2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Ford F-150

2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2016 Ford F-150

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The leading pickups are always vying for the same shoppers. At the top of the heap, you'll find the 2016 Chevy Silverado and the 2016 Ford F150. When it comes to best-in-class performance features, there's always a debate over which one is really better. Perhaps this guide will help you decide.

Aluminum vs Steel Bodies

Ford has adopted an aluminum alloy build for much of its truck body. This has driven up repair costs and led to questions about its durability. The Silverado continues to use aluminum in a limited role, relying on the sturdier steel. Recent testing showed that the Silverado bed only dented when challenged by heavy concrete blocks. The F150, on the other hand, actually showed puncture damage. AMCI, the independent testing organization, did a repair cost survey. It determined that aluminum doubled the cost of simple repairs and made those repairs take longer. Chevy, on the other hand, has taken steps to reduce repair costs. It has reconfigured the body to speed repairs for the outer cab panels, bed, frame rail, roof and more. This change also reduced the number of natural corrosion points.

Built-In vs Add-On

The GM Exclusive CornerSteps are the only ones built into the bumper. With a step on each end, drivers have two angles to approach the bed. Each one also has a built-in handhold. The Ford F150 is offering steps, but this is a separate option that adds to the truck's final price. These steps attached mid-bumper and may not be as easily accessed when the gate is down. Chevy has also added a side step option to its High Country edition. Articulating running boards just need a tap from your foot to ease out and up into place. That gives you a step into the front of the bed.

Best-In-Class Performance

Both trucks can lay claim to best-in-class performance features. Interestingly, despite its lighter build, the F150 still doesn't save as much at the fuel pump as many had expected. Meanwhile, the Chevy lineup holds its own when it comes to best-in-class claims. The 1500 has a 6.3-liter V-8 that offers a best-in-class tow rating of 12,000 pounds. There's another V-8 that, thanks to Ecotec engineering, can claim best-in-class fuel economy. Then there's the smart Ecotec V-6 which beats its V-8 brother's fuel economy and delivers a best-in-class torque rate. Transmissions are another way that Chevy is moving ahead. Chevy's eight-speed automatic transmission ensures greater shifting precision than the Ford's six-speed.

Comfort and Safety

These days it's not enough to offer power. A truck must pamper its riders with SUV-like qualities. Both trucks certainly offer top amenities, leather upholstery, generous wiggle room and true safety. However, the Chevy Silverado made headlines as the first truck to truly quiet its cabin. Layers of insulation, an aerodynamic windshield, and triple-sealed doors block road intrusions while special engineering techniques such a specially-tuned exhaust system reduce both noise and vibrations. Ford has worked to catch up, but the Silverado is still one of the quietest trucks available. Both the F150 and the Silverado have earned the five-star federal safety rating. However, this is Ford's first year to earn the designation and it's Chevy's fifth. Chevy also offers better stops and safer downhill travel due to Duralife rotors and auto-grade braking.

For some fun, head to Shearer Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac for a test drive of the 2016 Chevy Silverado.