The beautiful thing about today’s half-ton pickup trucks is that they come in so many different trims, configurations, and options that you can always find one to fit your lifestyle. But which one is the options king? In this comparison guide we’ll give you the rundown and determine which truck is the most customizable.
Trim Levels: Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado comes in eight different trims. It starts out with the humble-bragging Work Truck (WT) that is strictly business but just as tough as any other trim. It tops out at the Silverado 1500 High Country that comes with all the bells and whistles, like 20-inch wheels, 6-inch tubular side steps, spray-on bedliner, premium BOSE sound system, 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, 12-way heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and Enhanced Driver Alert Package. If you’re using your truck for work only, the WT should be just fine. Most others will like the added value found in the LS, LT, or LTZ. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, spring for one of the Z71 variations.
The 2018 Ford F-150 is just a hair behind with seven trim levels. The most affordable trim is the XL, followed by the XLT. Keep in mind that these two trims are the only ones that offer all available cab configurations and all available bed lengths. The best of the best is the F-150 Limited. It has fun features like premium leather interior, advanced safety systems, a twin-panel moonroof, and chrome exterior accents. The average buyer will get the Lariat, the seeming sweet spot for most people. Off-roaders will want the Raptor.
Beds and Cabs: Tie
The Chevy Silverado 1500 offers three bed lengths and three cab configurations. Those beds come in 5’8″, 6’6″, and 8-foot lengths, although in most trims choosing the crew cab rules out the longest bed. The cabs come in Regular, Double, and Crew. The Double and Crew have back row seating, with the Crew offering the most legroom for backseat passengers.
Like the Silverado, the Ford F-150 also offers three bed lengths and three cabs. The options are abundant on the first two trim levels and then become a bit more restrictive. For example, the Lariat does not offer a Regular Cab option.
Price: Chevy Silverado 1500
This one might come as a surprise because the Ford F-150 starts at a lower price than the Chevy Silverado. But the steps up in trim level are steeper for the F-150. For example, the F-150 Limited is almost $9,000 more than the Silverado High Country. And the mid-trim Lariat is more expensive than all but the top two Silverado trims. It turns out that unless you want the base workhorse, you’ll save money buying Chevy.
If it’s options and affordability you want, Chevy’s got them. Check out the Silverado today and see how it can be built just the way you like it.
