2017 Chevy Silverado vs 2017 Ram 1500

Technology

In 2017, consumers are looking for more ways to stay connected on the road than ever. Even those who are buying trucks. But, consumers who buy trucks aren’t typically looking for entertainment technology. Rather, they are looking for practical technology that makes life on the road (or at the job site) easier or safer.

Which is why Chevy has made it a point to offer technology on their 2017 Silverado that no other truck has. Take the built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, for example. While there might be aftermarket hotspots that you’re able to install on other trucks, they won’t be nearly the same quality as this one because it’s a product of OnStar, which is a GM-based service. Meaning, this 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot is direct from the manufacturer. Sure, the Wi-Fi hotspot comes with a data plan you need to pay for. But, you and the family will be able to save the shared data on your phone plan for when people need it elsewhere.

OnStar also offers an abundance of other services, like a mobile app that allows you to lock/unlock your Silverado, or even remotely start it. But, it also has automatic crash response, which is critical if you are going from job site to job site with expensive or potentially dangerous materials. Say you have a trailer hooked up and a collision occurs. Well, the fast emergency services get there, the faster the situation gets under control. Therefore, the sensors on the Automatic Crash Response system will go off during a collision and alert an OnStar Advisor. That Advisor will be linked to your Silverado’s system, and ask if you need help. If you do, or are unable to respond, the Advisor can send your location to emergency services.

The Ram 1500? Unfortunately, it's unable to offer features like this, which is just another way the Silverado pushes ahead in this category as well.

Capability

Capability is the second most important thing a truck owner is going to look for. When it comes to the 2017 Silverado 1500 vs 2017 Ram 1500, it’s important to go through it with a fine-tooth comb.

Chevy Silverado 1500

Right off the bat, the base 4.3-liter V6 engine receives a best-in-class V6 torque rating. The better the torque, the more towing capacity and 4x4 capability you’ll have in the lower gears. Two important actions that a full-size pickup truck will be doing over its lifetime. The 5.3-liter V8 engine gets a best-in-class V8 fuel economy rating, providing a smooth balance of fuel economy and capability. Finally, the 6.2-liter V8 engine nails a best-in-class V8 towing rating, making it the undisputed leader when it comes to towing.

Now, let’s take a look at some engine specs. The 4.3-liter V6 engine is the standard engine of choice for the Silverado. It produces 284 horsepower and best-in-class 305 lb.-ft. of torque. Thanks to that torque, it can tow up to 7,600 pounds if the right equipment is present, returning up to a max of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

A 5.3-liter V8 is the middleman of the trio, providing a nice balance of fuel-efficiency and capability - indicative of its best-in-class V8 fuel economy rating of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. All while still having the capability to tow up to a 11,100-pound trailer. Quite a large trailer for a 5.3-liter V8 returning that type of fuel-efficiency.

The third and final option is the 6.2-liter V8 engine with a best-in-class tow rating of a massive 12,500 pounds. It produces 420 horsepower/460 lb.-ft. of torque, and returns decent fuel-efficiency at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway.

It’s an engine lineup that’s able to provide something for everyone, which is rare in the full-size pickup truck segment. Also, a concept the competition struggles against.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 has a few different engine options: a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 that generates 305 horsepower/269 lb.-ft. of torque; a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that makes 395 horsepower/410 lb.-ft. of torque; and a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 engine rated at 240 horsepower/420 lb.-ft. of torque.

To the Ram 1500’s credit, that EcoDiesel is one heck of an engine. Providing exceptional fuel economy alongside exceptional torque. But, the Silverado doesn’t have a diesel engine. Meaning that if you’re looking for the best gas-powered full-size truck on the market, you’ll want the Silverado.

Durability of Design

Durability is primarily determined by two things: how solid the build-quality is, and the materials used. As you can see from the most recent commercials involving the F-150 and Silverado, aluminum-alloy isn’t the way to go. It’s light and efficient, but is more expensive to repair overall, and much weaker than steel. Which is why the Silverado and Ram 1500 still primarily use high-strength steel in their designs. But the question is, which automaker designed their truck better?

The answer to that question is the Silverado. You see, the Ram 1500’s truck bed is made from stamped steel; whereas, the Silverado 1500’s bed is made from roll-formed steel. Roll-forming steel makes it much stronger than stamping it, meaning the Silverado’s truck bed is going to hold up better.

Not to mention, the Silverado’s cabin is roughly 2/3 high-strength steel. The rocker panels and lower-side of the truck are reinforced with ultra high-strength steel, helping protect the weaker spots found on the Silverado’s frame that might get damaged in a construction site or off-road.

Final verdict? Even though the Ram 1500 is made up of primarily high-strength steel, the Silverado’s bed is made from roll-formed steel. Not stamped steel, like the Ram 1500’s. Meaning the Silverado’s bed is stronger. The truck bed is a pivotal part of the vehicle, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best of the best. Plus that reinforced steel for the rocker panels and lower side will be stronger than what’s found on the Ram 1500.