Silverado vs R1T
Both the Silverado and the R1T sit in the full-size pickup class, and Chevrolet and Rivian are clearly watching each other. If you only read one line, make it this: the R1T takes 2 of 3 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance R1T wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech R1T wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Engine & Performance7.3
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 R1T has 223 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the R1T makes its strongest case: 533 hp against 310 hp. The R1T’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The R1T has 180 lb-ft more torque
The R1T clearly leads on torque, and 610 lb-ft versus 430 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The R1T’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The R1T has a bigger 15.6 in touchscreen
A modest but measurable lead goes to the R1T: 15.6 in compared with 13.4 in. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 217.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 81.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 135.9 in |
Engine & Performance
R1T leads
The Silverado is outclassed on engine & performance; the R1T leads by a clear margin. The R1T gives you 223 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. That makes the R1T the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
Silverado: 310 hp R1T: 533 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Silverado: 430 lb-ft R1T: 610 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Silverado and the R1T barely differ. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
R1T leads
By a small margin, the R1T is the stronger of the two in this area. The R1T steps ahead thanks to a bigger 15.6 in touchscreen. The R1T’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. For safety & tech, the R1T is the one to beat.
Largest touchscreen
Silverado: 13.4 in R1T: 15.6 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 | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | Dual electric motors (Dual Standard) |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 533 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 610 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 270 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 11,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 15.6 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Rivian software) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 217.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 81.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 135.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Silverado | R1T |
|---|---|---|
| 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 R1T if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (533 hp vs 310 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (610 lb-ft vs 430 lb-ft of torque)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (15.6 in vs 13.4 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Silverado or the R1T?
On the specs compared here, the R1T makes more sense for most buyers; the Silverado doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Silverado and the R1T are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. For me, the deciding factor is that only the R1T gives you 223 hp more power. It also helps that the R1T has a bigger 15.6 in touchscreen.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Silverado suits buyers focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the R1T suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the R1T.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.