For a used Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from 2015 to 2022, the F-150 offers more engine variety, including turbo V6s, a diesel and (from 2021) a hybrid, plus higher official maximum towing ratings in the years compared here. The Silverado keeps it simpler with V8s through most of the period, adds a turbo four in 2019 and a diesel in 2020, and has the higher-mpg diesel option. Both earn 5-star NHTSA overall ratings in crew cab form for most years. The right truck depends on what you tow, how far you drive empty, and the exact engine, because a truck's real capability is printed on its door-jamb label, not on the brochure cover.
These are the two best-selling full-size pickups in Texas. In CarEdge's ranking of best-selling new cars in Texas (45 days of sales before October 27, 2026), the F-150 was No. 1 and the Silverado 1500 was No. 5. That is new-car dealer data, but it means both trucks are everywhere on the Texas used market.
Quick comparison
| Ford F-150 2015-2022 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2015-2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engines offered | 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.3L or 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8, 3.0L diesel (2018-2021 era), 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid (2021-2022) | 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 2.7L turbo 4 (2019 on), 3.0L diesel (2020 on) |
| Highest official max towing found | 14,000 lbs. (2021, 3.5L EcoBoost, right configuration) | 13,300 lbs. (2021, 6.2L 4WD) |
| Best EPA combined (gas engine) | 22 mpg (2.7L EcoBoost 2WD) | 21 mpg (2.7L turbo 2WD) |
| Best EPA combined (any) | 25 mpg (3.0L diesel 2WD, and PowerBoost hybrid 2WD) | 27 mpg (3.0L diesel 2WD) |
| NHTSA overall, crew cab | 5 stars, 2015-2022 | 5 stars most years; 4 stars on some 4WD crew cabs 2019-2021 |
Details and sources for each line are below.
The generations you are shopping
Ford F-150. The 2015 to 2020 trucks share one generation, and 2021 brought a redesign with the new PowerBoost hybrid. Ford's spec sheets describe a high-strength steel frame with an aluminum cab and bed (2020 F-150 technical specs). An aluminum body does not rust like steel, but body repairs need a shop that works with aluminum, which matters for hail repair in Texas.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 2015 to 2018 trucks are one generation with V6 and V8 engines. The 2019 redesign added the 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, and the 3.0L Duramax diesel shows up in EPA listings from 2020.
Engines and output
Ford F-150
| Engine | Output | Years (per EPA listings) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | Not compared here | 2015-2017 |
| 3.3L V6 | 290 hp, 265 lb.-ft. | 2018-2022 |
| 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 | 325 hp, 400 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2015-2022 |
| 5.0L V8 | 400 hp, 410 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2015-2022 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 | 375 hp, 470 lb.-ft. (2018); 400 hp, 500 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2015-2022 |
| 3.0L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6 | 250 hp, 440 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2018-2021 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V6 | 430 hp, 570 lb.-ft. | 2021-2022 |
Sources: Ford's 2018 F-150 specs and 2021 F-150 technical specs. Output changed over the years for some engines, so check the owner's manual for the exact truck you are looking at.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
| Engine | Output | Years (per EPA listings) |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 | 285 hp, 305 lb.-ft. | 2015-2021 |
| 5.3L V8 | 355 hp, 383 lb.-ft. | 2015-2022 |
| 6.2L V8 | 420 hp, 460 lb.-ft. | 2015-2022 |
| 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder | 310 hp, 348 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2019-2022 |
| 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel | 277 hp, 460 lb.-ft. (2021) | 2020-2022 |
Sources: GM's 2015 Silverado 1500 specifications and the 2021 Silverado 1500 fact sheet.
In plain terms: the F-150's turbo V6s make big torque low in the rev range, which helps with towing. The Silverado's 5.3L V8 is the engine you will find most often, and the 6.2L is the strongest gas option in the Chevy lineup.
Towing and payload (official figures)
Maximum ratings apply only to specific cab, bed, axle, drivetrain and package combinations. A typical used truck will be rated lower. Always check the label on the driver's door jamb and the owner's manual.
| Truck | Max towing | Max payload | Configuration noted by the maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Silverado 1500 | 12,000 lbs. | Varies | 6.2L, 3.42 axle, Max Trailering Package |
| 2018 F-150 | 13,200 lbs. | 3,270 lbs. | Properly equipped, per Ford's 2017-18 guide |
| 2021 F-150 | 14,000 lbs. | Varies | 3.5L EcoBoost, SuperCab 8-ft. box 4x2 or SuperCrew 4x2, Max Trailer Tow Package |
| 2021 F-150 PowerBoost | 12,700 lbs. | Varies | XL, PowerBoost, 4x2, Max Trailer Tow Package |
| 2021 Silverado 1500 | 13,300 lbs. | 2,280 lbs. | Towing: 6.2L 4WD. Payload: 2.7L turbo 2WD |
Sources: 2015 Silverado specifications, 2018 F-150 specs, Ford 2021 F-150 towing guide, 2021 Silverado fact sheet.
Here is the 2021 Silverado max trailering by engine from GM's fact sheet, which shows how much the engine choice matters:
| 2021 Silverado engine | Max trailering 2WD | Max trailering 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L turbo | 9,600 lbs. | 9,400 lbs. |
| 3.0L Duramax diesel | 9,500 lbs. | 9,100 lbs. |
| 4.3L V6 | 7,900 lbs. | 7,700 lbs. |
| 5.3L V8 | 10,000 to 11,500 lbs. | 9,700 to 11,100 lbs. |
| 6.2L V8 | Not offered | 13,300 lbs. |
My opinion: if you tow a heavy travel trailer or a big ski boat to Lake Travis or Canyon Lake, shop by the door-jamb rating and axle ratio first and the brand second. A 5.3L Silverado or 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 without the right package can be rated thousands of pounds below the headline number.
Fuel economy (EPA)
All figures are EPA city/highway/combined from fueleconomy.gov. Each engine had many versions, so ranges are shown.
Ford F-150
| Engine | 2WD | 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L EcoBoost (2015-2022) | 19-20/25-26/21-22 | 17-19/23-24/20-21 |
| 3.3L V6 (2018-2022) | 19-20/24-25/21-22 | 18-19/22-23/20 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost (2015-2022) | 17-18/23-25/19-21 | 16-18/20-23/18-20 (most versions) |
| 5.0L V8 (2015-2022) | 15-17/22-24/18-20 | 15-16/21-22/17-19 |
| 3.0L Power Stroke diesel (2018-2021) | 21-22/29-30/24-25 | 20-21/25-28/22-24 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid (2021-2022) | 25/25-26/25 | 23-24/23-24/23-24 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
| Engine | 2WD | 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 (2015-2021) | 15-18/19-24/17-20 | 14-17/16-22/15-19 |
| 5.3L V8 (2015-2022) | 13-18/17-24/14-20 | 13-16/16-22/14-19 |
| 6.2L V8 (2015-2022) | 15/21/17 (2015-2018) | 13-16/17-21/14-18 |
| 2.7L turbo 4 (2019-2022) | 19-20/22-23/20-21 | 16-19/18-22/17-20 |
| 3.0L Duramax diesel (2020-2022) | 23/31-33/26-27 | 20-23/23-29/21-25 |
Takeaways:
- Among gas engines, the F-150's 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.3L V6 lead at up to 22 mpg combined.
- The Silverado's 3.0L Duramax diesel posts the best rating in this whole comparison at 27 mpg combined in 2WD.
- The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid is rated 25 combined in 2WD and adds power, not just mpg.
- Texas drivers who rarely leave pavement can save fuel with 2WD versions of either truck.
NHTSA safety ratings
From NHTSA's 5-Star ratings, pulled November 5, 2026:
| Years | F-150 SuperCrew (crew cab) | F-150 Regular/SuperCab | Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2017 | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars (versions in our data) |
| 2018 | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars (versions in our data) |
| 2019-2020 | 5 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars (4WD crew cab) |
| 2021 | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars (4WD crew cab) |
| 2022 | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars (4WD crew cab) |
F-150 diesel versions were listed as "Not Rated" by NHTSA for 2019 to 2022, and the 2021 PowerBoost hybrid was not rated; the 2022 PowerBoost SuperCrew earned 5 stars. Check the exact cab and drivetrain at NHTSA ratings.
NHTSA recalls and complaints
Recall campaigns by model year, from NHTSA (pulled November 5, 2026):
| Model year | F-150 recalls | Silverado 1500 recalls | Silverado complaints | Silverado top complaint area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14 | 11 | 1,193 | Service brakes |
| 2016 | 14 | 12 | 801 | Service brakes |
| 2017 | 18 | 7 | 839 | Power train |
| 2018 | 19 | 7 | 522 | Power train |
| 2019 | 9 | 10 | 1,103 | Engine |
| 2020 | 11 | 12 | 751 | Engine |
| 2021 | 29 | 8 | 858 | Engine |
| 2022 | 23 | 6 | 659 | Engine |
A note on the F-150 complaint numbers: our NHTSA pull returned incomplete complaint data for the F-150 (none for 2015, 2021 and 2022), so I am not comparing complaint totals between the two trucks. Look up the exact model year on NHTSA's site or on the Ford F-150 data page and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 data page. For the F-150 years we do have (2016 to 2020), power train was the top complaint area every year.
What the recall numbers tell you:
- The 2021 and 2022 F-150 have the most recall campaigns in this table (29 and 23), the first two years of the redesigned truck. On any 2021 or 2022 F-150, check carefully which recalls are still open.
- The Silverado's complaints shifted from brakes and power train in the older generation to engine-related reports from 2019 on.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. Read how to read NHTSA complaint data before you draw conclusions.
Run every VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are normally free at a franchised dealer of the brand, and federal law does not require dealers to fix recalls on used vehicles before selling them. See how to check recalls before buying a used car.
Texas truck use: what to check
Trucks in Central Texas live hard lives: summer heat, towing to the lakes, ranch roads, hail and the occasional flooded low-water crossing.
- Check for towing wear. Look at the hitch receiver, the trailer wiring plug and the rear suspension. A heavily used hitch means a pre-purchase inspection should include the transmission and cooling system.
- Test the AC and cooling. Idle with the AC on max for 10 minutes and watch the temperature gauge. See used cars and Texas heat.
- Look for hail repair. Sight down the hood, roof and bed rails in daylight. Read hail-damaged cars: what to know.
- Check for flood damage. Central Texas has flash floods, and a truck's height does not protect it. Run TxDMV Title Check and read how to spot a flood-damaged car.
- Confirm the tow rating for this truck. Read the door-jamb label and the build data. Do not rely on a listing that says "max tow."
- Know the registration fee rules. TxDMV's base registration fee of $50.75 applies to passenger vehicles and trucks of 6,000 lbs. or less, per the TxDMV fee chart. Many full-size pickups weigh more, so check the fee chart or ask your county tax office.
- Emissions. In Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026, gas vehicles must pass an emissions test before registration, according to TCEQ. Diesel vehicles are treated differently, so confirm with TCEQ.
Test-drive checklist for a used full-size truck
- Start the truck cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or rattles in the first minute, and check that every warning light goes out.
- Drive in stop-and-go traffic and on the highway. Feel for harsh, slipping or delayed shifts. Power train and engine were the top NHTSA complaint areas for both trucks in several years.
- Brake firmly from highway speed. Service brakes led the Silverado complaints for 2015 and 2016.
- Engage 4WD on a 4x4 truck, in a safe open spot, and make sure it goes in and comes out cleanly.
- Test every switch: windows, mirrors, trailer brake controller if fitted, and the screen.
- Look under the truck for fluid leaks, damaged skid plates and bent tow hooks.
Bring a list of what you noticed to your inspector. See the test drive checklist for more.
Which truck fits which buyer
| You are | Look at |
|---|---|
| Towing 10,000+ lbs. regularly | F-150 3.5L EcoBoost with Max Trailer Tow, or Silverado 6.2L 4WD, with the right label rating |
| Commuting long distances empty | Silverado 3.0L Duramax (2020-2022) or F-150 PowerBoost (2021-2022) |
| Wanting a simple V8 | Silverado 5.3L or F-150 5.0L |
| Buying on a tighter budget, older years | 2015-2018 Silverado 5.3L or 2015-2020 F-150 2.7L or 5.0L, inspected carefully |
My opinion: for a Central Texas buyer who tows a boat a few weekends a year and commutes the rest of the time, I would start with a 2018 to 2020 F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8, or a 2019 or later Silverado with the 5.3L V8, and choose based on which specific truck has the cleaner history and inspection. If I towed heavy every week, I would look only at trucks whose door-jamb rating clears my trailer with room to spare.
Paperwork once you choose
- In a private sale, title the truck within 30 days of the sale, per TxDMV. See Texas title transfer step by step.
- Texas motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25 percent of the sales price minus any trade-in, according to the Texas Comptroller.
- Carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage, per the Texas Department of Insurance.
Sources
- Ford: 2018 F-150 technical specifications (2017-18 Ford Vehicle Guide)
- Ford: 2020 F-150 technical specifications
- Ford: 2021 F-150 technical specifications
- Ford: 2021 F-150 towing guide
- GM: 2015 Silverado 1500 specifications
- GM: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fact sheet
- Fueleconomy.gov: Find a Car
- NHTSA: Car Safety Ratings
- NHTSA: Check for Recalls
- CarEdge: Best Selling New Cars in Texas
- TxDMV: Title Check, Look Before You Buy
- TxDMV: Buying or Selling a Vehicle
- TxDMV: Registration fee chart
- TCEQ: Vehicle emissions inspection overview
- Texas Comptroller: Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
- Texas Department of Insurance: Auto insurance guide
Frequently asked questions
Which tows more, the F-150 or the Silverado 1500?
In the official documents we checked, the 2021 F-150 reaches 14,000 lbs. and the 2021 Silverado 1500 reaches 13,300 lbs., each only in a specific configuration. For a used truck, the door-jamb label and owner's manual decide what that truck can tow.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Among gas engines, the F-150 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.3L V6 reach 22 mpg combined in 2WD, slightly ahead of the Silverado's best gas rating. The Silverado 3.0L Duramax diesel is the most efficient at 27 mpg combined in 2WD.
What years of the F-150 have the most recalls?
On NHTSA's record pulled November 5, 2026, the 2021 (29 campaigns) and 2022 (23) F-150 had the most recall campaigns among 2015 to 2022. Run the VIN to see which are still open on a specific truck.
Is the F-150 body really aluminum?
Ford's specifications list a high-strength steel frame with an aluminum cab and bed. Aluminum does not rust like steel, but repairs need a body shop equipped for aluminum.
Is a crew cab Silverado 5-star rated?
Many are. NHTSA rated some 2019 to 2021 Silverado 1500 4WD crew cabs at 4 stars overall, and the 2022 4WD crew cab at 5 stars. Check the exact version on NHTSA's site.
Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.
