 ft against 296 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In the IIHS side test the F-150 rates Good and the Silverado 1500 Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The F-150 makes 27 hp more: 382 hp against 355 hp. PublishedFordPublishedChevrolet
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- From the driver’s seat the Silverado 1500’s hood hides the first 28 ft of road; the F-150’s hides 32 ft. Simulated
- The Silverado 1500 turns in a 1.5 ft tighter circle: 46.3 ft against 47.8 ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionPublishedC/D specs
Other trims
- Silverado 1500 LT Crew Cab 4WD · on this page
- Silverado 1500 ZR2
Keep comparing
Sources
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Ford F150 Pickup 4WD 3.5 L (id 50099) and F150 Pickup 4WD HEV (id 50097) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD 5.3 L with Sport Mode (id 49389) and Silverado 4WD ZR2 6.2 L (id 49386) ratings (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Ford F-150 crew cab pickup ratings (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab pickup ratings (2026-10)
- Ford: 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (F-150 conventional towing tables; dealer-hosted copy) (2026)
- Chevrolet: 2026 Silverado 1500 maximum trailering ratings (conventional and fifth-wheel, by cab, bed, drive and engine) (2026-10)
- J.D. Power: 2026 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD SuperCrew 5.5’ Box pricing (MSRP $51,915) (2026-10)
- GM Authority: 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 gets price increase (MSRP + destination by trim, configuration and engine) (2025-12)
- Car and Driver: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V-8 Tested (RST 4WD Crew Cab) (2018-11)
- Ford: 2026 F-150 specifications (dimensions, box, weights, payload, towing, engines, interior) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 Silverado 1500 LT Crew Cab short box 4WD specifications (dimensions, bed, brakes, tires) (2026-10)
- Chevrolet: 2026 Silverado 1500: engines, trims and starting prices (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 Ford F-150 XLT Hybrid (XLT SuperCrew 4x4 PowerBoost) (2025-04)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Ford F-150 (SuperCrew) gas 4WD (VehicleId 21411) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab PU 4WD (VehicleId 21857) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor tested (3.5 L EcoBoost, SuperCrew 4x4 5.5-ft) (2021-12)
- Car and Driver: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review (75-mph highway fuel economy of the 5.3 L V8) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (F-150 3.5 L 4WD, Tremor and HEV coastdown targets, axle ratios) (2026-01)
- Chevrolet: 2019 Silverado 1500 catalog (0.38 drag coefficient, aerodynamics) (2026-10)
- The Car Connection: 2025 Ford F-150 specifications (turning diameter, brake rotor diameters) (2026-10)
- GM Authority: Here are the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 payload capacities (GM table by cab, bed, drive and engine) (2026-03)
- Car and Driver: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2.7L Turbo Four Tested (RST 4WD Double Cab; 65 dBA at 70 mph) (2019-02)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.