We compared how much it'd cost to run a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Silverado and this is what's cheaper
Published on Aug 04, 2026 at 9:59 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 04, 2026 at 9:59 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado are America’s best-selling and second-best-selling vehicles, respectively, and it’s easy to see why.
They do exactly the same thing, they’re both made in the US by US brands, and they cost roughly the same to buy.
They even look the same – more or less.
But, interestingly, one is significantly cheaper to run.
Brothers in arms
The F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are two different versions of the same thing.
They’re both pickup trucks, they’re both American, they’re both very good at being pickups and yet they’re both often bought purely because people simply like them.
They also share the fact that they’re part of a much larger family.
But the key difference is that, for the Ford, this ‘family’ no longer includes an electric variant.
MSRP-wise, they’re also very close.
The 2026 F-150 starts at around $39,000, which will give you access to a 2.7-liter V6 or the 5.0-liter V8.
The reason why these two models are the same price despite having different engines is that, with the V8, you get different specs.
The V8 Silverado costs basically the same – just under $40,000 – or you can a V6 that’s even cheaper, but that’ll also come with two-wheel drive.
This leads us to main key difference when it comes to running costs.
Because the answer is actually counterintuitive.
Why the Ford F-150 is still king
Statistically, Americans love Ford’s EcoBoost engine, but they still hold a special place for a traditional V8.
The reason is simple.
In the US, fuel prices fluctuate, but they’re still much cheaper than in Europe.
And with almost no exception apart from Norway and Switzerland (where, ironically, most people buy EVs), salaries are generally higher in the US.
The result is that while most Americans buy EcoBoosts for their power and efficiency, many still choose V8s simply because they prefer them and can afford the fuel.
So, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible option to run, the EcoBoost wins by miles.
Here’s a breakdown over 15,000 miles using the national average price for regular gasoline
Ford F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 2WD: 714 gallons (for 15,000 miles, est) 21 MPG
Cost: $2,900+
Ford F-150 5.0-liter V8: 789 gallons, 19 MPG
Cost: $3,200+
Chevy Silverado 2.7-liter TurboMax: 789 gallons, 19 MPG
Cost: $3,200+
Chevy Silverado 5.3-liter V8: 833 gallons, 18 MPG
Cost: $3,400
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
