One brand presents the more affordable option in the battle between Ford and Chevy heavy-duty trucks. However, the MSRP listed on an automaker’s homepage doesn’t always tell the entire story. And brand loyalty keeps many loyal Ford owners from considering a Chevy truck when it’s only marginally cheaper. 

Chevy’s heavy-duty trucks have the edge in starting price

Chevy’s heavy-duty truck lineup includes the 2024 Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD models, with prices starting at $43,400. Compare that to Ford’s 2024 F-250, F-350, and F-450 models, with a starting MSRP of $44,970. These prices exclude destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, or optional equipment.

However, using Chevrolet’s online build and price tool, the least expensive option for a heavy-duty Silverado starts at $46,395. That model is a regular cab, long bed, two-wheel drive Silverado 2500 HD WT equipped with a 6.6-liter V8. Without adding any options, the $46,395 MSRP summary starts with a “Standard Vehicle Price” of $44,400 and includes a $1,995 “Destination Freight Charge.”

On the other hand, Ford’s online build and price tool returns a similar long bed, regular cab F-250 Super Duty, at $46,965, including the $1,995 destination charge. The Silverado 2500 HD is less expensive, but not much. 

Starting price doesn’t always tell the whole story

Besides starting price, other factors affect the cost of owning a vehicle. Ford and Chevy offer similar warranties on their heavy-duty pickup trucks. However, Ford equips its Super Duty lineup with ten-speed automatic transmissions compared to Chevy’s six-speed automatics. 

Ford also provides a 48-gallon fuel tank instead of Chevy’s 36-gallon version. The 2024 Silverado 2500 HD gets a combined 13.88 mpg, while the 2022 F-250 gets 13.34 mpg. 

The Silverado HD provides more front-seat head and legroom than Ford’s F-250 Super Duty. Ultimately, Edmunds reports the Ford F-250 Super Duty gets a higher consumer rating than the Silverado 2500. 

Are Chevy’s heavy-duty trucks cheap enough to sway a would-be Ford owner?

It is doubtful that the lower MSRP of the heavy-duty Silverado would sway any die-hard Ford fan. However, Chevy enthusiasts will proclaim the Silverado HD as the winner, given the Silverado’s 0.5 mpg advantage. But Ford loyalists will point to the F-250’s higher potential gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as the deciding factor. 

Based on the data alone, it’s difficult to declare a winner between Ford and Chevy in the heavy-duty truck segment. Realistically, the two aren’t very different based on price, reliability, features, or performance. Ultimately, consumers’ buying decisions between Ford Super Duty and Silverado HD pickups will hinge on personal preference. 

Will you pick the 2024 Ford F-Series Super Duty based on its more capable payload and towing capacity? Or will you choose the Chevy Silverado HD for its lower cost of ownership? Either way, the heavy-duty pickup truck you select will surely provide years of trouble-free service and the performance to take you and your cargo where you desire.