Half-ton trucks have a variety of uses, but sometimes tow jobs require a little extra muscle. A 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is much heavier than the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, but which one is actually superior in terms of performance? Let’s take a closer look at their major differences and similarities to determine which one will serve you best.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty earns critical acclaim

Professional reviews suggest that Ford’s heavy-duty truck might be the most well-rounded option. As part of its fresh redesign for 2023, it has a new turbodiesel V8 engine option with up to 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The base models are powered by a smaller V8 generating up to 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque. 

The Ford F-250 Super Duty can be had with either a 6-ft.-9-in. bed or an 8-ft. bed. Depending on the engine and cargo box size, this pickup can tow somewhere between 13,800-20,000 lbs. Payload capacity ranges between 1,429-3,793 lbs. With a gooseneck trailer hitch, the F-250 can tow up to 23,000 lbs. Available trailer camera monitors and a payload weight warning system all help you get the most out of the F-250’s abilities. 

As for regular driving, the F-250’s ride quality is predictably firm, and its brake pedal feels a little spongy. However, thanks to its engaging steering, it feels surprisingly lively for such a large vehicle. Drivers also have a lot of room to stretch and see all angles of the road regardless of which cab layout you choose. The standard cab seats three passengers, while the double and crew cab options have room for six.

Most of the F-250’s higher trims can only be had with a crew cab, which elevates their exorbitant price tags even further. A Lariat model with wireless smartphone integration and heated/ventilated seats can cost nearly $64,000. A top-tier Limited model retails for at least $96,095. Attractive packages, particularly the Tremor Off-Road bundle, serve as added temptations for shoppers.

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD’s three-quarter-ton capabilities

Chevy’s heavy-duty pickup truck with its regular cab option weighs in at 6,105 lbs. That’s over 400 lbs more than a Ford F-250. The Silverado 2500HD’s two-bed options are also both a few inches longer, which can make this massive truck even more difficult to park. However, that also means that you’ll get more legroom in any of this pickup’s cab options, which mirror those of the Ford F-250 Super Duty. 

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD can tow between 14,500-18,510 lbs. The Ford F-250 is the superior truck for a gooseneck hitch, but the 2500HD can still pull 17,370-22,500 lbs with this method. Its payload capacity maxes out at 4,673 lbs if you have the optional turbodiesel engine. Both this one and the standard V8 generate slightly less power compared to the F-250’s engine options. 

Critics on U.S. News were disappointed with the interior quality of the Silverado 2500HD. Despite its inferior construction, the base WT is about $8,000 more expensive than the Ford F-250 XL. However, it’s also worth noting that the High Country trim with almost every available feature (and nicer accommodations) is only $73,995.

Which heavy-duty pickup truck should you buy?

The Chevy Silverado 2500HD’s extra heft gives it the best towing and payload capacities. Of course, bigger trucks also come with more responsibilities. Neither of these trucks can be parked easily, but the normally reliable Chevy Silverado 2500HD is likely worse in that aspect.

However, the extra ponies that enhance the Ford F-250’s upgraded engines allow you to drive faster even with a trailer attached. If you value speed and having the nicest interior with all the fanciest tech features, we’d recommend this truck over the Silverado 2500HD.