Silverado vs F-150 Lightning
Rivals in the full-size pickup class rarely match spec for spec, and the Silverado and the F-150 Lightning are no exception. The F-150 Lightning has the edge in 2 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category. It also matters that $12,780 separates their launch prices, with the F-150 Lightning at the top.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance F-150 Lightning wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech F-150 Lightning wins
- Price Silverado wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Engine & Performance7.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The F-150 Lightning has 142 hp more power
The F-150 Lightning’s 452 hp leaves the Silverado’s 310 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The F-150 Lightning’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The F-150 Lightning has 345 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The F-150 Lightning lists 775 lb-ft and the Silverado lists 430 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. The F-150 Lightning’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The F-150 Lightning has a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen
It’s a small lead (15.5 in versus 13.4 in), but it’s real, and it goes to the F-150 Lightning. The F-150 Lightning’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 231.7 in |
Engine & Performance
F-150 Lightning leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the F-150 Lightning leads, and not by a little. On the F-150 Lightning, you get 142 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the F-150 Lightning is the stronger car.
Total system output
Silverado: 310 hp F-150 Lightning: 452 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Silverado: 430 lb-ft F-150 Lightning: 775 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
F-150 Lightning leads
The F-150 Lightning edges the safety & tech section, though the Silverado stays close. The F-150 Lightning steps ahead thanks to a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. If this section decides it for you, choose the F-150 Lightning.
Largest touchscreen
Silverado: 13.4 in F-150 Lightning: 15.5 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | Dual-motor electric (Standard Range battery) |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 452 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD (dual motor) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 240 mi Shortest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 10,000 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 15.5 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 231.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Silverado | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,000 (winner) Lowest price in class | $49,780 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Money is a real factor here: the launch prices are 35% apart, a difference of $12,780. The extra $12,780 for the F-150 Lightning buys 142 hp more power and 345 lb-ft more torque.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Silverado if…
- you don’t need the extras that cost $12,780 more
- you trust Chevrolet and want to keep things familiar
Choose the F-150 Lightning if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (452 hp vs 310 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (775 lb-ft vs 430 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (15.5 in vs 13.4 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Silverado or the F-150 Lightning?
The F-150 Lightning wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless the extra $12,780 would stretch your budget.
Is the Silverado cheaper than the F-150 Lightning?
Going by launch prices, the Silverado costs $12,780 less than the F-150 Lightning. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Silverado and the F-150 Lightning purely on what they offer. Start with the headline difference (the F-150 Lightning has 142 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second reason: the F-150 Lightning comes with a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen.
Put simply, the Silverado suits people who care about price, while the F-150 Lightning suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the F-150 Lightning, and I’d only look at the Silverado if you’d rather keep $12,780 for something else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.