Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: A Used-Truck Comparison by Model Year

Choosing between a used Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is not as simple as comparing two current trucks. Model year matters.

A 2018 F-150, 2021 F-150, and 2025 F-150 come from different points in Ford’s development of the truck. The same is true for Silverado shoppers, especially around 2019 and 2022, when Chevrolet sold carryover versions alongside newer or refreshed trucks.

That means the better used truck depends on more than the badge on the grille. Engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, axle ratio, towing equipment, mileage, condition, and model year can all change the answer.

How to Compare Two Trucks Across Generations

When shopping used, start by identifying where each truck sits in its model history.

Two trucks with the same badge can have different engines, transmissions, interiors, driver-assistance features, towing technology, and even body construction depending on model year.

Ford F-150 Generations and Refreshes

The 2015 model year introduced a major F-150 redesign with a high-strength steel frame and extensive use of aluminum alloy in the body and bed. That basic generation ran through 2020, with an important refresh for 2018 that brought changes to styling and the powertrain lineup.

For used shoppers, the 2018 model year is especially important because Ford introduced a 3.3L V6 as the base engine, updated other engines, expanded use of its 10-speed automatic transmission, and later added a 3.0L Power Stroke diesel to the lineup.

The 2021 F-150 began another new generation. Along with a redesigned cabin and technology updates, Ford introduced the available 3.5L PowerBoost full-hybrid V6. That engine paired a 3.5L EcoBoost with an electric motor and also supported available Pro Power Onboard electrical power.

For 2024, Ford refreshed the F-150 again. The basic generation continued, but the lineup and equipment changed. A used shopper comparing a 2021–2023 truck against a 2024–2026 truck should therefore check standard equipment and engine availability rather than assuming they are identical.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Generations

For Silverado shoppers, 2019 is one of the most important model years to understand.

Chevrolet introduced an all-new Silverado 1500 for 2019, but it also sold the previous-generation truck as the 2019 Silverado 1500 LD. The Silverado LD was not simply another trim of the new truck; it was based on the outgoing design.

This means two pickups advertised as 2019 Silverados can be fundamentally different vehicles.

The current Silverado 1500 generation continued into the early 2020s, but 2022 created another potential source of confusion. Chevrolet sold the 2022 Silverado 1500 LTD, which carried over the earlier configuration, while a substantially refreshed 2022 Silverado arrived with updated styling, interior technology, and powertrain changes.

For a used buyer, “2022 Silverado” is therefore not specific enough. You want to know whether the truck is an LTD or the refreshed version.

Why a Newest-Year Comparison Can Mislead Used Buyers

A comparison focused only on the newest F-150 and Silverado can tell you what the trucks are like today, but it may have little to do with the vehicles actually sitting in your budget.

Someone comparing a 2019 F-150 Platinum with a 2021 Silverado LT is choosing between different engines, generations, equipment levels, mileage, and technology.

F-150 vs. Silverado Engines and Powertrains by Year

Engine availability is one of the biggest differences between these trucks, and it changed several times during the model years most used buyers are likely to encounter.

Engine availability varies by trim, drivetrain, cab, model year, and production configuration. Verify the equipment on the individual truck.

EcoBoost, V8, Hybrid, and Diesel Choices

The F-150’s biggest advantage for shoppers who like powertrain variety is the number of different approaches Ford has offered.

The 2.7L EcoBoost is a smaller turbocharged V6 that can make sense for someone who wants full-size-truck usefulness without automatically moving to the largest engine. The 3.5L EcoBoost has been the more towing-focused turbocharged choice in many configurations, while the 5.0L remains the naturally aspirated V8 option.

Beginning in 2021, PowerBoost added another path. It combines a 3.5L EcoBoost with hybrid assistance and is particularly interesting for buyers who want both truck capability and the available Pro Power Onboard system.

Used diesel F-150 shoppers need to look at a narrower window. Ford’s 3.0L Power Stroke diesel appeared for the 2018 model year and was available through 2021.

Silverado takes a somewhat different approach. The 5.3L V8 is one of the most common engines used shoppers will encounter, while the available 6.2L V8 provides more output in compatible trims and configurations. Newer models also offer the turbocharged 2.7L engine now marketed as TurboMax.

Then there is the 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel. For buyers who specifically want a half-ton diesel, that engine makes newer used Silverados especially worth considering.

Which Engine Is Better?

There is no single answer. A buyer who mostly commutes and occasionally hauls may prioritize a 2.7L EcoBoost or TurboMax truck differently from someone pulling a camper every month. A buyer who specifically wants a V8 has options in both trucks.

Someone looking for a full-hybrid half-ton will naturally pay more attention to a 2021-or-newer PowerBoost F-150, while a buyer who wants a newer diesel half-ton will likely spend more time looking at Silverado Duramax inventory.

The key is matching the engine to how you will actually use the truck instead of buying the biggest available engine by default.

Capability: Towing, Payload, and MPG

This is where used-truck comparisons most often go wrong.

Maximum towing numbers are useful for understanding what a model can achieve when properly configured. They are not the towing rating of every truck with the same badge.

Maximum Towing vs. Your Truck’s Towing Capacity

As a current reference point, properly configured 2026 F-150 models can reach a maximum available tow rating of 13,500 pounds, while Chevrolet lists up to 13,300 pounds for the 2026 Silverado 1500.

Cab style, wheelbase, drivetrain, axle ratio, towing package, passengers, accessories, and cargo can change what a specific truck can handle.

If you are shopping a used truck specifically to tow a boat, camper, equipment trailer, or work trailer, the useful question is not “How much can an F-150 tow?” It is “How much can this VIN and this configuration tow?”

Payload Matters Too

Payload includes the people and cargo carried by the truck, plus the portion of trailer weight pressing down on the hitch. A truck can therefore reach its payload limit before reaching an advertised maximum trailer weight.

For current context, Ford publishes a maximum available payload of up to 2,440 pounds for the 2026 F-150, while Chevrolet publishes up to 2,260 pounds for the 2026 Silverado 1500.

Those are model maximums. The payload rating for the truck you are considering should be verified on the vehicle’s door-jamb label.

MPG by Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel economy also changes enough that it should be compared by configuration rather than nameplate. Engine is only part of the equation. Four-wheel drive, axle gearing, tires, trim, and model year can alter EPA ratings.

For example, a 2021 F-150 XLT with the 2.7L V6 and 4×4 can have different EPA figures from a 2021 F-150 XLT with a 5.0L V8 and rear-wheel drive.

The same principle applies to Silverado. Chevrolet’s current 3.0L Duramax 2WD configuration is rated as high as an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but those numbers should not be applied to a 4×4 V8 Silverado—or to an older diesel model.

For an accurate used-truck comparison, check the EPA rating for the exact model year, engine, and drivetrain.

Cabs, Beds, and Interior Technology by Year

An engine comparison will not help if the truck does not fit your passengers or cargo.

F-150 Cab and Bed Configurations

Depending on model year and configuration, used F-150 shoppers may encounter:

• Regular Cab
• SuperCab
• SuperCrew

Recent F-150s have offered approximately 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot bed choices, although not every cab is available with every bed.

SuperCrew models prioritize rear-seat space and are common choices for families and buyers who use one truck for both work and daily driving. Regular Cab and SuperCab configurations may appeal more to shoppers prioritizing bed length, lower weight, or a more work-focused layout.

Silverado Cab and Bed Configurations

Used Silverado 1500 shoppers may see:

• Regular Cab
• Double Cab
• Crew Cab

Current Silverado bed choices include approximately 5-foot-8-inch short, 6-foot-6-inch standard, and 8-foot-1-inch long beds, with availability depending on cab and configuration.

If cargo dimensions matter—for example, tools, building materials, motorcycles, landscaping equipment, or recreational gear—verify the bed length on the specific listing.

Interior and Technology Differences

Newer does not automatically mean better for every buyer, but technology changes can be substantial.

A 2021-generation F-150 introduced an updated cabin and newer SYNC technology compared with the 2015–2020 generation. Equipment varies by trim, but newer examples may offer larger displays, wireless smartphone integration, more advanced driver-assistance features, and newer towing tools.

Silverado shoppers should pay particular attention to 2022. A Silverado 1500 LTD can look attractive on price, but its cabin and equipment are based on the earlier version of the truck. The refreshed 2022 Silverado introduced a newer interior on many trims.

If infotainment, cameras, driver assistance, or trailer technology matters to you, compare the equipment list rather than assuming two trucks from the same model year have the same cabin.

Which Used Truck Fits You?

Instead of trying to declare one universal winner, it is more useful to identify where each truck may fit better.

Where the F-150 May Fit Better

A used F-150 deserves a closer look if you value:

• A broad selection of engines across recent model years.
• The availability of smaller EcoBoost engines and the 3.5L EcoBoost.
• A naturally aspirated V8 option.
• PowerBoost hybrid availability beginning with 2021.
• Available Pro Power Onboard on newer trucks.
• A wide range of cab and bed combinations.
• Strong towing capability when properly configured.

Where the Silverado May Fit Better

A used Silverado 1500 deserves a closer look if you value:

• Broad availability of the 5.3L V8 in the used market.
• An available 6.2L V8 in compatible trims.
• The 3.0L Duramax diesel in newer used trucks.
• A turbocharged four-cylinder option in the current generation.
• Regular, Double, and Crew Cab choices.
• Three useful bed-length categories.
• Strong trailering capability when properly equipped.

Silverado’s model-year transitions can also create interesting used-shopping opportunities. A 2019 LD or 2022 LTD may be priced differently from the newer version sold during the same model year. That does not automatically make one better—it means you should know exactly which truck you are evaluating.

What to Verify on a Specific Used F-150 or Silverado

If towing is a major reason you are buying the truck, contact City Auto to help identify the truck’s equipment before you finalize your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500 better used?

Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on model year, engine, drivetrain, equipment, mileage, condition, maintenance history, price, and how you plan to use the truck. Comparing two specific vehicles is more useful than comparing the nameplates in general.

Which tows more, the F-150 or Silverado 1500?

It depends on model year and configuration. As a current reference, Ford lists up to 13,500 pounds of maximum available towing for a properly configured 2026 F-150, while Chevrolet lists up to 13,300 pounds for a properly equipped 2026 Silverado 1500. A specific used truck may be rated substantially lower.

What is a 2019 Silverado 1500 LD?

The 2019 Silverado 1500 LD is a carryover version of the previous-generation Silverado sold during the same model year that Chevrolet introduced its redesigned Silverado 1500. Used shoppers should not assume a 2019 Silverado LD and a new-body 2019 Silverado have the same specifications or equipment.

What is a 2022 Silverado 1500 LTD?

The 2022 Silverado 1500 LTD carried over the earlier version of the Silverado while Chevrolet prepared and launched the refreshed 2022 truck. If you are looking at a 2022 Silverado, confirm whether it is an LTD or the refreshed model.

Which used F-150 has the PowerBoost hybrid?

The 3.5L PowerBoost full-hybrid V6 joined the F-150 lineup for the 2021 model year. Availability depends on year, trim, and configuration.

Can you buy a diesel F-150?

Yes, but only within a limited used-model-year window. Ford offered a 3.0L Power Stroke diesel in the F-150 beginning with the 2018 model year and through 2021. Buyers looking for newer half-ton diesel options may instead encounter Silverado 1500 models equipped with Chevrolet’s 3.0L Duramax.

Does the Silverado 1500 have a diesel engine?

Newer Silverado 1500 models are available with a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel. Availability varies by model year and trim, so confirm the engine on the individual truck.

Can I determine towing capacity from the VIN?

The VIN can help identify important vehicle information, but towing capacity may also depend on axle ratio, cab, bed, drivetrain, packages, GVWR, GCWR, payload, and other equipment. Use the manufacturer’s towing guide and the vehicle’s labels to verify the rating of a specific truck.

Should I buy the newest F-150 or Silverado I can afford?

Not necessarily. A slightly older truck with the engine, axle ratio, cab, bed, towing package, maintenance history, and condition you need may be a better fit than a newer truck with the wrong configuration. Compare the complete vehicle rather than model year alone.