2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 exhibited a polarizing design that evoked mixed reactions. Known for its timeless design elements, such as the split-bar grille from the 1990s and the 2015 redesign, the current model was seen as aggressive. The small headlights with a peculiar body panel extending into the grille added to its distinctive yet controversial look. Some may have found this sharp and aggressive style overcompensating, aligning with the broader Chevrolet portfolio that resembled designs inspired by Transformers. There were several appearance packages like the Rally Edition, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition, adding more visual flair.

Inside, the Silverado 1500's cabin offered a functional and well-organized layout. The controls were intuitive, and the interior varied by trim. The WT (Work Truck) and Custom trims had pre-2022 facelift interiors, featuring smaller screens and manual controls. Higher trims sported modern high-tech designs centered around a large touchscreen. For instance, the WT had vinyl upholstery and a 7-inch touchscreen with wired connectivity options, while the Custom added cloth upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and larger wheels.

As trims progressed, features became more luxurious. The LT included a larger digital instrument panel, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and chrome bumpers. The RST trim offered unique visual touches and 18-inch wheels. The Trail Boss, geared towards off-roading, came standard with 4WD, skid plates, and enhanced shock absorbers. The LTZ trim added leather upholstery, a power-operated tailgate, and wireless device charging. The luxury-level High Country trim featured a power-sliding rear window and heated and ventilated front seats.

Conversely, the 2023 RAM 1500 presented a different aesthetic approach. Available in quad cab or larger crew cab configurations, this model provided ample customization opportunities. The Limited trim we reviewed sported the $4,145 Night Edition package, which turned the chrome into a sleek stealthy look with blacked-out grille, badging, headlamp bezels, and mirror caps along with 22-inch black aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Limited trim boasted luxurious materials and finishes, including plenty of leather with attractive contrasting stitching and an embossed Limited logo. The dash featured open-pore wood trim with metallic accents, and both the steering wheel and the center console exuded an upscale feel. The 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen was a standout feature, offering dual functionality for audio and navigation display. While the functionality of the Uconnect system may have required some getting used to, it proved to be well-organized once familiarized.

For the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, performance options were diverse. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For V8 enthusiasts, the 5.3-liter engine generated 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, while the 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. There was also a six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel delivering 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque.

Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option. The base four-cylinder came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while other engines featured a 10-speed automatic. With the proper configuration, the Silverado could tow up to 13,300 pounds, using the 6.2-liter V8 with the Max Towing package. The smaller V8 could handle up to 11,000 pounds, and the maximum payload capacity was 2,260 pounds for the base four-cylinder with RWD.

We found the turbo-four engine surprisingly potent in our Trail Boss test model, delivering good pickup despite its noisy, diesel-like mechanical sound. The eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth, although we were curious about the compatibility of the 10-speed. V8 engines were robust, with the 6.2-liter offering notable drive dynamics. The Silverado’s handling was commendable for a truck of its size, suitable for both commuting and off-road adventures, although it lagged behind the Ram 1500 in ride quality.

The RAM 1500 provided various engine choices and drivetrains, with RWD or 4WD. The standard engine was a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, which enhanced fuel economy and provided extra torque. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, standard on upper trims, produced 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, except for the TRX, which featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivering 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The eTorque system smoothed out the stop/start function and offered an additional 130 pound-feet of torque at takeoff, making the Hemi V8 feel particularly strong off the line. The eight-speed automatic transmission complemented these engines, providing seamless shifts. We observed an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for the V8 4WD eTorque models, though our driving averaged 18 mpg.

The Ram 1500 excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its coilover rear suspension and an available air suspension, which was standard on our Limited tester. The air suspension significantly improved the quality over rough terrains. The truck’s 14.9-inch brake rotors offered strong stopping power, and its steering was accurate with a satisfying heft.

While towing capabilities depended on the trim and configuration, the Ram 1500 could tow up to 12,750 pounds and haul a payload of up to 2,300 pounds. For towing novices, the Trailer Reverse Steering Control in the $1,095 Trailer Tow package was highly intuitive, simplifying trailer maneuvers.

Despite having 4WD options, the RAM 1500 Limited wasn't geared for heavy off-roading. The Ram 1500 Rebel and the TRX were the go-to trims for off-road enthusiasts, with the TRX standing out for its 702 hp V8 engine and high performance in rugged terrains.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was designed with versatility in mind. It offered several body styles including a regular cab with either a standard (6 feet 6 inches) or long bed (8 feet), a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a short bed (5 feet 8 inches) or standard bed. The regular cab, available in work-oriented trims like the WT and Custom, could seat up to three passengers on a front bench seat with a fold-down center console for added storage.

The double cab featured conventional rear doors for easy access to the rear seats, offering sufficient headroom but limited legroom. The crew cab, however, was spacious, with both rows providing ample headroom and legroom. The rear bench seat could be folded upwards for increased in-cabin cargo space, making it ideal for storing valuable equipment securely.

On the other hand, the 2023 RAM 1500 impressed with its well-thought-out interior storage solutions. The cabin was filled with numerous storage compartments, including a two-tiered center console that could hold a considerable amount of gear. The upper-level storage could slide to reveal a lower compartment, sizable enough to accommodate a laptop or even a purse.

The front seats in the RAM 1500 Limited trim were both heated and cooled, with eight-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger. The inclusion of power-adjustable pedals added to the comfort, making it easier for drivers of various sizes to find an ideal driving position.

Rear passengers in the crew cab version of the RAM 1500 enjoyed an abundance of space with 45.2 inches of rear legroom, which was nearly 10 inches more than the quad cab. The rear seats could recline up to eight degrees and flip up for additional storage space, and the flat floor facilitated cargo loading.

Innovative features such as the multifunction tailgate, which could open like a traditional tailgate or a 60/40 split door, and the RamBox storage integrated into the quarter panel, added to the truck's practicality. The tailgate, with the optional air suspension, stood at a convenient height of 32.8 inches from the ground, aiding in easier loading and unloading.

The base infotainment system in the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 consisted of a 7-inch touchscreen that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the WT and Custom trims retained the pre-facelift interior and touchscreen, the remaining trims featured a modern 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This vivid and responsive screen was part of a more contemporary and high-tech dashboard layout found in higher trims.

Upgrades in technology included a Wi-Fi hotspot from the Custom trim onwards and wireless device charging in the LTZ trim. The fully digital instrument panel provided an advanced, easily navigable interface for drivers who opted for trims beyond the WT and Custom.

The 2023 RAM 1500 experienced a tech refresh with an available reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, offering various menus and information tiles along with digital or analog gauge options. The standard infotainment screen varied from a small 5-inch display on lower trims to an 8.4-inch touchscreen on mid-level trims.

Upper trims of the RAM 1500 featured a remarkable 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen enabling dual-functionality. Drivers could view audio and navigation simultaneously or even connect two phones via Bluetooth for separate tasks. Despite initial complexity, the Uconnect system revealed itself to be well-organized. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, there was a slight lag in response times when using Apple CarPlay.

Our test model showcased the optional Equipment Group 1, which included advanced features such as a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror with a wide-angle lens, and a surround-view camera system. These technological features significantly enhanced driving experience and safety.

The RAM 1500 Limited trim was well-equipped to keep all devices charged, featuring multiple USB-A and USB-C outlets, a wireless charging pad, two 115-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was packed with advanced safety features. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The Teen Driver system allowed owners to set speed and volume limitations for an additional set of keys, adding a layer of control for younger drivers.

The LTZ trim introduced additional safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a rear-camera mirror, and GM’s Super Cruise highway driving system.

The Silverado 1500 received high safety ratings, securing an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also rated it well in crash tests.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 1500 lagged behind slightly in offering standard advanced safety features. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning were all available but not standard across all trims. However, the blind-spot monitoring system covered the length of any attached trailer, providing substantial convenience for towing.

Despite the lack of universal standard features, the RAM 1500 crew cab garnered a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it Good ratings in most crash tests, though it received Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use. The Limited, Longhorn, and TRX trims earned Good ratings for their headlights, while other trims received Marginal ratings.