The Chevy Silverado Isn’t the Ford F-150’s Biggest Rival
The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado have been traditional rivals for decades. Almost for as long as trucks have existed, people have either been on the Ford or Chevy side. However, while the Ford F-150 remains the most popular truck, the Chevy Silverado fails to compete. Meanwhile, the Ram 1500 is gaining traction as a better competitor.
The Ram 1500 is the Ford 150’s New Rival
On several lists for the best trucks of 2020, you will see the Ford F-150 ranked as number one, with the Ram 1500 coming in close at second place. Meanwhile, the Chevy Silverado continues to slip into 3rd place or ranks even lower.
However, on some lists generated by drivers that have tested and reviewed these trucks, the Ram 15oo even ranks first. So why is the Chevy Silverado declining as the Ram 1500 continues to improve?
Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado, and Ford F-150 Comparison
The Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado both received a total redesign in 2019, giving them modern and confident looks. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 is continuing to stick with the same look it’s had since 2014, only with a slight facelift. The new looks seemed to help the Ram 1500, but hurt the Chevy Silverado while the Ford F-150 remained steady in popularity.
According to Car and Driver, what hurts the Chevy Silverado is its ride and handling. In an attempt to go after Ford, the Silverado cut a majority of its weight with an aluminum tailgate, doors, and more while keeping a steel body and box.
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As a result, the Chevy Silverado weighs 90 pounds less than the Ford F-150 but has a poor ride quality. It has a loud interior and shakes. Drivers also became frustrated by the vibrating seats and steering wheel.
The Chevy Silverado was praised for having a higher angled camera view making it easier to see traffic during the day and night but failed to provide an excellent towing experience. Compared to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Chevy Silverado had a concerning wobble.
The Ford F-150 Landed in 2nd place
The 2020 Ford F-150 was ranked above the Chevy Silverado for delivering a much smoother ride. The interior remained quieter at higher speeds, and drivers experienced smooth gear shifts with the V6 engine.
One thing that hurt the Chevy Silverado was its lack of comfort. The Ford F-150 has a more spacious interior with higher-quality seats. They found that the technology was easier to use as well. However, they still experienced a bit of trailer sway and wished that the Ford F-150 provided more control.
Why the Ram 1500 is #1
Car and Driver ranked the Ram 1500 ahead of the F-150 for it’s smooth, powerful, and convenient towing. The Ram 1500 seemed to glide along the highway while pulling a trailer that couldn’t be felt.
The trailering technology seems easy to use and very helpful when changing lanes. The air suspension helps you maintain ride height and comfort during long trips as well. But it is 500 to 600 lb heavier than rivals, which hurts its acceleration.
But it has the most luxurious interior. It has the most passenger space, a 12” infotainment center that can display rear views of the trailer and apple car play simultaneously, a smooth, quiet ride, and more. You get the most for your money with this powerful and luxurious truck.
