The 2023 Ford F-150 Puts the Ford/Chevy Rivalry to Bed

September 8th, 2023 by

An orange 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is shown from the side while off-road after leaving a dealer that has a Ford F-150 for sale.

Coke and Pepsi… Apple and PC… The most ubiquitous manufacturers are well known for their rivalries, and perhaps no other has captured the imagination quite like that between Ford and Chevrolet. From their formative years at the dawn of the automobile to the golden age of the muscle car to the electric revolution today, these two adversaries have been in a never-ending struggle to be the best.

In the modern era, this rivalry is strongest in the pickup segment, with the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado 1500. Recently updated for the 2023 model year, these pickups are still racing head-to-head, giving inches here and taking inches there. For those who are currently in the market for a new truck and have been considering a Ford F-150 for sale, we’ve got some good news: once again, Ford’s workhorse has gained the edge over its rival.

The Future Is Going Electric

It was in January of 2023 when GM announced that the all-new Chevy Silverado EV would be debuting for the 2024 model year. While this was certainly a reason to celebrate for the devotees of the bowtie brand, those who support the Blue Oval were already relishing in the F-150 Lightning, which had beaten the Silverado EV to the punch by two full years.

The 2023 F-150 Lightning is a marvel of modern automotive engineering, with a mesmerizing 580 hp and the capacity to generate 775 lb-ft of torque—specs that easily outclass any gas-powered truck on the market. With an equally impressive 230 miles of range on a full charge and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs, Ford has harnessed the power of electricity and taken it to bold new heights.

Off-Road Capability That’s Surprisingly Affordable

Off-roading enthusiasts have used the pickup as their primary means of adventure since the vehicle’s formative years. In the past, owning a pickup geared toward the path less traveled meant some pricey after-market modifications. To provide vehicles that were ready to embark on adventures as soon as they left the dealership, manufacturers began designing trucks that could suit this purpose.

The RAM 1500 TRX and the Chevy Silverado ZR2 rolled off the assembly lines, and the Ford F-150 Raptor was there to answer this challenge. All of these models were highly effective, but the need for those to have access to this technology while adhering to a strict budget was overlooked by everyone… except Ford.

Two distinctive trims, the Rattler and the Tremor, are available for the 2023 Ford F-150, and both provide drivers with the chance for off-roading excellence while staying remarkably affordable.

As the third available trim (after the XL and XLT), the Rattler takes off-roading and makes it attainable to an average income. Some advantages of the Rattler include skid plates, all-terrain tires, custom shocks, a locking rear differential, and hill descent control. Those looking for a little bit more in the performance sector might want to consider the Tremor; equipped with a suspension designed for off-roading and a host of available features, such as a hands-free driving mode and leather upholstery, you can finally have that ideal balance of luxury and performance that so many look to achieve.

A red 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler is shown from the side.

A More Diverse Powertrain

In recent years, many manufacturers have taken the initiative to limit their powertrains to a single engine and transmission; this is advantageous, as it allows many of the larger brands to streamline the production of their vehicles.

Lucky for us, Ford has always made a strong effort to give consumers more options and variety than their competitors. For the 2023 model year, Chevy makes seven powertrains available: a turbocharged four-cylinder, a six-cylinder diesel, and two V8s. While this is certainly an exercise in providing variety to its customers, Ford offers just a little bit more with seven distinctive engines—a standard V6, a V8, a high-output V6, two turbo V6s, a hybrid turbo V6, and a supercharged high-output V8—each with unique attributes meant to enhance the driving experience and deliver the results you’re looking for.

The 3.3L V6

The standard offering on the F-150, this is a vivid example of capability. With 290 hp, 265 lb-ft of torque, and the ability to tow 8,200 lbs, you can still have all of the essential capabilities of the F-150 while adhering to a budget.

The 2.7L EcoBoost Turbo V6

325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque are specifications we can’t help but get behind. With such high performance, it’s no wonder Ford chopped the 3.3L V6 from their menu in 2024 and made this Turbo V6 the new standard.

The 5.0L “Coyote” V8

Beloved by Ford devotees, this venerable V8 affords the F-150 a payload capacity of 3,235 lbs and the ability to tow 13,000 lbs with minimal effort. 400 hp makes this coyote howl with authority, and its 410 lb-ft of torque is great for prowling.

The 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo V6

This twin-turbocharged setup resists any rival’s challenge to the supremacy of the F-150. Like all of Ford’s powertrain options, this engine pairs with a ten-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance. It gets an impressive 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, an industry-leading payload capacity of 3,315 lbs, and a towing capacity of 14,000 lbs, which outclasses the Silverado 1500 by nearly 1,000 lbs.

The 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6

As they’ve done since their inception, Ford makes big things emanate from small packages. While this engine manages 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, it can only garner 7,700 lbs of towing might since it’s tied to the 4×4 drivetrain of the Ford F-150 Raptor or the top-tier Limited trim.

The 5.2L “Predator” High-Output Supercharged V8

This engine is borrowed from a revered sports car, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and it earns its nickname from an astonishing 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. It’s only available on the Ford F-150 Raptor and in four-wheel drive, but it’s so powerful it’ll still get you 10,000 lbs of towing capacity.

A dark blue 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is shown from the front at an angle.

The 3.5L PowerBoost Turbo V6 HEV

The always-winning combination of gas and electricity comes to life as a potent turbocharged V6 with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. It gets 2,120 lbs of payload capacity and 12,700 lbs for towing, which is phenomenal for an engine of this size.

It’s More Affordable

Ford outlifts, outperforms, and outclasses the Chevy Silverado 1500 with their 2023 F-150. Most notably, the Blue Oval is more readily available at a price lower than Chevy’s flagship pickup, starting just under $36k against the Silverado’s starting MSRP of just over $37k.

Experience the Grandeur of the 2023 Ford F-150 at Chapman Ford

The long-standing rivalry between Ford and Chevy will continue for generations, but the chalice has gone for the Blue Oval in 2023. It’s truly remarkable all that Ford has accomplished with the F-150, outdoing the Silverado 1500 once again. From offering a greater diversity of engines, stronger capabilities, and more options for those who take off-roading seriously, it’s no wonder why the F-150 remains the most popular pickup in the country.

If you’ve wanted to get behind the wheel and experience the excellence of the 2023 Ford F-150, the experts at Chapman Ford are here to help. With a friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, an incredible selection, and financing and servicing for those who need it, we’ll get you behind the wheel of a vehicle that can deliver the goods time and time again.