Ford F-650 vs Chevrolet Silverado 6500 HD
Two medium-duty rigs compared spec for spec: the F-650 (2000–present, 270–330 hp) against the Silverado 6500 HD (2019–present, Up to 350 hp). Same data we keep on every truck in the encyclopedia — and Mike on hand if the answer depends on your routes and loads.
F-650
The contractor and tow-truck favorite.
Silverado 6500 HD
GM's biggest conventional work truck.
| Spec | Ford F-650 | Chevrolet Silverado 6500 HD |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Ford Motor Company | General Motors |
| Class | Class 6 | Class 6 |
| Body type | Medium-Duty | Medium-Duty |
| Years | 2000–present | 2019–present |
| Rating | Up to 29,000 lb GVWR | Up to 26,000 lb GVWR |
| Power | 270–330 hp | Up to 350 hp |
| Engines | Ford 6.7L Power Stroke, Ford 7.3L gas | Duramax 6.6L diesel, 6.6L gas |
| Applications | Tow, Dump, Utility, Box | Dump, Tow, Utility |
About the Ford F-650
Launched for the 2000 model year as part of the new Super Duty range, the Class 6-7 F-650 became part of the Blue Diamond Truck Company joint venture with Navistar, which from 2004 built the trucks at Navistar's plant in General Escobedo, Mexico. After that partnership dissolved, Ford moved the redesigned line to its Avon Lake, Ohio plant, where the first US-built F-650/F-750 rolled off the line on August 12, 2015, securing more than 1,000 jobs and a Built in Ohio alongside the F-750 on Ford's dedicated medium-duty line.68 million investment.
About the Chevrolet Silverado 6500 HD
Unveiled in 2018 at the NTEA Work Truck Show, the 6500 HD is the heaviest member of the revived Silverado chassis-cab line and a Class 6 successor to the Kodiak/C6500 medium-duty Chevys that GM dropped in 2009. It carries a GVWR up to 23,500 lb on a frame built for upfitters, and is assembled by Navistar/International in Springfield, Ohio, alongside its International CV twin.
Which one fits your operation?
Specs only get you so far — routes, loads and the shop that maintains it matter. Mike, the free AI truck consultant, talks it through with you. No account, 24/7.
