Pickup trucks and longevity often go hand in hand. But when it comes to pickups like the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado, which truck has the potential to last the longest? Let’s find out.

How many miles does the average pickup truck last?

Now, how many miles a pickup will last does vary. But after analyzing 11.8 million cars sold in 2020? iSee Cars determined that 1.9% of pickups sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. According to iSee Cars, that figure is nearly double the average for all vehicle types. 

You may find yourself asking why pickups last longer than most other vehicle types. According to iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, it all comes down to maintenance. As Brauer explained, “Pickup trucks are commonly used as work vehicles and are likely to accrue more miles than a typical passenger car while often benefitting from more consistent preventative maintenance and necessary repairs.”

Here’s how many miles you can expect the Ford F-150 to last

The Ford F-150 is a bestseller among its segment. But how many miles will a Ford F-150 last? Well, according to iSee Cars, 2.0% of Ford F-150 models sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. Based on iSee Cars’ data, that means you can count on the Ford F-150 to last slightly longer than the average pickup.

The Ford F-150 has earned some impressive reliability ratings too. J.D. Power gave this year’s model a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. Meanwhile, Repair Pal gave the 2021 model an ‘Above Average’ reliability rating. The bad news is that, according to Repair Pal,  the Ford F-150 does have higher than average ownership costs.

The Ford F-150 can last a long time, but the Chevy Silverado can last slightly longer

As long-lasting as the Ford F-150 might be, it’s the Chevy Silverado that has the potential to last slightly longer. In fact, according to iSee Cars, 2.1% of Silverado models sold in 2020 surpassed 200,000-miles. The good news is that the difference in how long each of these trucks will last is so small that it really shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

It’s worth noting too that, much like the Ford F-150, the Silverado also earned some high marks in terms of reliability. J.D. Power gave the 2021 model a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. As for Repair Pal? It gave the 2021 model an ‘Above Average’ reliability rating, adding that it has average ownership costs and major repairs are fairly uncommon.

Is the Chevy Silverado a better truck than the Ford F-150?

Both the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are built to last. Both scored some pretty impressive reliability ratings too. But of the two, which truck is the better choice? As it turns out, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your next pickup truck.

First, let’s consider maximum towing capacities. Both pickups offer a lineup of engines to choose from. But when it comes to the Silverado? Its strongest engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that will have you towing a maximum of 13,300-pounds. The F-150, on the other hand, can tow up to 14,000-pounds when properly equipped.

It’s also worth considering what features these trucks have to offer. Kelley Blue Book reports that the Chevy Silverado’s multi-camera towing system is particularly useful. Meanwhile, the F-150 offers features like Pro Power Onboard, which basically turns the pickup into a mobile generator.

Which pickup should you choose?

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Both the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are capable of lasting for miles to come. Both pickups are also available with several useful features. To determine which pickup is best for you, we recommend taking both models out for a test drive.