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Hard to believe: Diesel truck cheaper? Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150

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For years, a diesel truck with leather seats was more expensive than a gas truck with cloth seats. That’s just a fact. Until it isn’t a fact anymore after pitting the Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150.

This comparison saw my long-term test truck, the 2023 Chevy Silverado High Country with a 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax diesel vs a week-long press loaner in the form of a 2023 Ford F-150 XLT Heritage Edition with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The big surprise for the Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150 was the diesel powered Chevy as the cheaper truck.

Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150 compared

How did these trucks compare and why didn’t I match up trim levels?

First, I don’t get to choose trim levels and Ford sent the truck their marketing team had spec’d out to show off this year. Also, the Chevy Silverado I bought was already in the High Country trim and I explain my reasons for buying this trim here.

Second, this comparison was about the exterior and interior comparisons as well as showing off the sales stickers. Both trucks drive very well, are quiet and have plenty of off the line power. The only real difference for me is EcoBoost feels a bit more torquey off the line whereas the Silverado LZ0 Duramax diesel has a smoother power curve off the line. Also depends on how you drive them.

Getting back to the comparison, the payload was about the same and both trucks tow well over 10,000 pounds.

The real big difference, as you can see in the video below, had to do with all the option pricing from the Ford. Before discounts it was more than $70,000 and the Silverado topped out at $67,000.

Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150

Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150This higher price for the Ford XLT is really what has truck buyer’s fired up at the moment. A few years ago, I bought a 2021 Ford F-150 XLT PowerBoost for this outlet and that truck came in at $61,000. How is it then a F-150 XLT went up $9,000 in 2 years and the XLT Heritage Edition doesn’t even have the hybrid powertrain or the larger 7.2kW power onboard setup? A head scratcher for sure.

The bottom line

This comparison really showcases how much consumers need to shop around and shop in different brands to find a good value in the truck market.

It also shows capitalism at work and, frankly, until demand cools, pricing will keep climbing.

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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4 Comments

  1. Brian March 15, 2023

    Have been a F150 user since 1986. But the price of my last one, it may well be my last one.

    Reply
  2. John March 15, 2023

    Pricing is out of control.they are shooting themselves in the foot.

    Reply
  3. Jerry March 16, 2023

    The Ford base price is 55755 plus 18990 for options. Chev base price is 64600 with only 2 options for only 1570 . Your comparing apples to oranges. The Ford sticker price options don’t add up correctly?. You should compare it with the Lariat and and 2 options

    Reply
  4. sid March 18, 2023

    Just to set U straight,the 1 is a truck,the other is just a chevy pickup !!

    Reply

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