What makes for a great work truck in the field? Usually, it’s not the engine horsepower or torque that makes for a great utility vehicle. Most contractors would probably tell you they’d rather have four-wheel traction to power through muddy terrains, along with a crew cab to carry a few workers from site to site. A recent MotorTrend comparison looked at the Chevrolet Silverado and how it performs as a work truck against the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500.

The mixed results may surprise you. In some ways the full-sized, Chevy Silverado performed just as well as the Ford F-150 (which happens to be the best-selling truck in America).  When it comes to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, the tested model was priced at $41,115 with a 6-foot-6 bed (without spray-in bedliner) and a 4.3-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic. 

The Chevrolet Silverado as a work truck

A lower-quality interior

A truck’s interior surfaces and upholstery don’t require a luxury feel, but they must be able to handle rough treatment and years of wear-and-tear. This reviewer felt the Silverado’s interior was cheaply made – even for a work truck! This included the upholstered materials and the interior features. But, keep in mind that the Silverado is available with eight available trims, as well as multiple cab styles, bed lengths, engines, and packages. Chances are you will find an interior that is more suitable to your needs as a work truck.

Rated more reliable

Yep, you heard it right. JD Powers rates the Silverado as more reliable (a score of 4 out of 5 compared to 3 for the F-150). So, if you need a basic work truck that is proven to perform just as well down the road as it did during the early years of ownership, then the Chevrolet Silverado is proven to be better. As J.D. Powers explains this rating – “The best prediction of long-term reliability is short-term quality.”

The Silverado has a better bed

A good work truck demands a good bed, and the Silverado scores big with a redesigned bed that is deeper and wider. Also, notable was the ease of entry into the Chevy Silverado’s standard bed which is considered one of the largest when it comes to cargo volume and the box length and depth – plus the Silverado features 12 standard hooks or fixed tie-downs and an exclusive power up/down tailgate. The 2019 Silverado was redesigned

Great interior technology

Technology features can make a work day go much more smoother, and the standard 2019 Chevy Silverado is loaded with high-tech features including:

• User-friendly 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a USB port
• A Wi-Fi hot spot and wireless device charging
• Satellite radio with a seven-speaker Bose audio system
• upgrade to an 8-inch HD touch screen with navigation

Excellent handling

In the Chevrolet Silverado, you may even forget you’re driving a full-sized, work truck. The handling has been praised by many truck reviewers and with 305 lb-ft of torque, the Silverado performs excellent when towing. The ride of the Chevy Silverado has been compared to being coddled. Expect an indulgent and cushioned ride for a work truck, which will make long hours on the road that much more pleasant.

In the end, when it comes to a work truck that may fall a bit short on towing and hauling capacity, the Chevrolet Silverado is a terrific truck. And with so many configuration choices, you can pick your own engine and axle rating, along with multiple trim levels, safety options, and feature packages. If you’re deciding on a heavy-duty pickup truck for work duties, list your must-have features then decide if the Chevrolet Silverado is the right work truck for you.