Silverado vs Ram 1500
Chevrolet versus Ram: the Silverado and the Ram 1500 go after the same full-size pickup buyer. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Silverado wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Ram 1500 wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Engine & Performance0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Silverado has 161 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The Silverado lists 430 lb-ft and the Ram 1500 lists 269 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. The Silverado’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Ram 1500 has a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen
The Silverado comes close with 13.4 in; the Ram 1500 does slightly better with 14.5 in. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Silverado leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Silverado leads, and not by a little. The Silverado answers with 161 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Net result: the Silverado leads this part of the comparison.
Torque
Silverado: 430 lb-ft Ram 1500: 269 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Silverado and the Ram 1500 are effectively level. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
Ram 1500 leads
The Ram 1500 edges the safety & tech section, though the Silverado stays close. Here the Ram 1500 offers a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen. The Ram 1500’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. The safety & tech verdict goes to the Ram 1500.
Largest touchscreen
Silverado: 13.4 in Ram 1500: 14.5 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid (eTorque) |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) eTorque |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 305 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 269 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4x4 available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 6 seats Most seats in class |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 11,580 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 14.5 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | Silverado | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,000 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Silverado if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 269 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Chevrolet’s products
Choose the Ram 1500 if…
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (14.5 in vs 13.4 in)
- you prefer staying with Ram
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Silverado or the Ram 1500?
The Silverado makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if your top priority is a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Silverado versus the Ram 1500 shows that nicely. What tips it for me is that the Silverado has 161 lb-ft more torque. Credit where it’s due: the Ram 1500 offers a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Silverado fits. If safety & tech matters more, the Ram 1500 makes more sense.
My pick: the Silverado, though the Ram 1500 makes sense if what you want most is a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.