Toughness is important if you’re using your ute for real work, where towing capacity, fuel economy and payload determine how fast you get the job done.
Then there’s your image to consider.
So which of the big two is the working class hero in 2018? Here’s a closer look:
| Toughness Features | Ford F-150 | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Base model engine | 290-horsepower 3.3L V6 | 285-horsepower 4.3L V6 |
| Range-topping engine | 450-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5L V6 (510 pound-feet torque) | 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 |
| Towing Capacity | 13,200 pounds | 12,500 pounds |
| Payload | 3,270 pounds | 2,250 pounds |
The Engine
The Ford offers a broader spectrum of engines, using EcoBoost technology to get more power out of its V6 engines, and it’s lighter weight means better acceleration and fuel economy.
However, Ford isn’t offering a V8 option – you could argue that they don’t need to because they get more power using turbo. Still, you can’t look past the guttural sound of a V8 engine, even if it hurts the hip pocket at the fuel pump.
The Inside
The interior of both models can be decked out with comfortable trim, the latest phone mirroring technology, and navigation. The F-150 takes this a little further with heated, ventilated leather massage seats as an option – that’s not tough, it’s downright cushy.
Steel vs Aluminium
The Ford F-150 has an aluminium chassis, making it much lighter and more nimble and responsive on the road. Nimble for a massive truck, that is.
The Chevy Silverado is made of steel, so it’s heavier. Quite a lot heavier. Nevertheless, it still has strong handling, accurate and responsive steering, and is quite maneuverable in tight spaces.
Towing & Payload
There’s not much to choose between the two here, and if the Silverado could lose a little body weight it’s powerful V8 might edge ahead of the Ford F-150. For now, the F-150 comes out ahead with a slightly higher towing capacity of 13,200 pounds and payload of 3,270 (to the Chevrolet Silverado’s 12,500 pounds/2,250 pounds).
Tow technology on both is excellent with trailer sway and trailer brake control, while the F-150 features ‘trailer backup assist’ which is designed to make reversing a trailer easier.
Reliability
The Chevrolet Silverado is historically the more reliable vehicle, which means that it’s more likely not to break down, and to make you the guy people turn to when they need a hand.
Off-road
Both the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are available in 4WD. The Silverado has options for heavy-duty suspension, locking differential and hill-descent control. The F-150 has options for locking rear-differential and bead-lock wheels. The special edition ‘Raptor’ built in 2016, in particular, shines off-road.
The Toughest Truck of 2018 is…
The Ford F-150 has just edged out the Chevrolet Silverado in 2018 for toughness metrics, mostly because of the practicality edge it gets with better off-road ability in the Raptor and larger tow & payload capacity.
That said, we reckon your image is safe you either option.
What about 2019 models?
The Ford F-150 will have to watch it’s back in 2019 when Chevrolet is expected to come out with an all-new model, using aluminium parts to lower its weight.
Plus Chevrolet will boost their off-road credentials with “Trailboss” including skid plates, Rancho shocks, a two-inch lift and off-road tires. Watch this space to see if the top-selling American truck gets bumped to second place in 2019.
Article Provided by Positive Lending Solutions
