2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered an evocative design with outsized grilles that have long been a hallmark of the model, preceding the trend by decades. It started with the Tradesman trim, appealing to those looking for a straightforward, robust truck with features like vinyl upholstery and a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. As one moved up the trims to the Laramie and beyond, the luxury quotient increased significantly with options for leather upholstery, high-end touchscreens, and advanced stereo systems, meeting both utilitarian and luxury needs.

Conversely, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, from the outside, sported a boxy, robust build with a commanding presence, thanks to details like bright chrome trims and polished aluminum wheels. The LTZ trim provided an upscale feel but upon entering the cabin, the Silverado’s interior appeared dated, with a utilitarian setup of glossy plastics and larger panel gaps that seemed out of step with modern expectations of a premium truck interior.

The RAM 1500’s engine range included a reworked 3.6-liter V6 with a mild-hybrid system that offered improved torque and fuel efficiency, providing up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Its 5.7-liter V8 and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel options extended powerful alternatives, pushing towing capabilities to commendable limits up to 12,750 pounds.

The Silverado, equipped with a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel for a test, emphasized cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency, returning 22.6 mpg in mixed driving conditions and offering an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. While it boasted a high towing capacity of 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8, the turbodiesel option seemed more suited for light towing given its upper limit of 9,500 pounds.

In terms of interior space, the RAM 1500 excelled with expansive room and storage options totaling over 151 liters, alongside optional luxurious touches like reclining rear seats in higher trims. Its multifunctional setup catered excellently to both passenger comfort and cargo functionality, albeit with some restrictions on maximum towing configurations.

The Silverado provided ample cabin space, especially in the rear, but fell short on innovative storage solutions and the quality of interior finishes. It claimed the deepest truck bed in the segment, yet lacked the multifunctional tailgate in the tested model, which could have added to its utility value.

Technology in the RAM 1500 shone with options like a large 12-inch touchscreen and an intuitive Uconnect system that paired seamlessly with external devices. Despite some hiccups, the overall tech experience felt modern and user-focused.

The Silverado’s tech setup was robust but didn’t quite match up to the RAM’s, offering smaller screen sizes and less impressive audio systems. Nevertheless, it included functional essentials like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of camera options that enhanced towing and hauling experiences.

The RAM 1500 boasted excellent safety accolades, including a Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS for the crew cab model with specific equipment. Its range of available safety features added to its appeal as a robust and secure choice.

The Silverado, however, underperformed in several key crash tests, receiving lower ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. This marked a significant concern, potentially influencing buyer decisions unfavorably despite its range of active safety technologies.