When truck owners talk about their trucks, they often compare the towing capabilities or the size of the engines. While these things are still important, with technological advancements and the crusade to create cabins that are not only functional but comfortable, those conversations might soon switch focus to interior accommodations.
Long gone are the sparse interiors and hard seats of trucks past. Now, truck owners can ride in comfort and with connectivity. Let’s compare the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-150 to see how their interiors and technology stack up, in addition to exploring other features of these two trucks.
Cabin Convenience
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes standard with four-way adjustable front seats, with the passenger afforded the same intricacies as the driver. These comprise the bookends of a 40/20/40 split-bench front row with under-seat storage; the center seat is affixed, and its seatback doubles as a fold-down armrest with storage. A 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center sits beyond the steering wheel, while larger instrument clusters are available on higher trims, as is a Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects relevant vehicle information onto the lower windshield so you can monitor your metrics without taking your eyes off the road.
Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the board. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available and comes standard on higher trims, as is the case for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for smartphones. There is a USB-A and USB-C port and a 12-volt outlet in the center dash; those needing a legitimate power source can opt for a 120-volt outlet here, as well. Also available in higher trims is a wireless charging dock, should you wish to ditch the cables altogether. Assist handles, carpeted floor coverings, and a convenience package that includes heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel round out the steps that Chevrolet has taken to ensure Silverado drivers enjoy their ride.
On the flip side, drivers of the Ford F-150 can enjoy color-coordinated carpet, carpeted floor mats, and a black urethane steering wheel. There is a familiar 12-volt outlet as the sole power port—unless you spring for a higher trim—although the 4.0-inch Productivity Screen is a minor step up from the Silverado. The front seats are in a similar 40/20/40 split-bench arrangement, with grab handles on the driver and passenger sides; the two bookend seats can upgrade into heated seats in higher trims, and the driver can upgrade to an eight-way powered seat for added comfortability.
Tech Savvy
Chevy has over a hundred years of consistent innovation, and the 2023 Silverado 1500 is no different. Its spacious interior puts everything at the driver’s fingertips, first and foremost of which is the infotainment interface, a 7.0-inch color touchscreen that nearly doubles (to 13.4 inches) in higher trims; this has Google Assistant built-in for a seamless connection to the driver’s smartphone and resources. Google Maps and Google Play are among the included apps, and the Assistant can alert drivers to changing weather patterns or traffic jams; it can also manage your media or adjust cabin climate by voice command.
Remote keyless entry is standard, and remote start is available on higher trims, as is Adaptive Cruise Control, a reimagining of the classic automotive feature, now automatically adjusting your speed and braking based on the distance between you and the car ahead of you, leaving you free to only focus on steering. In higher trims, the six-speaker audio system can be upgraded to the Bose Premium seven-speaker stereo system with Richbass woofer. Also available in higher trims is the Electronic Transmission Range Selector (and accompanying steering column paddle shifters) for adjusting the number of gears you’d like your transmission to utilize, depending on your preference for engine responsiveness.
The Ford F-150 has an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with a number of included apps. (This touchscreen comes as a 12.0-inch in higher trims.) Standard Sync 4 makes connecting one’s smartphone simple, and its voice command functionality allows drivers to make calls, get directions, control music, and more without taking their hands off the wheel. Sync 4 makes connecting one’s smartphone simple.
Power & Handling
Now that you know what each truck offers regarding interior and technical features, your mind might have shifted back to power and handling. That’s understandable since most drivers need their trucks to handle multiple terrains and be able to haul equipment or trailers.
The Silverado 1500 comes standard with a 2.7L High Output Turbo I-4 (paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission) that delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft torque. A 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6 are available if you need more power under the hood. The 6.2L has the best horsepower of the lot, and the Duramax Turbo-Diesel has the greater torque; all three of these engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission instead of the eight-speed. The best fuel efficiency [of the gasoline engines] belongs to the base 2.7L, which also has the best payload rating, while the best efficiency of them all is in the Turbo-Diesel, at 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The Turbo-Diesel and the 6.2L engines share a max towing capacity of 13,300 lbs.
When it comes to handling, the Silverado 1500 offers Electric Power Steering that increases or decreases the amount of assistance it provides, depending on the steering wheel angle; this precise and responsive system gives you confidence and enhances performance when driving, particularly when driving at lower speeds, such as when parking or maneuvering through side streets. The StabiliTrack Traction Control System also provides increased stability, and the Silverado 1500 also comes standard with Hitch Guidance to help you navigate in reverse when hitching a trailer.
All the F-150 engines come paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission featuring SelectShift with Progressive Range Select, letting you lock out gears from the normal shifting range to increase your driving performance. All are also equipped with Auto Start-Stop Technology, ceasing your engine while at a full stop so as to conserve fuel. Included for the aid of hauling are Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and six selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail.
The F-150’s standard engine is a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 delivering 290 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, optimized with twin independent variable cam timing. If you need more power, you can upgrade to one of four other engine options: a 2.7L EcoBoost Turbo V6, 5.0L “Coyote” V8, 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo V6, or 3.5L PowerBoost Turbo V6 Hybrid. The 2.7L V6 is the most well-rounded engine for getting good fuel economy, although the best general-purpose engine would be the 5.0L V8. The best capabilities are found in the 3.5L EcoBoost, while the best horsepower, torque, and fuel economy all come in the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid.
Don’t Neglect Cabin Amenities in Your Next Truck
When it comes to the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-150, all aspects are worth considering; performance and handling aren’t the only things to pay attention to. The comfort and convenience of the ride are also essential, particularly because most of the time you spend with your truck will be on the INSIDE of it.
As advancements are made to interior design and technology across the industry, there is no reason for trucks to be left behind. As a driver, consider what features are most important and focus on those when searching for a new truck. Understanding how comfortability and connectivity affect driving will help you better know what to look for—those aspects that might not otherwise be readily apparent until after you’ve already driven off the lot.
