2021 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing design that sparked significant debate upon its release. Its exterior, part of the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, was widely criticized. Despite this, the truck's functionality was prioritized over its form, making it a reliable work vehicle. The interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, featuring a familiar layout with all controls easily accessible. The Silverado HD offered various trims, from the basic Work Truck with a 7-inch touchscreen and V8 engine to the luxurious High Country, which included features like a spray-on bed liner and power up-and-down tailgate.

In contrast, the 2021 RAM 1500 maintained its design from the 2019 redesign, offering no new cosmetic changes. The TRX model, however, stood out with its off-road capabilities and commanding presence. The TRX featured a crew cab with a 5-foot, 7-inch box and a height and width that nearly classified it as a commercial vehicle. The interior of the TRX was luxurious, with options for leather and suede materials, a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display, and a performance-oriented steering wheel. The TRX also included unique features like a vehicle-specific ID marker and a scale chart in the storage bin.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options: a 401-horsepower gas V8 and a 445-horsepower Duramax turbodiesel V8. The diesel engine produced an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the punchiest diesel engines available. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds, with the 3500HD model capable of towing up to 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. Despite its power, the diesel engine achieved a fuel economy of about 17 mpg, allowing for a range of over 600 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX featured a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the TRX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 118 mph. The TRX had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a maximum towing capability of 8,100 pounds. The TRX's fuel economy was significantly lower, with an EPA rating of 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined. The TRX excelled in various driving scenarios, from city commutes to off-road adventures, offering eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a newly calibrated Baja mode.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab provided ample interior space, with massive cubbies and trays for gear. The Silverado HD also featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, making it easier to access the bed. The LTZ trim included a power lift-and-lower tailgate, which could be operated from the key fob or a button in the cabin. The interior layout remained familiar, with all controls easily accessible, making it a practical choice for work.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, despite its larger exterior proportions, had identical interior dimensions to the standard Ram 1500. The TRX offered plenty of storage options, including a large center storage bin and powered-adjustable pedals. The front seats in the TRX Level 2 package were comfortable, and the seating position offered the most adjustability compared to its rivals. The TRX also featured functional and comfortable steering, making long drives less fatiguing.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restraint with technology. The Work Truck and Custom trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems had a straightforward layout with large icons, making them easy to use. The truck also offered multiple USB ports, power outlets, and a wireless charging pad. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on higher trims and available on lower trims.

The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system. The display was fully customizable, allowing owners to drag and drop frequently used controls. The system included wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and various ports. The TRX also offered Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages for vehicle calculations and accessory gauges. The Ram 1500 could be optioned with a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a full-color head-up display, providing real-time driving information.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim included a surround-view camera with trailer views and the available Safety Package II, which added forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Package I included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, making it easier to maneuver the truck in tight spaces.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, although many were optional. Standard features included a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. The Advanced Safety Group package added a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. The Advanced Tech Group included a digital rear-view mirror and a brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp. Other available features included adaptive headlights, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking.