2022 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, including special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Silverado's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than a sophisticated worksite vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 was available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, with multiple trim levels from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. New for 2022, the RAM 1500 featured a Clean Air System and the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Limited trim of the RAM 1500, equipped with a turbodiesel engine and various luxury packages, showcased a clean and contemporary design. The interior of the RAM 1500 Limited exuded quality with its Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery and a 19-speaker premium sound system, making it a standout in the full-size truck segment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds, while the diesel engine could tow up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing capabilities, especially with the diesel engine, which provided smooth acceleration and impressive torque.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with a mild-hybrid system, a 5.7-liter V8 with or without eTorque, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the TRX. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel V6, generating 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel engine allowed the RAM 1500 to tow up to 12,560 pounds, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing a 9,600-pound trailer. The RAM 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, making it feel more like an SUV than a pickup truck. The EcoDiesel engine offered excellent fuel economy, averaging 24.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version offered the most legroom for rear passengers. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. While the Silverado's interior was functional, it lacked the luxury appointments found in higher-end competitors.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited featured power-deploying running boards, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a reclining rear seat. The cabin offered practical storage solutions, including a versatile center console, door panel bins, and under-floor storage. The multi-function tailgate and optional RamBox storage bins added to the truck's utility. The RAM 1500's interior was spacious and luxurious, providing a comfortable and well-appointed environment for passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Additional features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado excelled in camera technology, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on Big Horn and above trims. The system featured an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and connected services. Our test truck had the 12-inch display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a Ramcharger wireless charging dock. The RAM 1500 also offered advanced trailering technology, including Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. Despite some minor issues with voice recognition and system complexity, Uconnect 5 represented a significant improvement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear park assist. However, the Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of driver-assist features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims could be equipped with the Advanced Safety Group and Rebel Safety Group packages, adding features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it had dual four-star frontal-impact ratings.