Super-Duty Showdown: Compare the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 vs the 2018 Ford F-250
Car and Driver has called the 2018 Ford F-Series "The ultimate heavy-duty pickup on the planet. Period." That's high praise, and it confirms that the gauntlet has really been thrown down in the HD truck market. But, that doesn't mean there isn't competition--rival truck brands are constantly innovating, engineering, tweaking, and re-designing to try to keep their pickups at pace with the F-Series. For the 2018 Ford F-250, the three-quarter-ton model in the lineup, the truck with an eye on the prize is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
It makes sense: the only other name in trucks with as much legacy recognition as the F-Series is Chevy's Silverado line. And while Chevrolet's heavy-duty Silverado 2500 truck is a solid option, it's still playing catchup to the recently redesigned 2018 Ford F-250.
Starting off strong, the Ford F-250 starts at a cheaper price than the Silverado 2500--at just $33,150 for the base XL trim compared to Chevy's base Work Truck, which takes minimalism to an extreme but still starts at $34,400.
Read on to compare top features, specs, and ratings for these two competitive heavy-duty pickup trucks in Merced, CA.
Features, Trim Levels, and Accessories
While muscle and power are probably the most important factors to consider for you, it's ok to admit that you want the good stuff, too: like leather upholstery, heated seats, chrome, navigation, smartphone integration. Both Ford and Chevy trucks give you a wide range of features and options, but it's how they do it that makes the difference.
- The 2018 F-250 offers Ford's user-friendly SYNC 3 System, with a crisp 8.0-inch touchscreen, widely regarded as one of the best infotainment systems on the market
- The 2018 Silverado is equipped with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system on either a 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch screen
- 2018 Ford F-250 trim levels include: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum
- 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 trim levels include: WT (Work Truck), LT, LTZ, and High Country
Specs and Engine Options
Ford and Chevrolet have been in the truck game for a pretty long time now--so they both know how to make a great engine. Both trucks are equipped with V8 power at their base levels, and both boast available diesel capabilities. But, Chevy just can't compete against the superior Ford line of powerful, efficient, hard-working Super Duty engines.
- The 2018 F-250 comes with a standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine, good for 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque
- The 2018 Silverado 2500 comes standard with a 6.0-liter V-8 engine, good for just 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque--less than the F-250 in both categories
- The Ford F-250 boasts more max diesel torque than the Silverado 2500--up to 935 pound-feet, 25 lb-ft more than Chevy
- Ford's 6.7-liter diesel engine offers Best-in-Class 450 horsepower, beating the Chevy Silverado in nearly every category
Towing and Payload
You need your truck to do work--simple as that. And the 2018 Ford F-250 tows more, hauls more, does more, and does it smarter--simple as that. See how the Ford Super Duty dominates the Silverado 2500 in every category.
- The 2018 F-250 offers a segment-leading max towing capacity of 18,500 pound--400 lbs more than the Silverado 2500
- Max payload rating for the Ford F-250 Super Duty is a Best-in-Class 4,200 pounds, compared to just 3,534 pounds for Silverado
- Ford's trailering tech includes features like a Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System, and more--can Chevy offer the same?
- The F-250 was the first truck in its class to offer an advanced Trailer Reverse Guidance System; the Silverado still hasn't caught up