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Ford F150 vs Silverado 1500 vs RAM 1500

America loves trucks, and for most, that truck is either the longstanding best-selling truck in the United States and Canada – the Ford F-150 – or one of the other two members of the Big Three’s responses to the F-150: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – and, by extension, its mechanical twin, the GMC Sierra 1500 – and the Ram 1500.


Comparing the three can be daunting. All three (four, if including the GMC Sierra 1500) have had long histories, where there have been both good and bad

model years. Corporate restructuring, bankruptcies – Ford is the only Big Three automaker to not go bankrupt – and model redesigns make it difficult to make blanket statements about a model line. Broadly speaking, Ford is known for reliability, construction integrity, drivability, and stability. GMC and Silverado are known for their strength and towing capabilities, and Ram is known for its price efficiency, fuel efficiency, add-ons, and quality of trim and interior.

The point of this article is not to point out a single best buy, but to point at details that could help you make a more informed decision when shopping a mong the best of the Big Three.

A Comparison of the 2018 Model Year(Courtesy: WikiMedia)

A Comparison of the 2018 Model Year

To simplify things, this guide will be limited to the last fully-reviewed model year, 2018. (Number in parentheses indicates rank in top ten.)

Fuel Efficiency (per Kelley Blue Book Top Ten):

  • (1) Ram 1500 Quad Cab (21/29 MPG)
  • (2) Ram 1500 Cab Crew (20/27 MPG)
  • (5) Ford F150 Regular Cab (19/25 MPG
  • (6) Ford F150 Super Cab (19/25 MPG)
  • (7) Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab (16/26 MPG)
  • Not listed: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500

Consumer Rating (per Kelley Blue Book Top Ten):

  • (3) Ford F150 Regular Cab
  • (4) Ford F150 Super Cab
  • (5) Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab
  • (8) Ram 1500 Crew Cab
  • (9) Ram 1500 Quad Cab
  • (10) Ram 1500 Regular Cab
  • Not listed: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500

Safety Rating (per Kelley Blue Book):

  • (1) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
  • (2) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
  • (3) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
  • (4) Ford F150 Regular Cab
  • (5) Ford F150 Super Cab
  • (6) Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab
  • (7) GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
  • (8) GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab
  • (9) GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab
  • Not listed: Ram 1500

Highest Horsepower (per Kelley Blue Book):

  • (1) Ford 150 Super Cab (450 horsepower)
  • (2) Ford 150 SuperCrew Cab (450 horsepower)
  • (4) Ram 1500 Crew Cab (395 horsepower)
  • (5) Ram 1500 Quad Cab (395 horsepower)
  • (6) Ram 1500 Regular Cab (395 horsepower)
  • Not listed: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500

Top Expert Rated Trucks (per Kelley Blue Book):

  • (1) Ford F150 Regular Cab
  • (2) Ford F150 Super Cab
  • (3) Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab
  • (4) Ram 1500 Crew Cab
  • (5) Ram 1500 Quad Cab
  • (6) Ram 1500 Regular Cab
  • Not listed: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500

Most Popular Based on Online KBB Consumer Reviews (per Kelley Blue Book):

  • (1) Ram 1500 Crew Cab
  • (2) Ram 1500 Quad Cab
  • (3) Ram 1500 Regular Cab
  • (5) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
  • (6) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
  • (7) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
  • (8) GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
  • (9) GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab
  • (10) GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab
  • Not listed: Ford F150

Ford F-150

Ford F-150 retaining the steel frame), it has reduced its engine capacity for its V-6 from 3.5 liter to 3.3 liter, and has redesigned its grille and frontend. Despite this, the F-150 is the best drive among the Big Three, with its ride, stability, and handling topping the chart. The 2018 introduced port and direct fuel injection, increased compression ratio, increased horsepower, and increased torque.

With a maximum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,270 pounds, the F-150 presents a powerful presence, coupled with an increased maximum gross combined weight rating of 18,400 pounds. Adaptive cruise control, superior forward sightlines, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking make driving painless.

The F150 falls flat on luxury trim and interior, compared to its Big Three brethren. Its price (starting at $29,005 new) is the most affordable of the three, and the F150 holds their resale value well.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500

 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500In practical terms, the only difference between a Silverado 1500 and a Sierra 1500 involves trim, interior, and add-ons, with the Sierra 1500 being the luxury choice. Mechanically, however, they are the same truck. More expensive than the F-150 (starting at $29,695), the Silverado is the most expensive of the Big Three. Many would say, however, you get what you pay for.

The ride is hard and uncomfortable, the truck has inefficient energy transfer, and stability is questionable, according to expert opinion. Despite this, the Silverado is a powerful hauling and towing rig, with superior safety and construction ratings. Additions like the Teen Driver system and forward automated emergency braking makes the Silverado the king of safe trucks. With a larger engine than the F-150, it is unable to deliver more power, reflecting an engineering problem that Ford has overcome.

With a maximum tow capacity of 12,500 pounds, the Silverado bests the F-150 by 300 pounds. However, the F-150 tops the Silverado in payload capacity. The Silverado’s interior is more functional than aesthetically-pleasing; the Silverado has the most front passenger space than any of the Big Three trucks, but falls behind the F-150 in rear passenger space.

Ram 1500

Ram 1500 

The most refined of the Big Three, the Ram 1500 is the truck best suited to city driving. Not n a workhorse, its styling and trim makes it the most comfortable ride. Holding the midpoint pricewise (starting at $28,490), some feel that it is a comfortable choice. Others feel that a makeover is overdue. The Ram 1500 comes with more trim and options choices than any other mid-size truck.

With a good ride and strong drivability, the Ram has the most cramped passenger cabin of the Big Three. However, features like a 4g LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and an 8.4 inch infotainment system makes up for this. The Ram, however, is the heaviest of the Big Three mid-sized offerings, and this shows in handling and towing capabilities. It can handle like a brick, but is extremely comfortable.

It is, however, engineered to an extreme level, which is reflective of the awards it has won.

Awards Won

It is difficult to do a one-to-one comparison of brands. It is easier to look at the accolades each brand has received. For example, while Ram is the most decorated truck brand, the awards it received reflect its engineering and trim luxury. Similarly, the GMC trucks’ awards reflect dominance in towing.

Below is a list of awards each brand received recently.

Ford F-150:

  • 2017, U.S. News and World Report’s Best Full Size Truck for the Money
  • 2016, Vincentric’s Best Value in America Awards: Full-Size ½-Ton Pickup (five years consecutive)
  • 2016, Edmunds.com Large Truck Choice
  • 2016, IHS’s 2015 Model Year Loyalty Awards, African-American Market Loyalty to Make
  • 2016, IHS’s 2015 Model Year Loyalty Awards, Overall Loyalty to Make
  • 2016, Kelley Blue Book – Best Buy Award Winners: Pickup Truck
  • 2015, Edmunds.com Top Rated Vehicle
  • 2015, Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Buy Award Winners: Truck
  • 2015, Vincentric’s Best CPO Value in America Awards – Full-Size ½-Ton Pickup
  • 2015, U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best Truck Brand
  • 2015, Texas Auto Writers Association – 2016 Truck Line of Texas
  • 2015, Texas Auto Writers Association – Best Technology Award (F-150 Pro Trailer Backup Assist)
  • 2015, Safety Ratings, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick
  • 2015, New England Motor Press Association – Official Winter Vehicle of New England
  • 2015, Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award: Best Overall Truck Brand
  • 2015, Truck Trend -- 2015 Pickup Truck of the Year
  • 2015, MotorWeek – 2015 Best Pickup Truck
  • 2015, AutoGuide – 2015 Reader’s Choice Truck of the Year
  • 2015, Detroit Free Press – Automotive Leadership Award, Engineering & Technology category
  • 2015, Detroit Free Press – Truck of the Year
  • 2015, IHS’s 2014 Model Year Loyalty Awards, African American Market Loyalty to Make
  • 2015, IHS’s 2014 Model Year Loyalty Awards, Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer
  • 2015, IHS’s 2014 Model Year Loyalty Awards, Overall Loyalty to Make
  • 2015, Edmunds.com Most Popular Vehicle
  • 2014, Kelley Blue Book – 2015 Overall Best Buy of the Year
  • 2014, Kelley Blue Book – 2015 Best Buy: Truck
  • 2014, Texas Auto Writers Association—2015 Best Technology Feature for high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy
  • 2014, Texas Auto Writers Association – 2015 Full-Size Pickup Truck
  • 2014, Texas Auto Writers Association – 2015 Luxury Pickup Truck
  • 2014, Texas Auto Writers Association – 2015 Truck of Texas
  • 2014, New England Motor Press Association – Yankee Cup

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (including GMC Sierra 1500):

  • 2018, Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup truck
  • 2018, Kelley Blue Book, Top 10 for Best Resale Value
  • 2017, Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award for Most Refined Brand (four years consecutive)
  • 2017, IHS Markit Loyalty Award (two years consecutive)
  • 2016, Top 10, American University’s Made in America Automotive Index
  • 2016, J.D. Power Vehicle Dependably Study’s Segment Award, Large Heavy Duty Pickup (two years consecutive)
  • 2016, Texas Truck Showdown Towing Champion
  • 2016, IHS’s 2016 Model Year Loyalty Award, Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer
  • 2015, Kelley Blue Book, Top 10 for Best Resale Value
  • 2015, Top Truck, J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study
  • 2015, J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment
  • 2015, PickupTrucks.com Light-Duty Challenge, first place
  • 2014, J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment
  • 2014, Edmunds.com Most Popular Pickup Truck

Ram 1500:

  • 2018, Autotrader’s 10 Best Car Interiors
  • 2018, IHS Markit Loyalty Award, non-luxury full-size half-ton pickup segment (two years consecutive)
  • 2018, Cars.com “Best of Show” Award, 2019 model year
  • 2017, 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy, Large Pickup Trucks (ten years consecutive)
  • 2017, Green ALV Awards, High Luxury Off-Road
  • 2017, Texas Auto Writers Association, Texas Truck Rodeo, Highest Overall Interior Score, Best Heavy Duty Pickup Truck, Luxury Pickup Truck
  • 2017, CarGurus Best Used Car, Full-size Trucks category
  • 2016, The Car Guide/Le Guide de L’Auto Best Buy
  • 2016, Consumer Digest Awards Best Buy, Pickup segment
  • 2016, Green ALV, Best Value Off-Road Award
  • 2016, Overall winner, Canadian Truck King Challenge
  • 2016, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Full-Size Truck for the Money (three years consecutive)
  • 2016, Four Wheeler Magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year
  • 2015, Automotive Fleet Magazine Fleet Truck of the Year
  • 2015, 2016 Canadian Truck King Challenge, overall winner
  • 2015, Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association, Truck of the Year
  • 2015, Vincentric Best Value in America
  • 2015, Edmunds.com Most Popular Large Truck
  • 2015, Esquire Magazine Truck of the Year
  • 2015, Motor Trend 2015 Half-Ton Truck Shootout, winner
  • 2014, Green Car Journal, 2015 Green Truck of the Year
  • 2014, Texas Truck Rodeo, Heavy Duty Truck of Texas (two years consecutive)
  • 2014, AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star (two years consecutive)
  • 2014, Motor Trend Truck of the Year (two years consecutive)
  • 2014, Strategic Vision, Most Loved Vehicles in America, Full-size Pickup
  • 2014, MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award
  • 2014, Autobytel.com, Pickup Truck of the Year (two years consecutive)
  • 2014, Hispanic Motor Press Awards, Top 10 Cars
  • 2013, Consumers Digest, 2014 Best Buys
  • 2013, Texas Truck Rodeo, Truck of Texas, Full-size Truck of Texas, Heavy Duty Truck of Texas, Luxury Truck of Texas, Truck Line of Texas (two years consecutive)
  • 2013. MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, Best Pickup Truck
  • 2013, North America Truck/Utility of the Year
  • 2013, Four Wheeler Magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year
  • 2012, The Detroit free Press 2013 Truck of the Year
  • 2012, Decisive Magazine, 2013 Urban Truck of the Year
  • 2012, Ruedas ESPN, Truck of the Year
  • 2012, Active Lifestyle Vehicle Winner, 2013, Luxury Off-Road category
  • 2012, U.S. News & World Report, “Best for the Money”

Ultimately the Best Truck is One That Meets Your Needs

There is no right answer to which trust is best for you. Whether you pick the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500, or the Ram 1500, you are picking a piece of Americana. While this is by no means an exhaustive shopping guide, we hope we have covered the most common concerns of shoppers looking for truck backup cameras.

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