2016 Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado | Chattanooga, TN

The 2016 Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado. What's your choice?

Serving Chattanooga, Nashville, and Dalton, TN

Full-size pickups are designed to haul heavy loads, tackle uneven terrain with ease, and carry the weight of a smaller car in the flatbed. Owners of these heavy-duty performance trucks expect a lot, and they're quick to complain when they don't get what they ask for. Recently, Ford introduced a multitude of changes to their mid- and full-size pickup line, especially some noticeable and welcome upgrades to the popular F-150.

This vehicle competes directly with the equally popular Chevrolet Silverado. Both trucks have their distinct advantages, but when compared side-by-side, Ford has some notable strengths that seem to be lacking on the Silverado. For 2016, these differences center around the available powertrains, safety features, and trim options.

Powertrains and Performance

The base engine on the 2016 Ford F-150 is a 3.5L V6 that delivers a total of 282 horsepower. Buyers can choose between rear- or all-wheel drive, and the six-speed automatic transmission includes tow-haul mode. If more horsepower is required, the turbocharged 2.7L engine might be just the ticket. Although smaller, this engine produces 325 horsepower and is capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds. For some real muscle, the available turbocharged 3.5L engine can pound out 365 horsepower. In comparison, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has a base engine that produces 285 horsepower, but the fuel efficiency is lower than what is experienced with the F-150 base engine. Even the top-of-the-line 6.2L V8 with its impressive 420 horsepower is a gas guzzler compared to the larger engines available on the F-150, which can also tow a bit more weight than the Silverado.

Safety and Security

Every 2016 Ford F-150 comes with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, side-curtain airbags, and paired cell phone automatic crash notification. The 2016 model also received the highest possible rating for overall crash protection, frontal and side-impact protection, and rollover protection. The MyKey system is an invaluable addition and works as a real-time monitoring program, setting limits for teen and young adult drivers. The F-150 Supercrew model has one of the shortest stopping distances of any pickup truck, an incredible 117 feet. The 2016 Silverado also comes with the usual standard safety equipment, but buyers will probably pay a bit more for the optional security features and driver awareness systems than if they choose the F-150. The Silverado base trim Work Cab doesn't even come with OnStar or any sort of crash notification system. The Crew Cab's stopping distance is about 130 feet, somewhat longer than the F-150 Supercrew.

Standard Features and Optional Equipment

One of the biggest advantages the 2016 Ford F-150 has over the Chevy Silverado is the available cab configurations. Each configuration - Regular, Supercab, and Supercrew - can be purchased with at least two of the three available bed lengths. A central display screen, 40/20/40-split front bench, and Bluetooth are all standard on even the base trim. There are a total of six trims from which to choose regardless of the configuration, making this one of the most fun vehicles for potential buyers to build-their-own. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Silverado, while also offering three different configurations, limits the trim levels for each and the extended cab version is available only with a six-foot bed. An upgraded entertainment package must be purchased in order to get the full-size touchscreen and OnStar.

Stop by our Ford dealership or contact us by phone to get the best deals on a new 2016 Ford F-150 full-sized pickup. Take it for a test drive and see how it compares with the Chevy Silverado in the categories of performance, safety, and standard/optional features.

MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.