Full-Size Truck Showdown: 2026 Silverado’s Advantages Over the F-150
The full-size pickup truck segment remains one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 consistently vying for the top spot. For drivers in Ontario and across Canada, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado delivers decisive advantages in cargo volume, payload capacity, and standard torque that make it the stronger […]
The full-size pickup truck segment remains one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 consistently vying for the top spot. For drivers in Ontario and across Canada, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado delivers decisive advantages in cargo volume, payload capacity, and standard torque that make it the stronger choice for work and recreation.
Both trucks offer advanced technology, versatile configurations, and serious capability. Here’s how they compare — and why the Silverado emerges as the smarter choice.
Payload Capacity: Silverado Hauls More
When it comes to hauling capability, the numbers favour the Silverado.
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 delivers a maximum payload of 1,148 kg (2,530 lbs) when properly equipped. The 2026 Ford F-150 maxes out at 1,107 kg (2,440 lbs) — a 90-lb deficit.
That 90-lb advantage makes a meaningful difference when hauling heavy loads in the bed, carrying multiple passengers with gear, or loading materials for the job site. Over years of ownership, that additional capacity provides flexibility the F-150 cannot match.
Cargo Volume: Best-in-Class Durabed
The Silverado’s Durabed offers best-in-class cargo volume at 2,523 litres (89.1 cu. ft.) — more usable space than any competitor. The F-150’s maximum cargo volume reaches 2,191 litres in the 8.0-foot bed configuration.
The Silverado’s 332-litre advantage is substantial. That’s the difference between fitting everything you need and making a second trip.
The Durabed includes 12 standard tie-downs and features the innovative Multi-Flex Tailgate, which functions six different ways: primary gate, load stops, easy access, full-width step supporting up to 170 kg (375 lbs), and a work surface. The F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate offers a swing door that opens 100 degrees — useful when a trailer is attached, but less versatile than the Multi-Flex design.
Cargo & Payload Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado | 2026 Ford F-150 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 2,523 L (best-in-class) | 2,191 L |
| Maximum Payload | 1,148 kg (2,530 lbs) | 1,107 kg (2,440 lbs) |
| Cargo Advantage | +332 litres | — |
| Payload Advantage | +41 kg (90 lbs) | — |
Powertrain: Best-in-Class Standard Torque
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a diverse engine lineup designed for different driving needs:
- 2.7L TurboMax I-4: 310 hp, 430 lb-ft (best-in-class standard torque)
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8: 355 hp, 383 lb-ft
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8: 420 hp, 460 lb-ft
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6: 305 hp, 495 lb-ft
The standard TurboMax engine delivers 430 lb-ft of torque — 30 lb-ft more than the F-150’s base 2.7L EcoBoost (400 lb-ft). This best-in-class standard torque means every Silverado buyer gets strong capability without paying for an upgraded engine.
The available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel delivers 495 lb-ft of torque — ideal for heavy towing and long-distance hauling. The F-150 offers no diesel option.
The 2026 Ford F-150 counters with:
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 hp, 400 lb-ft
- 5.0L V8: 400 hp, 410 lb-ft
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 400 hp, 500 lb-ft
- 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6: 430 hp, 570 lb-ft
The F-150’s PowerBoost Hybrid delivers strong output and Pro Power Onboard exportable power — a genuine advantage for buyers who need mobile power generation. However, buyers must upgrade to access this powertrain.
Powertrain Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado | 2026 Ford F-150 |
| Standard Engine Torque | 430 lb-ft (best-in-class) | 400 lb-ft |
| Top V8 Output | 420 hp, 460 lb-ft | 400 hp, 410 lb-ft |
| Diesel Option | 3.0L Duramax (495 lb-ft) | Not available |
| Hybrid Option | Not available | 3.5L PowerBoost (570 lb-ft) |
Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford F-150 offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,123 kg (13,500 lbs) with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 — 200 lbs more than the Silverado’s 6,033 kg (13,300 lbs) maximum.
This is a genuine F-150 advantage. However, the Silverado’s superior payload capacity and best-in-class cargo volume provide more real-world utility for most truck buyers than a marginal towing advantage.
For drivers who need maximum heavy-duty capability, the Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup delivers. The 2026 Silverado 2500HD tows up to 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) with the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, while the 3500HD handles up to 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) with a gooseneck hitch.
Trailering Technology
The Silverado’s available trailering technology includes up to 8 cameras offering 14 different views to assist with hitching, driving, and parking. The in-vehicle Trailering App provides tire pressure monitoring, trailer light testing, and customizable trailer profiles. Available Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extends monitoring to account for trailer length.
The F-150 offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist with a dashboard knob to control trailer direction, plus a 360-degree camera. Both systems are capable, but the Silverado’s 14-view system provides superior visibility for complex trailering situations.
Interior Technology
The Silverado features an available 13.4-inch diagonal colour touchscreen — larger than the F-150’s 12-inch display. A 12.3-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Centre complements the main screen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure smartphone integration, while available Google Built-in provides voice-activated access to Google Assistant and Google Maps.
The F-150 includes a 12-inch centre display with SYNC 4, wireless smartphone integration, and available FordPass Connect mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
For long highway drives, both trucks offer available hands-free driving technology: Super Cruise on the Silverado and BlueCruise on the F-150. Both systems operate on compatible highways across Canada and the United States.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Chevrolet Safety Assist (Standard on Silverado):
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 (Standard on F-150):
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Keeping System
- Blind Spot Information System
- Rearview Camera
Both trucks provide comprehensive standard safety suites. Available advanced features include Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (Silverado) and trailer-specific monitoring systems.
Fuel Efficiency
The F-150’s 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid achieves 10.1 L/100 km combined (4×2) and 10.4 L/100 km combined (4×4) — best-in-class fuel economy for a full-size pickup. This is a genuine F-150 advantage for buyers prioritizing efficiency.
The Silverado’s Duramax diesel delivers strong highway fuel economy and excellent range for long-distance towing — the kind of efficiency that matters when pulling heavy loads across Ontario.
The Verdict: Silverado Delivers More for Ontario Drivers
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado outperforms the Ford F-150 in the metrics that define full-size truck capability:
- Best-in-class cargo volume: 2,523 litres vs 2,191 litres (+332 L)
- Superior payload capacity: 1,148 kg vs 1,107 kg (+41 kg)
- Best-in-class standard torque: 430 lb-ft vs 400 lb-ft (+30 lb-ft)
- Diesel powertrain option: Duramax 3.0L available (F-150 offers none)
- Larger infotainment screen: 13.4-inch vs 12-inch
- Superior trailering cameras: 14 views vs 360-degree system
The F-150 offers genuine strengths — marginally higher maximum towing, hybrid powertrain with exportable power, and strong fuel economy. For buyers whose primary requirement is hybrid efficiency or Pro Power Onboard capability, the F-150 delivers in those specific areas.
However, for drivers who prioritize hauling capability, cargo space, diesel efficiency, and proven dependability, the Silverado is the clear choice. Its combination of best-in-class standard torque, superior payload, and innovative Durabed create a truck built for the demands of Ontario drivers.
Experience the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado at Premier Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado delivers best-in-class cargo volume, superior payload capacity, and proven capability for work and recreation. Whether you need the Duramax diesel for heavy towing, the Multi-Flex Tailgate for job site versatility, or the best-in-class standard torque for everyday confidence, the Silverado is built for drivers who demand more.
Visit our team at Premier Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC to explore the full Silverado lineup. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions, arrange a test drive, and help you find the right truck for your needs.