Question 1

Is the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado cheaper to maintain?

Accepted Answer

The Silverado 1500 (5.3L V8) is about $800–$1,400 cheaper over 10 years/150,000 miles than the F-150 EcoBoost. The F-150 EcoBoost's turbochargers, intercooler service, and higher-spec synthetic oil drive its costs up. The F-150's 5.0L Coyote V8 is much closer to the Silverado in long-term cost — within ~$300 over 10 years.

Question 2

Do F-150 and Silverado use the same oil?

Accepted Answer

No. The F-150 5.0L V8 takes 8.8 quarts of 5W-30 full synthetic; the 3.5L EcoBoost takes 6 quarts of 5W-30; the 2.7L EcoBoost takes 6 quarts of 5W-30. The Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 takes 8 quarts of 0W-20 Dexos-approved synthetic — note the 0W-20 spec is much lighter than Ford's 5W-30. Don't cross over.

Question 3

Which transmission is more reliable: F-150 10R80 or Silverado 8L90?

Accepted Answer

The F-150's 10-speed 10R80 (co-developed with GM, ironically) has fewer reported failures than the Silverado's earlier 8L90 8-speed. Both require Mercon ULV (Ford) or Dexron ULV (GM) every 60,000 miles for longevity — both manufacturers spec it as lifetime, which it isn't. Skipping fluid service is the #1 cause of $4,000+ rebuilds on either truck.

Question 4

Which holds resale value better, F-150 or Silverado?

Accepted Answer

F-150 holds resale better — about 58% retained at 5 years vs 53% for the Silverado (KBB). The Raptor and Lightning trims of the F-150 hold resale even stronger. Silverado Z71 and Trail Boss trims close the gap but still trail. Diesel-equipped versions of either truck hold resale 10–15% better than gas equivalents.

Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado: 10-Year Maintenance Cost (2026)