Starting at
Starting at
420 hp | Max. Horsepower | 450 hp |
9,900 lbs | Towing Capacity | 8,000 lbs |
8 | Trim Levels | 7 |
For some drivers, the utility capability is a crucial aspect of what makes a car a worthwhile purchase, and the pickup truck form factor is a champion of utility. From the cargo-dedicated truck bed to the incredible degree of power-packed beneath the hood of most pickup models, pick up trucks deliver a kind of driving experience that simply cannot be found by other types of vehicles. Across the industry, there are a wide variety of automakers who specialize in pickup trucks. Although, two have been rivals in pickup truck design since the very beginning, Chevy and Ford. Both automakers have a deep history in the development of pickup trucks, with models dating all the way back to when cars first took to the road. Nowadays, the long-time rivalry is still running strong, especially between the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2019 Ford F-150. Both trucks deliver in power, utility, and intuitive, modern features, however, many of the drivers that visit our dealership often ask us 'which is the superior pickup.'
A major discerning factor in what makes or breaks a pickup truck is the machinery installed beneath the hood. There are a lot of pickup truck models out there, yet not all of them provide the kind of top-notch performance and wide range of configurations as the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500. The latest flagship pickup truck from Chevy includes a wide array of engine options, totaling in eight different configurations ranging from zippy yet fuel-efficient four-cylinders to boisterous V-8s. Base models start large and in charge, sporting a 4.3-liter V-6 engine that provides 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft worth of torque. This engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and you, creating an entry level pickup that isn't afraid of delivering real raw mechanical power.
Towing capacity is also an excellent perk for base models, with a hauling capacity ranging from 7,000-8,000 lbs. At the very top of the trim option tree, drivers can expect a roaring 420 horsepower 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine which is equipped with a four-wheel-drivetrain that allows drivers to tow up to 9,300 lbs. The 5.3L V8 is able to haul up to 12,200 lbs when properly equipped. So as you may have noticed, the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 has no shortage of power with even the 2.7L turbo-4 engine bringing in 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft worth of torque. No matter what trim option, you should be able to expect a powerful driving experience that breaks all expectations.
The 2019 Ford F-150 is a model that has a much older history than the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 which was released in 1998 for new 1999 model years. That said, after all these years, the Ford F-150 still falls a little short in terms of engine options and performance. Gaze out at their listed engine configurations, and you won't find a single four-cylinder amongst them. While this may sound like good news to drivers who prioritize bulky engine blocks over low gas mileage, some drivers want something a little more fuel-efficient. And that engine is the turbo-4 in the Chevy Silverado 1500. That said, base models of the 2019 Ford F-150 get a similarly powerful 3.3-liter V-6 which delivers a reasonable 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft worth of torque. While things look good on the horsepower front, the Ford F-150 would have gotten props for providing an engine with a little more oomph in the torque department.
Towing capacity for the Ford F-150 would be great if we were talking about anything other than a top-rated pickup truck, offering up only 5,000 pounds to base model drivers. While larger engine configurations, such as the turbo diesel when properly equipped, bump things up to 11,500 lbs, what's offered by the Ford F-150 still falls short of what the Chevy Silverado 1500 can deliver. That said, the Ford F-150 does deliver in power when moving up to higher trim options, especially when you consider the diesel option. Ford F-150s sporting the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 can enjoy 250 horsepower and a staggering 440 lb-ft worth of torque. And if you want top-rated power, the Ford F-150 certainly delivers topping out in the 5.0-liter V-8 which pumps out 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft worth of torque.
When you browse the wide selection of trims offered under the Chevy Silverado 1500 umbrella, you'll find three differing cab styles. The Regular Cab, Double Cab, and the Crew Cab, which is standard fare for many pickup models. The Crew cab of the Chevy Silverado 1500 focuses primarily on the transport of passengers over cargo and improves upon last year's model offering 2.9-inches of legroom to an already spacious cabin. The DoubleCab manages to balance the combination of passenger transport and utilitarian cargo hauling. Offering room up to six passengers, this is the preferred option for many drivers. Moving over to the Regular Cab, you'll find an interior that can be quite cramped in the rear, yet takes advantage of a much larger truck bed. Speaking of truck beds, the 2019 Chevy Silverado comes in three different truck bed options measuring in at 5'8, 6'6, or 8’.
All that said, there is more to the interior of the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 than just space. Chevy's flagship pickup truck comes with plenty of interior dressings which only enhance the driving experience overall. Base models start pretty basic, offering up cloth seating, 17-inch wheels, and a 7.0-inch infotainment touch display that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these features may seem like a spartan package, drivers have the option to take things to the next level in higher trim options. Features like LED lighting, keyless access, a larger infotainment screen, leather upholstery, and heated and cooled front seats all accompany top trim options. With these features, they certainly help you make the most out of your driving experience.
Much like Chevy, Ford offers a number of cab options, including the SuperCab, Regular Cab, and SuperCrew. The Regular Cab is as to be expected, a lack of rear seats, and barely enough space for three. Select the SuperCab, and you have the option of a back row of seating, as well as rear doors for easy access. However, the rear legroom for the SuperCab configuration is less than stellar, and drivers would be better off just leaving those seats folded down for extra cargo space when not in use. Fortunately, the SuperCrew provides the best of both worlds, offering more than enough room for up to five passengers, and providing four doors for convenience's sake.
Interior comforts in the base model of the Ford F-150 are pretty stark. On all base models, drivers should only expect manual door locks, a dated AM/FM radio, vinyl flooring, and air conditioning. The bare minimum in this one. While you can take a step up to higher trim options and enjoy a long list of features like an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Sony audio system, and a power moonroof, you'll have to pay a fair amount extra to get a more modern pickup experience.
When it comes to safety, nowadays, drivers expect more than just seat belts and airbags. Modern safety features are active safety features which take steps to avoid an accident altogether potentially. Safety in the base model of the 2019 Chevy Silverado is pretty basic, however, worthwhile, including things like trailer sway controls, hill start assist, and a rearview camera. Things only expand from there, as drivers of high trim options like the LTZ and the High Country trims can enjoy top-notch active safety features such as emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Base models of the 2019 Ford F-150, on the other hand, don't go too far in their base model offerings. Of course, you'll get features like airbags and seat belts, but they do give you Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking standard, which is a nice treat. And considering what's already offered at the base option, drivers who are looking for a pickup with a decent array of standard safety features may be a little disappointed overall.