Two of the most popular pickup trucks in America are the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While most people are in one camp or another, the Ford F-150 has been the most popular and best-selling of the two. So, is the Ford F-150 still the best truck? The Consumer Reports 2022 model year vehicle rankings are out, and they have an answer for us on which truck is the best.
The popularity of the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado
The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado | Ford Motor Company and Chevrolet
The Ford F-Series has offered the best-selling trucks in America for more than 40 years. According to AutoInfluence, in 2019, more Ford F-series trucks sold than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 combined. The same year, the Chevrolet Silverado was the 3rd best-selling truck. When its sales totals were added to those of its virtual twin, the GMC Sierra, there were enough sales to take on the F-series.
Should your truck be budget-friendly or hard-working?
Consumer Reports took a look at the latest models of both full-sized pickup trucks. They gave the 2022 Ford F-150 an overall score of 60 out of 100. It earned a 75 out of 100 on the brutal CR road test with a good predicted owner satisfaction rating of 4/5. Its predicted reliability rating, however, is lacking at a dismal 2/5. The new F-150 also has had an active recall since December. The issue is a fractured driveshaft which can result in a loss of drive power.
Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the F-150 received some cosmetic exterior changes, an upgraded interior, its first hybrid model, and additional innovation and tech features. While there were slight improvements in handling and comfort, the changes weren’t substantial.
The CR team tested a Lariat hybrid model along with a standard XLT. The hybrid has the most potent powertrain of the lineup aside from the Raptor, with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine, which has an output of 430 horsepower. While the power is impressive and the F-150 has a tow rating of 12,400 pounds, the testers found it to be rough shifting. Still, it’s a great choice if you need a hard-working truck. Elsewhere, the XLT model with its gas-powered engine has a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with a power output of 325 horsepower and a tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The team appreciated its low-end power and smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earned a 46 out of 100 overall score from Consumer Reports. It got an impressive 78/100 on its rigorous road test and an average predicted owner satisfaction rating of 3/5. However, its predicted reliability rating is a disappointing 1/5. Looking at the history of Chevy Silverado’s predicted reliability, you quickly see it’s been poor since 2015.
As for positives, CR points out the Silverado 1500 has gained in towing and payload capacities. It’s also got an improved powertrain and slightly better gas mileage. Under the hood, the Silverado has a 5.3-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The pairing offers better acceleration and an excellent throttle response. It’s responsive for a big truck with little body lean. The cabin is also impressively quiet, and the team liked the optional power-opening tailgate.
Compared to the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado holds its value better, making it a better choice for those with a tighter budget.
What’s the highest-rated full-size pickup truck on Consumer Reports?
The other top American full-size pickup truck, the 2022 Ram 1500, surprisingly outmatched the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado with its latest model. The Consumer Reports team gave the Ram 1500 an overall score of 75 out of 100. It got an 83/100 on the road test with a predicted reliability rating of 3/5 and a predicted owner satisfaction rating of 4/5.
The CR team tested a standard crew-cab truck with a V8 engine and an optional mild-hybrid system with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The system did an excellent job in boosting the truck’s power in a way that didn’t impact other services like air conditioning and more.
According to their tests, the Consumer Reports team finds the 2022 Ram 1500 to be the best full-size truck. CR explains that the new Ram 1500 is a kinder, gentler pickup truck in a crowded segment. The latest Ram is slimmer, gets better gas mileage, and offers more passenger space. Furthermore, the cabin is next level, posh and comfortable.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Settles the Debate Between the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado Rivalry