Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. RAM 1500

When you need a full-size pickup, two automakers rise to the top of the list: Chevrolet and RAM. Both have a history of creating dependable, powerful full-size trucks, and both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500 have consistently been best-sellers in the truck market. Both are stylish, powerful trucks that can handle just about any job you have in mind.

To be sure that you are getting the most for your investment, you need to look closer at the two trucks to determine which offers you the most features and which has the power you need. Here’s a closer look at how the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500 compare:

Performance

Perhaps most important when you are considering buying a full-size truck is what kind of performance it offers. You’ll have that both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500 offer powerful performance, but they diverge in important ways.

Depending on the model year you are considering, the Chevy Silverado 1500 will come standard with a V6 or a V8 engine that puts out 300 or 400 horsepower, give or take. But if you need more power, the Silverado 1500 offers a variety of engine options to help you get just what you need. Depending on the model year you are considering, you could have a choice of three to five engine options. You get great power and great choice with the Chevy Silverado 1500.

Meanwhile, the RAM 1500 comes standard with a V6 or V8, as well. Depending on the model year, you may get a little more power on the front end, but you don’t have as many options for configuring the powertrain, and the maximum amount of power on the RAM 1500 has typically been less than that of the Silverado 1500.

Towing Capacity and Bed Size

You are likely to want a truck that can not only handle tough terrain, but that can also tow heavy loads. So, you need a powerful engine, but you also need other features that can expand the truck’s towing capacity.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 was the segment leader in maximum towing capacity in 2020, and it was at the top of the pack for most other model years preceding that. Maximum towing capacity edged over 13,000 pounds for 2020, which beat the RAM 1500’s maximum towing capacity by more than 600 pounds.

If you look at other model years, you are going to see a similar trend – the Silverado 1500 typically offers more towing capacity than the RAM 1500. Of course, the exact specs are always going to depend on the model year and specific configuration. Just know that you are more likely to get more towing capacity in a Silverado 1500.

Likewise, you’ll also find bigger bed options in the Silverado 1500, giving you more opportunity to fit everything you need to haul in the bed, rather than having to hitch a trailer. The Silverado 1500 often comes with three bed size options.

Interior Comfort

Full-size trucks aren’t typically made for comfort or luxury, but both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500 break that mold. Both offer comfortable seating in an attractive interior. Which one you find to be superior may be a matter of taste, but we find that the RAM 1500 usually delivers more in terms of comfort and style. The interior has plush seating and soft fabrics. It also offers more space to stretch out, whether you’re looking at leg room or head room.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 offers a comfortable and stylish interior, as well. It just gets beat out by the RAM 1500 in most model years. But again, comfort and style are both a matter of taste, so you’ll need to compare models in person to see which you prefer.

Technology and Convenience Features.

Again, you aren’t likely to see a lot of technological advancement or convenience features in full-size trucks, which are meant to be powerful work trucks, in most cases. However, both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500 break the mold and deliver plenty of features that make driving fun, even when you’re working.

Chevy has improved the offerings of the Silverado in recent years, so you’re definitely going to find more as you move up the lineup. When you are shopping for used trucks, you can buy trucks that are loaded with more features while also paying a lower price. You don’t have to pay the premium that these features bring on a brand-new model.

Typically, RAM 1500 models are going to offer a bit more by way of technology and convenience features. They usually offer more of the latest features, such as wi-fi hotspots, smart device integration, and so on. And, of course, the higher up the trim level you move, the more features you are going to get. Used truck pricing will increase with the trim level, but not to the same extent as what you’d find if you were shopping new.

Find the Right Truck for You

Fortunately, you have a lot of great options in the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500. There is no wrong choice between the two. You just need to decide which of the features are more important to you, and which will best fit your budget.

At Tim’s Truck Capital, we have a large variety of used trucks, including several model years of both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the RAM 1500. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates will help you explore the different model years and explain how they compare so that you can find the truck with the best configuration at the best price. Test drive the different models to see which one feels better to you and to try out some of the features. You’ll quickly learn which is the right truck for you.

While you’re here, talk to our financing specialists about current offers. We have a variety of options to help you make the truck you need affordable for your budget. Visit us today to learn more!