Nothing says “summer cookout in the United States” like beer, brats, and two middle-aged men in ball caps arguing over Chevy and Ford. While this comical debate has been going on for ages, the truth is that the competition between these two models really is tight. Both brands make a strong effort to outdo each other with each new model year. When it comes to the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. the 2022 Ford F-150 battle, this close competition continues to hold true.
There are aspects that Chevy has done better than Ford this model year, and vice-versa. What it really comes down to, though, is this: Which one is the best deal overall?
Rear-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive
Let’s just be honest: If you’re buying a truck for the maximum performance and power ratings, you want to choose the four-wheel drive (4WD) option. However, some people prefer skipping on 4WD capability, instead opting for a little more cabin space with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) truck. It’s true that RWD models do not perform well on slick roads or in mud; however, RWD trucks are still tow-capable, (and sometimes even more tow-capable than 4WD models), thanks to heavy axles and better suspension systems. Put simply, you may get more towing capability out of a RWD truck, but if you want both strength and off-road performance, the 4WD option is your best choice. Both the Silverado and the F-150 come with RWD and 4WD drivetrain options.
Tow Capacity Ratings Compared
Both the Silverado and the F-150 come with several different engine options. The Silverado offers 4 engines, while the F-150 has 5 different engines. When you compare the 4 main engines on each model, you’ll see that the Silverado has better tow capacity ratings overall.
The F-150’s 3.5-L EcoBoost Turbo V6 is the only F-150 engine that can out-tow the Silverado 1500. That said, Ford has discontinued their F-150 diesel option, while the Silverado still offers the fuel-efficient turbo diesel engine. This diesel option can now tow up to 13,300 lbs while maintaining up to 26 MPG combined. See the Silverado’s higher overall tow capacity ratings below.
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | VS | Ford F-150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7-L I4: 9,500 lbs | vs | 3.3-L V6: 8,200 lbs |
| 5.3-L EcoTec3 V8: 11,200 lbs | vs | 2.7-L EcoBoost V6: 10,100 lbs |
| 6.2-L EcoTec3 V8: 13,300 lbs | vs | 5.0-L V8: 13,000 lbs |
| 3.0-L Duramax Diesel: 13,300 lbs | vs | 3.5-L PowerBoost V6 Hybrid: 12,700 lbs |
Truck Bed Technology
Functionality and capability were once the core concerns of truck buying. When you buy a modern truck though, you want to make sure that you’ve got the latest convenience features as well. Sure, you don’t have to have HD entertainment screens in the backseat or massaging front seats, but you may want features that lessen your labor load. This is something that the new Silverado can offer you.
First off, let’s talk about the Multi-Functional Tailgate. Truck owners can greatly benefit from this Chevy tailgate because it makes loading and unloading items much easier. This tech-savvy bed includes 6 different features designed to make cargo hauling simpler than ever before. The 2022 Silverado 1500’s Multi-Functional Tailgate includes the following features:
- Primary Gate – This is the traditional tailgate you’ve always known, except it includes a remote keyfob open feature. You can also open the Primary Gate by flipping a switch inside the Silverado’s cab.
- Primary Gate Load Stop – Hauling something longer than your max cargo length? The Primary Gate Load Stop will keep your items from sliding out.
- Inner Gate Load Stop – The same as above, except this works with your second-tier load items.
- Inner Gate with Work Surface – Need to work while watching a DIY how-to video on YouTube? You have a place to set your computer while you work on your construction projects. Think of it like a portable, standing desk.
- Easy Access – The Easy Access feature eliminates the need to hop up into the bed to unload smaller items.
- Full-Width Step – The Full-Width Step is available to help you get in and out of the truck bed. This foldable step can hold up to 375 lbs.
In addition to the Multi-Flex Tailgate itself, the Silverado 1500’s bed offers more cargo space than any other truck in its class (including the F-150), 12 standard cargo tie-downs to keep your items secured, and the first-ever up/down tailgate. While the 2022 Ford F-150 does include a power tailgate and a tailgate work surface, the model currently has no available “multi-function” tailgate options like the Silverado 1500’s.
Comparing Cargo Capacities
Most 1500-level trucks come in three different bed sizes. These sizes are known as short bed, standard bed, and long bed options. Both the Silverado 1500 and the F-150 offer these three bed sizes. However, the 2022 Silverado 1500 offers larger cargo bed sizes across the board.
The Silverado comes with a 62.9 cu.ft. short bed vs. the F-150’s 52.8 cu.ft. short bed—this is over a 10 cu.ft. difference. Similarly, the Silverado offers a 71.7 cu.ft. standard bed, while the F-150’s standard bed is only 62.3 cu.ft. long. Lastly, Chevy wins the long bed rating as well with an 89.1 cu.ft. rating vs. the F-150’s 77.4 cu.ft. This cargo space makes all the difference, especially when you take into account the fact that the Silverado offers load stops and standard cargo tie-downs that allow for even longer extended storage options.
Tow Camera Comparisons
Both the 2022 Silverado 1500 and F-150 models include many tow technology options, such as hitch assistance features and tow modes. That said, Chevy one-ups Ford’s camera technologies by offering up to 8 different cameras and 15 different camera views on the Silverado, vs. Ford’s mere 4 cameras. Why do you need so many viewpoints? Well, you don’t necessarily need them in order to tow and haul, but they will certainly make your life easier. Here are some of the Silverado’s most beneficial camera views:
- Hitch View – A view designed to help you line up your hitch and trailer without needing to exit your vehicle.
- Surround View – See a little bit of everything with this top-down, bird’s eye viewpoint.
- Rear Top-Down View – Focused on backing up? This view gives you a top-down look at your truck bed.
- Front Top-Down View – The same as above, except for traversing forward.
- Bed View – Whether you’re hauling groceries or an old, antique dresser, you can view your precious cargo from the cab.
- Transparent Trailer – Can’t see who’s behind your trailer? Switch to the Transparent Trailer view to see directly through your trailer.
- Inside Trailer View – Got precious cargo? If you’re hauling a livestock trailer, you can check on your sheep, horses, or cattle via a simple camera view.
Other views include the Picture-in-Picture View, Front Side View, Bowl View, and more.
The 2022 Silverado 1500 vs. the 2022 Ford F-150: Which One’s Best for You?
Chevy and Ford are two of the most reliable truck brands on the market—there’s no doubt about it. But when it comes down to the new Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150, Chevy has an edge over its competitor. When you choose Chevy over Ford, you gain access to more trailing technology features, more cargo space, and capability. Plus, the Silverado still offers a diesel engine option, whereas the F-150’s was discontinued for the 2022 model year. Whether you love the Multi-Flex Tailgate or you want to stick with the diesel engine’s longevity, the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is clearly the better pickup.
