Starting at
Starting at
26 | Fuel Economy (mpg) | 23 |
89.1 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 77.4 |
13.4 | Screen Size (in) | 12 |
In the annals of human history, there exist few conflicts more perpetual and enduring than the one between Chevrolet and Ford. More specifically, between the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Ford F-150. As two of the most revered automobile manufacturers known the world over, someone would be hard-pressed to find an individual completely unfamiliar with these brands and the achievements they've accomplished through the years. Naturally, both are well known for their respective lineages with the pickup truck.
As the vehicle of choice for both blue-collar workers and off-road aficionados, the pickup is the ultimate symbol of both rugged individualism and uncompromising attitude. The spirit of competition has bred technological breakthroughs and engineering efficiency, as both brands have strived to provide a superior product to their respective customers. Consumers and fans of both the Silverado and F-150 attest to their reliability and reputation. Today, this contest comes to the forefront of discussion. These titans of the highway go head-to-head in a gladiatorial contest to determine supremacy. Let the battle begin!
For the average consumer whose daily activities require a pickup truck, the question that's asked the most is "what's under the hood?" This is a legitimate concern. After all, whether you want to conquer a road that's unpaved and off the beaten path or have an arduous task ahead of you in terms of a heavy workload, having a capable engine to accommodate both is of the highest importance. Decades ago, drag racers put Ford and Chevy engines to the test in battles that saw the Camaro and Mustang duke it out. While the engines of today are just as powerful, their use is geared towards real-world performance.
For customers loyal to either brand, they'll be pleased to know that Chevy and Ford have placed a heavy emphasis on variety. At the low end of the spectrum for the F-150 is a simple 3.3L V-6. Generating an adequate 290 ponies of horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, Ford sacrifices power for affordability. However, Chevrolet equips the 2022 Silverado with a standard motor that simply overpowers Ford's offering. The smallest engine that Chevrolet offers is a 2.7L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The smaller speed demon first began making appearances for the 2019 model year and now generates an impressive 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque––an impressive feat for a 4-cylinder engine. Critically acclaimed by several in the industry, this is the little engine that can, especially with a projected lifespan of well over 100,000 miles.
Turbocharged motors might be enough for some, but others need workhorses to accomplish the near impossible. Luckily, both Chevy and Ford understand this and offer alternatives. For those who have big jobs, Ford offers the "Coyote," a 5.0L V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This is one coyote that puts the horses out to pasture with its capabilities. This engine offers a towing capability of 13,000 lbs, making it ideal for trailering hobbyists.
Just as it did when confronted with Mustang years ago, Chevy ups the ante at the card game. The hand that Chevy plays that speaks to its blue-collar ethics comes in the form of a 6.2L V8. And just as the Camaro outran the Mustang all those decades ago, Chevy once again outshines its competitor. The legacy of the Chevy big-block motor continues with an earth-shaking 420 ponies and the ability to generate a staggering 460 lb-ft of torque. And with 13,300 lbs of available towing capacity, Chevy once again redefines power.
While Chevy and Ford have continued to duke it out over the decades, another challenger has returned to the fold in hopes of reestablishing its legacy—the diesel engine. Ford discontinued its diesel-powered motor, the 3.0L Power Stroke V6, after the 2021 model year. However, Chevy still rises to the challenge with its 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel, which is by far the most efficient in the industry. The Duramax is notable for its ability to go the extra distance for drivers, with a lifespan of hundreds of thousands of miles. Chevy outshines Ford in terms of diesel power, and its offering boasts 277 ponies and 460 lb-ft of torque. The advantages don't stop there, as the Duramax also provides a combined 26 MPG and a towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. That's efficiency you can bet the farm on.
It's been remarked before that pickup trucks are the "new Cadillacs." That is to say, they provide an abundance of creature comforts and amenities, and their interior space ensures that the driver and passengers alike can feel like they've been scooped up and placed in the lap of luxury. While we want to emphasize that both the Silverado 1500 and F-150 are workhorses and not couches on wheels, they do provide an enjoyable level of comfort to make the working day or long-distance commute more enjoyable. And because what one finds comfortable and one finds a distraction are subjective, we'll offer some objectivity as we examine the subject.
Both models offer dual-zone climate control, and the F-150 offers a folding gear shifter and power outlets to provide more room for work and electricity when the situation calls for it. Chevy brings its unique attention to intricate detail with the rustic aesthetic that's found in the Silverado's interior. Available open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery allow for a look and feel that celebrates the lineage of the pickup while still giving you the well-deserved relaxation you deserve. For those moments when you need a little bit of extra workroom, Chevy's Multi-Flex tailgate is an innovation that assists any occupation.
Just as standard as a rearview mirror these days is a vehicle's infotainment center. This control panel is usually embedded within the center console and allows for navigation, music, and other entertainment, even acting as a control center for some of the special features that allow any journey you're on to be safe.
The F-150's standard 8" infotainment screen is powered by the manufacturer's SYNC 4 software and allows for weather updates and detailed navigation. As the brand has continually done throughout the years, Chevy provides an alternative that's quite visible to the naked eye. First and foremost, an available 13.4" touchscreen improves overall clarity, and the future is brought into the present with voice-powered Google assist. Both the F-150 and Silverado are compatible with Android and Apple for entertainment. So, no matter which smartphone you opt for, you'll be taken care of.
When it comes to examining the safety of any vehicle, it's important that objectivity remains firmly in place. Any company that's producing motor vehicles has an obligation to keep its customers safe when they're on the road. The question when it comes to safety is one of availability. What comes standard? Peace of mind is a hard thing to obtain today, and being safe and secure shouldn't come with a price tag.
The Ford F-150 doesn't hold much back when it comes to providing safety to consumers. A variety of standard features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Both of which are ideal for driving a vehicle of such a large size. A noticeable downside of the F-150 is that while there are several features available, the competition makes more features standard than Ford does. One aspect of the F-150 that cannot be ignored is the high marks the vehicle continues to make as far as government-mandated safety tests are concerned. A 5-star rating from the NHTSA is certainly a testament to the brand's reliability.
The Silverado 1500, on the other hand, gives the advantages of safety and convenience access to the average consumer. For the 2022 model year redesign, Chevy has equipped all trims of the Silverado with Chevy Safety Assist. This is a collection of standard features that make peace of mind more accessible than ever before with Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and more. As usual, all Chevy vehicles come with the Teen Driver program. This allows for parents to monitor their children's driving and allow them to develop the habits that all drivers should adhere to. It's just another way that Chevy places safety at the forefront.