Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500: Which Used Truck Is Right for You at Car Nation Canada Direct?
- Rick Paletta
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Comparing used Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks so you can pick the right workhorse – and drive one home from Car Nation Canada Direct in Burlington.
Key Takeaways
Both the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are top choices if you want a capable, full-size used pickup with strong towing, hauling, and everyday comfort.
Towing is very close: properly equipped late-model F-150 models can tow up to roughly the mid-13,000 lb range, while Silverado 1500 models top out around 13,300 lb depending on engine and configuration.
Fuel economy depends heavily on engine: the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid and Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax diesel are among the more efficient full-size pickups in Canada, with government-rated combined consumption in the low-9 L/100 km range in certain configurations according to Natural Resources Canada’s fuel ratings tool.
Ford often wins on high-tech features and clever storage; Chevy pushes back with a smooth ride, strong V8 and diesel options, and excellent highway manners.
The “better” truck is the one that fits your real life: how much you tow, how long you’ll keep it, and whether you care more about comfort, fuel savings, or maximum capability.
Car Nation Canada Direct has both used Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks in stock at 880 Walkers Line in Burlington, ON, so you can compare them back-to-back in one visit.
Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500 in the Used Market
When you’re shopping used trucks, these two names come up again and again for a reason. The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have been Canada’s full-size truck heavyweights for years.
Both offer a wide range of engines, cab styles, and bed lengths.
You’ll see everything from basic work-truck trims to fully loaded luxury models with leather, big screens, and advanced driver assistance.
Because they’re so popular, parts, accessories, and service expertise are easy to find – a big plus for long-term ownership.
If you’re browsing online, you can quickly narrow things down by starting with:
For used shoppers, that variety means:
There’s a truck for almost every budget and job.
You really want to understand what’s under the hood and how the specific truck was used before you buy.
That’s where a curated used inventory in Burlington and proper mechanical checks matter more than the badge on the grille.
Powertrains & Towing: How Much Truck Do You Actually Need?
Engine Choices You’re Likely to See
On the Ford F-150 side, common modern used engines include:
3.3L V6 – a solid, more basic option for light use
2.7L EcoBoost V6 – small displacement, strong torque, good blend of power and efficiency
3.5L EcoBoost V6 – serious power and towing muscle
5.0L V8 – classic V8 feel and sound, great for heavier work
3.5L PowerBoost hybrid – strong torque plus impressive fuel economy; you can dig into real-world hybrid ownership data in long-term tests like this F-150 hybrid review from Edmunds for additional insight.
On the Chevy Silverado 1500 side, you’ll often find:
2.7L turbo four-cylinder – surprising torque, good for mixed city/highway
5.3L V8 – the “bread and butter” engine in many Silverados
6.2L V8 – big power for towing and passing
3.0L Duramax diesel – excellent highway fuel economy and towing capability, covered in depth in DieselHub’s 3.0L Duramax LM2/LZ0 overview.
If you tow or haul regularly, focusing on the right engine is more important than the logo on the steering wheel.
Towing & Payload: Head-to-Head
Looking at recent generations:
Ford F-150:
Max towing (properly equipped): roughly 5,000–13,500 lb, depending on engine, axle, cab, and tow package.
Max payload: commonly in the 1,400–2,400+ lb range on newer half-ton configurations.
Chevy Silverado 1500:
Max towing (properly equipped): roughly 8,800–13,300 lb across recent engines and trims.
Max payload: typically around 1,500–2,200 lb, depending on cab and engine.
In the real used market, that means:
Both trucks can tow most campers, utility trailers, and work trailers with the right setup.
F-150 has a slight edge at the very top end for maximum towing and payload.
Silverado 1500 is right there for the vast majority of real-world jobs.
If you’re regularly pulling close to those limits, you’ll want to pay attention to:
Engine size
Axle ratio
Factory tow packages
Whether the truck has trailer brake controls and towing mirrors
When you’re comparing specific trucks on the Ford & Chevy inventory page, the team at Car Nation Canada Direct can walk you through the door-jamb tow ratings on each unit, not just brochure numbers.
Ride Comfort & Interior: Your Office on Wheels
A lot of owners spend hours every day in their trucks, so comfort and layout matter.
Ford F-150: Tech-Forward and Clever Storage
Recent F-150s often stand out with:
A modern, car-like interior with large touchscreens and crisp digital displays
Ford SYNC infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on many 2016+ models
Smart storage touches, like fold-flat rear floors and under-seat bins
Available features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which Ford explains in its towing and trailering resources for newer trucks
The overall feel is slightly more “high-tech,” especially in upper trims.
Chevy Silverado 1500: Comfortable and Easygoing
Silverado 1500 interiors have evolved a lot:
Older trucks focus more on simple, durable controls that are easy to use with gloves
Newer models add large touchscreens, digital gauges, and upscale trims (especially LTZ/High Country)
Seats are often praised for long-distance comfort and a smooth, confident highway ride – something reviewers regularly highlight when testing off-road-oriented versions like the Trail Boss.
If you want a truck that feels calm and composed on the 403 or QEW, Silverado 1500 is a strong contender.
Fuel Economy & Everyday Running Costs
Big trucks aren’t compact hybrids, but newer powertrains have made real progress.
Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Highlights
The standout is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid, which delivers:
Strong low-end torque plus improved fuel consumption vs many traditional V8 setups, especially in mixed driving. Long-term road tests show the hybrid’s real-world fuel use aligning closely with the combined ratings listed in Natural Resources Canada’s official fuel consumption database.
EcoBoost V6 engines also balance power and efficiency better than older V8-only lineups, especially for mixed city/highway driving.
Chevy Silverado 1500 Fuel Economy Highlights
The Silverado 1500’s star player is the 3.0L Duramax diesel:
Canadian ratings list the diesel Silverado among the more efficient full-size trucks on the market, particularly for steady highway cruising, according to NRCan’s fuel-ratings search tool.
If you do a lot of long-distance hauling, that diesel can mean fewer fuel stops and lower running costs over time.
Real-World Takeaway
For most used buyers:
City driving or short commutes? Smaller turbo engines or hybrid (F-150) can help.
Highway towing and long trips? Diesel Silverado 1500 or larger V8 engines in either truck make sense.
Condition, maintenance history, and how the truck was driven will affect real-world L/100 km just as much as the spec sheet.
Reliability, Recalls & Peace of Mind
Both the F-150 and Silverado 1500 have solid overall reputations, but each generation has its quirks:
Turbo engines require regular, proper maintenance (oil changes, quality fuel).
Modern trucks pack in a lot of electronics, sensors, and driver-assist systems.
As with any vehicle, certain years and packages can be affected by recalls.
For example, Ford recently issued a recall affecting many late-model F-150 trucks with specific heavy-duty tow axles due to a potential rear axle-hub issue, as reported by outlets like Car and Driver.
On the used side, tools like CARFAX Canada vehicle history reports help confirm accident history, past registrations, and odometer accuracy.
When you shop at Car Nation Canada Direct, you benefit from:
Professional inspections and reconditioning before a truck hits the lot
Access to vehicle history reports so you can see previous ownership and accident history
Guidance on model-year strengths and weaknesses, not just what’s cheapest today
That’s often more valuable than choosing “Ford vs Chevy” in the abstract.
Which One Is Better for You?
Choose a Used Ford F-150 if you:
Regularly tow heavier trailers and want the strongest available towing and payload in the class
Like tech features and modern cabin design, especially for work and family duty
Want lots of engine choice (including hybrid) to match your priorities
Prefer Ford’s driving feel and steering, especially in newer generations
You can start by browsing used Fords in Burlington and filtering specifically for F-150 models on the inventory page.
Choose a Used Chevy Silverado 1500 if you:
Spend a lot of time on the highway and value a smooth, relaxed ride
Are interested in a fuel-efficient diesel that still tows confidently
Prefer a slightly more traditional, straightforward truck feel
Like the look and sound of the classic Chevy V8
For drivers in Oakville commuting into Burlington or Hamilton, both trucks can handle weekday life and weekend towing – it really comes down to which one feels “right” once you’re behind the wheel.
Why Buy Your Truck at Car Nation Canada Direct?
Car Nation Canada Direct makes the Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500 decision easier by putting multiple used examples of both on the same lot.
What you can expect:
A strong selection of used Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks in a range of years, trims, and price points
Transparent, market-driven pricing that reflects the current used-truck market in Burlington and the surrounding area
Flexible financing options (O.A.C.) – you can start a car loan pre-approval online
The option to trade in your current vehicle, whether it’s a car, SUV, or older truck
A friendly, knowledgeable team that understands how contractors, families, and first-time truck owners actually use their vehicles day-to-day
You can start by browsing the online used inventory, shortlisting a few F-150 and Silverado 1500 models that fit your budget and must-have features, then book test drives back-to-back.
Conclusion: Test-Drive Both and Let the Truck Decide
On paper, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are extremely close. Both can tow, haul, and commute comfortably. Both offer efficient powertrains, tech, and safety. The real difference comes down to:
The specific used truck you’re looking at
Your towing and payload needs
Whether you prefer Ford’s tech-forward vibe or Chevy’s easygoing highway feel
The best way to decide?
Visit Car Nation Canada Direct in Burlington, compare used Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks side-by-side, and take them for a proper test drive.
If you’re ready to upgrade your current ride, you can also get a trade-in value and explore financing options (O.A.C.), so your next truck fits both your life and your monthly budget.
Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado 1500 – FAQ
1. Which is more reliable as a used truck: Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500?
Both have strong reliability track records overall. What matters more is:
How well the individual truck was maintained
Driving history (heavy towing vs light commuting)
Whether any recalls or known issues have been addressed
A well-maintained Silverado can easily outlast a neglected F-150, and vice versa. That’s why inspections, CARFAX Canada reports, and test drives are key.
2. Which tows more: F-150 or Silverado 1500?
At the very top end, properly equipped F-150 models can tow slightly more, with maximum ratings in the 13,000+ lb range. Silverado 1500 models top out around 13,300 lb depending on configuration, which is still more than enough for most owners.
In everyday use, though, both trucks can comfortably tow boats, campers, work trailers, and toys when configured correctly.
3. Which is better on fuel: F-150 or Silverado 1500?
It depends on the engine:
The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid is very efficient for a gas full-size truck, with ratings that can rival some smaller vehicles according to NRCan and real-world testers.
The Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel is one of the highway fuel-economy champs among full-size pickups.
For most drivers, either of these efficient engines will feel like a big step up from older V8-only trucks.
4. How many kilometres is “too many” for a used F-150 or Silverado 1500?
It’s common to see these trucks still going strong well past 200,000 km when maintained properly. Instead of focusing only on the odometer:
Look at maintenance records
Check for rust, leaks, and suspension wear
Consider how the truck was used (heavy work vs light duty)
A clean, highway-driven 220,000 km truck can be a safer bet than a hard-used 140,000 km workhorse.
5. Can I finance a used F-150 or Silverado 1500 at Car Nation Canada Direct?
Yes. Car Nation Canada Direct offers financing on used trucks (O.A.C.), with options for different credit situations. You can start an application using their online car loan pre-approval form, then finalize everything when you come in to test drive your chosen Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500.
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