The 2021 Ford F-150 is a popular full-size truck that competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If you’ve been thinking of buying either truck, you’ll want to read on as we size up these two rival pickups to see which one comes out on top.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 have the same starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Silverado 1500’s starting MSRP is $29,300, while the F-150 checks in at $29,290. Move up to the range-topping trim levels, and you’ll see a significant price difference. The Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country starts at $53,900. The Ford F-150’s top-of-the-line Limited trim has a whopping starting MSRP of $71,175! You won’t pay the MSRP when you visit a dealer like Cottonwood Chevrolet. We use this figured to compare the relative prices of these two trucks.

The diesel engines in the 2021 Silverado 1500 and 2021 F-150 lineups provide the best fuel economy for each model. The 2021 Silverado 1500 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets an EPA-estimated 23/33 mpg (RWD) and 23/29 mpg (4WD).* The 2021 Ford F-150 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that develops 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The unit is not only less powerful than the Silverado’s turbodiesel, but it also only gets 20/27 mpg (4WD).

The Silverado 1500 has standard and optional features you won’t find in the F-150. While both trucks get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Silverado 1500 LTZ and High Country trims come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a convenient tech feature you can’t get in the Ford F-150.

The Silverado 1500’s Multi-Flex tailgate opens and folds six different ways to make living and working with your Silverado even more convenient. The tailgate can be configured as an inner gate with a work surface, a full-width step for easy bed access, and a primary gate load stop. The Ford F-150’s new tailgate can be used as a work surface, but it’s not as versatile as the Silverado’s Multi-Flex tailgate.

Towing a trailer is a lot easier, thanks to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado’s optional multi-camera towing system, which can display up to 15 different trailer views, including interior cameras that allow the driver to keep an eye on the trailer’s interior. There’s even a virtual mode that simulates looking right through the trailer. Ford doesn’t offer a comparable system in the F-150.

Although the 2021 Ford F-150 is a great truck, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 surpasses it in some important categories. That’s why we declare the Silverado 1500 the winner of this competition.

* All vehicle mileage based on 2021 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.