Chevy Silverado 1500 vs Ford F-150: 2026 and 2027 Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 are longtime full-size pickup rivals. Here is the 2026 Silverado 1500 (on our lot now) and the redesigned 2027 Silverado, arriving late 2026, against the 2026 F-150, Ford’s newest model on sale, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2026 F-150 is rated slightly higher for maximum towing (13,500 vs 13,300 lbs) and payload (2,440 vs 2,260 lbs), and the 720-hp Raptor R tops anything in the Silverado lineup. The 2026 Silverado 1500 starts $2,385 lower, tows more with its base engine (9,500 vs 8,400 lbs) and in ZR2 vs Raptor form (8,800 vs 8,200 lbs), and offers a Duramax diesel with the best EPA rating in this matchup (25 mpg combined), a larger 13.4-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise hands-free driving while towing, which Ford lists as new for 2027. The 2027 Silverado raises max towing to 13,700 lbs and adds a 16.3-inch screen.
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2026 Silverado 1500 trucks on our Lakewood lot, plus the redesigned 2027 Silverado arriving late 2026.
The Matchup: Today’s Trucks and the 2027 Silverado
Ford’s 2026 F-150 offers a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft), a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft), a 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) and the 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid (430 hp, 578 lb-ft), plus a 450-hp High-Output EcoBoost in the Raptor and a 720-hp supercharged 5.2L V8 in the Raptor R, all with a 10-speed automatic. The 2026 Silverado 1500 offers a 2.7L TurboMax (310 hp, 430 lb-ft), a 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft), a 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp, 495 lb-ft).
On paper the F-150 has a small edge in maximum towing (13,500 vs 13,300 lbs) and payload (2,440 vs 2,260 lbs). The Silverado counters with a lower starting price, more towing with its base engine, the Duramax diesel’s 25-mpg combined EPA rating, a larger touchscreen and Super Cruise, which can be used while towing on the 2026 High Country. Ford lists BlueCruise with towing as new for the 2027 F-150.
The redesigned 2027 Silverado 1500, expected at dealers at the end of 2026, brings new 5.7L (402 hp) and 6.6L (481 hp) V8s, a 350-hp TurboMax, up to 13,700 lbs of towing with the 5.7L, which Chevrolet calls best in class, a standard 16.3-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise hands-free towing up to 13,600 lbs. Ford has announced 2027 F-150 updates, including new grilles and BlueCruise with towing, with pricing and specs not yet published.
Silverado 1500 vs F-150 Specs
| Spec | 2026 Silverado 1500 | 2026 Ford F-150 | 2027 Silverado 1500 (announced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. $2,795 destination) | $37,200 (WT) | $39,585 (XL) | $38,600 (WT) |
| Engines (hp / lb-ft) | 2.7L TurboMax (310 / 430); 5.3L V8 (355 / 383); 6.2L V8 (420 / 460); 3.0L Duramax diesel (305 / 495) | 2.7L EcoBoost (325 / 400); 3.5L EcoBoost (400 / 500); 5.0L V8 (400 / 410); 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid (430 / 578); Raptor 3.5L HO (450 / 510); Raptor R 5.2L supercharged V8 (720 / 640) | 2.7L TurboMax (350 / 455); 5.7L V8 (402 / 428); 6.6L V8 (481 / 501); 3.0L Duramax (305 / 495) |
| Transmission | 8-speed (TurboMax); 10-speed (others) | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Max towing | 13,300 lbs (Duramax) | 13,500 lbs (3.5L EcoBoost) | 13,700 lbs (5.7L V8) |
| Max payload | 2,260 lbs | 2,440 lbs | 2,340 lbs |
| Best EPA combined | 25 mpg (Duramax 2WD) | 24 mpg (PowerBoost 4×2); 21 mpg (2.7L 4×2) | Not yet rated |
| Diesel engine | 3.0L Duramax | Not offered | 3.0L Duramax |
| Center screen | 13.4 in. (LT and up) | 12 in. (all trims) | 16.3 in. (all trims) |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise, including while towing (High Country) | BlueCruise (available; towing use listed as new for 2027) | Super Cruise with towing up to 13,600 lbs |
| Off-road flagship | ZR2: Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-lockers, 33-in. tires | Raptor: FOX Live Valve shocks, 12.0-in. ground clearance, up to 37-in. tires | ZR2: 35-in. tires, front and rear e-lockers, DSSV dampers |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi; hybrid 8 yr/100,000 mi | Not announced |
Sources: chevrolet.com, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailering Guide and GM newsroom; ford.com 2026 F-150 pages (engine ratings as published on ford.com) and the 2026 Ford F-150 Towing Guide; fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better 2026 on-sale figure.
By the Numbers
Max towing
Max payload
Best EPA combined fuel economy
Towing by Engine
A truck’s maximum rating comes from one specific configuration, so it helps to compare engine by engine. The 2026 Silverado 1500 out-tows the F-150 with its base engine (9,500 vs 8,400 lbs), with its top V8 (13,200 vs 12,800 lbs) and in ZR2 vs Raptor form (8,800 vs 8,200 lbs), and its Duramax diesel is rated higher than Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid (13,300 vs 12,400 lbs). The F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost holds the top rating in this matchup at 13,500 lbs.
| Engine type | 2026 Silverado 1500 | 2026 Ford F-150 | 2027 Silverado 1500 (announced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 2.7L TurboMax: 9,500 lbs | 2.7L EcoBoost: 8,400 lbs | 2.7L TurboMax: 9,400 lbs |
| V8 | 5.3L: 11,300 lbs; 6.2L: 13,200 lbs | 5.0L: 12,800 lbs | 5.7L: 13,700 lbs; 6.6L: 9,700 lbs |
| Diesel or hybrid | 3.0L Duramax diesel: 13,300 lbs | 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid: 12,400 lbs | 3.0L Duramax diesel: 12,000 lbs |
| Twin-turbo V6 | Not offered | 3.5L EcoBoost: 13,500 lbs | Not offered |
| Off-road flagship | ZR2 (6.2L): 8,800 lbs | Raptor: 8,200 lbs; Raptor R: 8,700 lbs | Not yet published |
Best configuration for each engine, from the 2026 Chevrolet Trailering Guide, GM’s 2027 Silverado specifications and Ford’s 2026 F-150 Towing Guide. Each rating requires a specific cab, bed, axle and package. Bold marks the higher 2026 figure.
Payload usually runs out before towing capacity does. Tongue weight counts against payload: plan on roughly 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer’s weight for a conventional hitch and 15 to 25 percent for a fifth-wheel or gooseneck. Check the payload label on the driver’s door jamb of the exact truck, and match its cab, bed, drive and axle to the right row of the manufacturer’s towing guide.
Trailering Technology
The Silverado 1500 offers up to 14 camera views, Transparent Trailer View (with an accessory camera), Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, an in-vehicle trailering app and Super Cruise that can be used while towing on the High Country. For 2027 it adds up to 11 cameras and 19 views on the ZR2 and Trail Boss, Boat Ramp Assist and a Trailer Brake Gain Assistant.
Ford’s F-150 offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist (standard from the Lariat up), a Smart Trailer Tow Connector, a 360-degree camera and Pro Power Onboard generators up to 7.2 kW.
Off-Road Trims: ZR2 vs Raptor
The F-150 Raptor is the more extreme off-roader, with FOX Live Valve shocks, a 450-hp High-Output EcoBoost (720 hp in the Raptor R), up to 37-inch tires and 12.0 inches of ground clearance, which Ford calls best in class. The Silverado ZR2 counters with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials and 33-inch mud-terrain tires, tows more (up to 8,800 lbs vs 8,200 for the Raptor and 8,700 for the Raptor R) and starts at $71,800, $7,205 less than the Raptor. The Trail Boss trims add a 2-inch lift and an automatic locking rear differential, and the 2027 ZR2 moves up to 35-inch tires.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Silverado 1500 if you want
- A lower starting price
- More towing with the base engine (9,500 lbs vs 8,400)
- The Duramax diesel and the best EPA rating in this matchup (25 mpg combined)
- Super Cruise hands-free driving, even while towing
- A larger 13.4-inch touchscreen (16.3 in. for 2027)
- The ZR2, which costs less and tows more than a Raptor
- The redesigned 2027 Silverado, with up to 13,700 lbs of towing
Choose the Ford F-150 if you want
- The highest 2026 maximum towing rating (13,500 lbs)
- More payload (2,440 lbs)
- The PowerBoost hybrid and Pro Power Onboard generators
- The Raptor or the 720-hp Raptor R
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Interior and Technology
The 2026 Silverado 1500 has a 13.4-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver display from the LT up, with Google built-in available. The 2027 Silverado makes a 16.3-inch touchscreen and 12.2-inch driver display standard on every trim, and the ZR2 and High Country add an 11.5-inch passenger screen. Ford’s 2026 F-150 has a 12-inch touchscreen on every trim and a 12-inch digital cluster from the XLT up, with a head-up display available.
The Bottom Line
If you want the highest 2026 maximum towing and payload ratings, the PowerBoost hybrid or a Raptor, the F-150 is a strong pick. If you want a lower price, more towing with the base engine, a diesel, a bigger screen and hands-free driving while towing, the 2026 Silverado 1500 is the better buy today, and the 2027 Silverado moves ahead on maximum towing when it arrives.
More Comparisons
Find Your Silverado 1500 at Emich Chevrolet
Browse in-stock 2026 Silverado 1500 trucks, or ask us about the redesigned 2027 Silverado.
Silverado 1500 vs F-150 FAQs
Which tows more, the Silverado 1500 or the F-150?
The 2026 F-150 is rated up to 13,500 lbs (3.5L EcoBoost, SuperCrew 4×4, Max Tow). The 2026 Silverado 1500 is rated up to 13,300 lbs (Duramax, Max Trailering Package). The 2027 Silverado 1500 is announced at up to 13,700 lbs with the 5.7L V8.
Which tows more with the base engine?
The Silverado. The 2026 Silverado 1500’s 2.7L TurboMax is rated up to 9,500 lbs (Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD), against 8,400 lbs for the F-150’s 2.7L EcoBoost (Regular Cab 4×2, 8-foot box).
Which off-road truck tows more, the ZR2 or the Raptor?
The ZR2. The 2026 Silverado ZR2 with the 6.2L V8 is rated up to 8,800 lbs. The F-150 Raptor is rated at 8,200 lbs and the Raptor R at 8,700 lbs.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The 2026 Silverado with the Duramax diesel is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined (2WD). The best 2026 F-150 is the PowerBoost hybrid at 24 mpg combined (4×2), and the best gas-only F-150 is the 2.7L EcoBoost at 21.
Can you tow hands-free?
In the Silverado, yes: Super Cruise can be used while trailering on the 2026 High Country, and the 2027 Silverado offers hands-free towing up to 13,600 lbs. Ford lists BlueCruise with towing as new for the 2027 F-150.
Which costs less?
The 2026 Silverado 1500 starts at $37,200 (WT) and the 2026 F-150 XL at $39,585, both excluding $2,795 destination. The 2027 Silverado WT starts at $38,600.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2026 and 2027 Silverado 1500 pages, chevrolet.com Build & Price, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailering Guide and the GM newsroom (2027 Silverado, updated October 2, 2026) for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, towing guide and press materials, and fueleconomy.gov for the rival, reviewed October 15, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Maximum trailering ratings require specific configurations and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. 2027 Silverado 1500 information is based on GM’s announcement and may change. Super Cruise and other hands-free systems require an active plan or trial and work only on compatible roads; always pay attention to the road. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles.