2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a robust selection of configurations, surely an attractive proposition for potential buyers. Its exterior was notably rugged, impressive with a Northsky Blue hue that contrasted sharply with its somewhat outdated interior. Large panel gaps and a prevalent use of hard plastics detracted from the cabin's overall appeal, firmly placing aesthetics in the past decade despite the modern exterior.

Conversely, the 2022 RAM 1500 melded classic styling cues with contemporary finesse, presenting a polished yet understated appearance. The interior of the RAM Limited trim, particularly, was an escape into luxury. Rich leather upholstery and a sophisticated design set a high standard, making it evident that the cabin was designed to be a comfortable sanctuary during long hauls, propelling the RAM's interior well ahead of its Chevy competitor in terms of luxury and contemporary design.

In terms of towing and payload, the Silverado with its available Duramax turbodiesel engine was quite competitive. Offering towing capabilities up to 13,300 pounds depending on configuration, it aligned closely with industry standards for light-duty trucks. Its diesel option presented an economical choice with impressive fuel economy at 22.6 mpg combined, though its power lagged slightly behind in horsepower compared to its RAM counterpart.

The RAM 1500, sporting an EcoDiesel V6, showcased superior torque, with 480 pound-feet, supporting confident, quick surges of acceleration and an impressive towing capacity of up to 12,560 pounds for certain configurations. Notable was the refinement in ride quality compared to the Silverado, thanks to the exclusive air suspension system which provided a cloud-like ride unparalleled in its class.

Inside the cabin, the Silverado was spacious but lacked innovative storage solutions and modernity in its furnishings. Its cargo capacity was admirable, yet standard at best without significant enhancements to functionality like those seen in the RAM.

The RAM 1500 set an exceptionally high standard here. The use of space was thoughtful with features such as the multifunction tailgate and the optional RamBox cargo management system, which added significantly to its utility. The innovative use of interior storage and luxurious passenger space, including reclining rear seats, put RAM at the forefront of functional and passenger-friendly design in the truck segment.

On the technology front, Chevy's Silverado offered a solid system with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3. Although competent, it lagged with smaller screens and less intuitive user interfaces compared to RAM's offering. The Silverado did however excel in trailering technologies, though overall, it felt a step behind.

RAM’s Uconnect 5 system in the 2022 model impressed with a responsive 12-inch touchscreen and more intuitive controls. Coupled with advanced connectivity features and superior sound system options, it made the RAM a clear leader in infotainment and usability amongst the two.

Safety wise, the Silverado was a concern with its mere "Marginal" IIHS rating and mediocre NHTSA outcomes, putting passenger safety into question over more severe impacts. While it offered a comprehensive suite of safety aids, its structural safety ratings were underwhelming.

RAM, in contrast, achieved commendable ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, backed by a robust assortment of active safety features across its trim levels. This made the RAM not just more appealing but fundamentally safer, according to test results from major safety organisations.