2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 RAM 1500

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a visually customizable exterior, catering to various styles and preferences with its assortment of grilles, wheels, and bumpers. Buyers could choose from several cab styles and trim levels, ranging from the functional WT to the luxurious High Country, with specialized options like the Trail Boss for off-roading enthusiasts. The test model, an LT Trail Boss, featured a commanding, all-black aesthetic that was challenging to maintain but striking to behold, perfect for those who don’t mind the extra upkeep for a bolder statement. On the other side, the 2020 RAM 1500 boasted a robust and recognizable design with an oversized grille that predates similar industry trends by decades. Starting with the basic Tradesman trim, the Ram provided a surprising amount of creature comforts and upgrades, making it as practical in functionality as it was in style. Higher trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited offered luxurious finishes and options, pushing the boundaries of what's expected in a truck's interior and exterior design.

Chevrolet's offerings for the Silverado engines were diverse, featuring five different engines, including a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel and an expanded availability of the 6.2-liter V8 engine in the LT Trail Boss test model. This V8 engine delivered a robust 420 horsepower, ensuring powerful and responsive handling, particularly effective in off-road scenarios despite some limitations in cornering grip due to the all-terrain tires. RAM 1500’s performance was characterized by a choice between a reworked 3.6-liter V6 and a heartier 5.7-liter V8, with the latter also available with a hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency and towing power. The optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 provided an impressive torque, ideal for towing, although it occasionally suffered from turbo lag. Overall, the RAM balanced power with efficiency, supported by a smooth-operating 8-speed transmission.

Inside the Silverado, there was substantial effort placed on durability and comfort, from the leather upholstery to the dual glove compartments and expansive under-seat storage. The Silverado Crew Cab was especially roomy, offering significant payload and towing capacities of up to 2,250 pounds and 13,400 pounds respectively, competitive within its class. The RAM 1500 matched this with its spacious and sophisticated cabin design that included generous legroom and smart storage solutions totaling over 151 liters. Its towing capacity and interior volume were complemented by coil-spring rear suspension, enhancing ride comfort significantly—a notable advantage over traditional setups.

Chevrolet equipped the Silverado with a standard 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with modern connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional options included a premium Bose sound system and a multitude of camera views for enhanced trailering visibility. Comparatively, RAM dazzled with its available 12-inch touchscreen, offering a more visually impactful and user-friendly interface. Ram's commitment to leading-edge technology was also evident in every trim level's standard features, offering an abundance of charging ports and sophisticated systems to enhance the driving experience.

Safety in the Silverado was competent with standard features like Teen Driver technology, although advanced systems like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking were reserved for higher trims. Its crash-test ratings suggested room for improvement compared to industry standards. The RAM 1500 excelled in safety, achieving a 5-star NHTSA rating and the honor of being the first full-size pickup to earn the IIHS's Top Safety Pick Plus, particularly when properly equipped. This focus on safety was complemented by accessible and comprehensive safety features across various trims.