2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Silverado 3500HD edges out the RAM 1500 in various aspects and is recommended for consumers seeking a powerful and capable heavy-duty truck with a spacious interior and advanced towing capabilities. Shoppers who don’t need the Silverado 3500HD’s heavy-duty capabilities will be better served by the RAM 1500.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize comfort and interior space, with ample storage options and comfortable seating arrangements.
- You are looking for a diverse range of trims and features to suit different preferences and budgets.
- You value a strong and capable engine lineup with class-leading torque and towing capacity.
4296 results
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD if:
Shop Now- You need exceptional towing capabilities of up to 36,000 pounds and impressive payload capacity.
- You prefer a spacious cabin with practical features like bed steps for easy cargo access.
- You are interested in a heavy-duty truck with a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced trailering technologies.
460 results
Overview | |
MSRP$28,200 | MSRP$36,500 |
Average price$33,843 | Average price$55,316 |
Listings4296 | Listings460 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryA full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | |
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Reviews SummaryFull-size heavy-duty trucks are built with a purpose. Whereas many light-duty trucks are many things to many buyers, heavy-duty pickups do all these things plus tow and haul an incredible amount. This would seem like an incredible challenge; offer all the creature comforts and amenities you might find in a family sedan but with world-beating capability. And yet massive trucks like the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD are able to expertly deliver on these day-to-day needs while also being some of the most capable vehicles on the road today. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City17 | MPG City |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine Name6.6L 401 hp V8 |
Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | Torque464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower401 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City17 | MPG City |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.3 in | Bed Length98.3 in |
Curb Weight4697 lbs | Curb Weight6231 lbs |
Height74.4 in | Height80.9 in |
Length231.0 in | Length235.5 in |
Width79.4 in | Width81.7 in |
Wheelbase140.5 in | Wheelbase141.6 in |
Maximum Payload1900 lbs | Maximum Payload4481 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10680 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity21500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4750 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity14500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Silverado 3500HD edges out the RAM 1500 in various aspects and is recommended for consumers seeking a powerful and capable heavy-duty truck with a spacious interior and advanced towing capabilities. Shoppers who don’t need the Silverado 3500HD’s heavy-duty capabilities will be better served by the RAM 1500.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize comfort and interior space, with ample storage options and comfortable seating arrangements.
- You are looking for a diverse range of trims and features to suit different preferences and budgets.
- You value a strong and capable engine lineup with class-leading torque and towing capacity.
4296 results
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD if:
Shop Now- You need exceptional towing capabilities of up to 36,000 pounds and impressive payload capacity.
- You prefer a spacious cabin with practical features like bed steps for easy cargo access.
- You are interested in a heavy-duty truck with a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced trailering technologies.
460 results
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,200 | $36,500 |
Average price | $33,843 | $55,316 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | Full-size heavy-duty trucks are built with a purpose. Whereas many light-duty trucks are many things to many buyers, heavy-duty pickups do all these things plus tow and haul an incredible amount. This would seem like an incredible challenge; offer all the creature comforts and amenities you might find in a family sedan but with world-beating capability. And yet massive trucks like the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD are able to expertly deliver on these day-to-day needs while also being some of the most capable vehicles on the road today. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | |
Drive Train | 4X2 | |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 6.6L 401 hp V8 |
Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | 464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 401 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.3 in | 98.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4697 lbs | 6231 lbs |
Height | 74.4 in | 80.9 in |
Length | 231.0 in | 235.5 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 81.7 in |
Wheelbase | 140.5 in | 141.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1900 lbs | 4481 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10680 lbs | 21500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4750 lbs | 14500 lbs |
Look and feel
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 RAM 1500 scores 8 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD scores 6 out of 10 for look and feel. The RAM 1500 boasts a timeless and iconic design, with a variety of trims to suit different preferences and needs. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a more polarizing design, with a massive front grille that may not appeal to everyone.
Performance
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 RAM 1500 at a solid 7 out of 10 for performance, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD impresses with a 9 out of 10. The RAM 1500 offers a range of powerful engine options, including a capable V6 and a robust V8, with class-leading torque and towing capacity. In comparison, the heavy-duty Silverado 3500HD shines with two formidable engines, including a potent diesel V8 and exceptional towing capabilities of up to 36,000 pounds.
Form and function
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
10/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the RAM 1500 offers over 151 liters of interior storage, substantial rear legroom, and comfortable seating for passengers. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD provides a spacious cabin across different configurations, along with practical bed steps for easy access to the cargo area.
Technology
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
9/10
The 2020 RAM 1500 scores 7 out of 10 for technology, featuring a user-friendly 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and advanced engine technologies like eTorque. In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offers an easy-to-use infotainment system with numerous camera angles for trailering and useful trailering apps.
Safety
2020 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
8/10
Safety-wise, the 2020 RAM 1500 secures an impressive 9 out of 10 rating, being the first full-size pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD comes equipped with essential safety features, including airbags and a backup camera, with additional options available for active safety systems.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
8/10
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the 2020 RAM 1500 offers a wide range of trims and features at varying price points, making it accessible for different budget levels. On the other hand, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD starts at $36,500 but can go up to $85,000 depending on configurations, offering a good balance between capability and comfort.
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.