2018 Chevrolet Silverado vs 2018 Ram 1500

• 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

  

  Starting at

  $28,300

  2018 Ram 1500

  

  Starting at

  $27,095

  285 - 420	Horsepower (HP)	240 - 395
  305 - 460	Torque (lb-ft)	269 - 420
  12,500	Max Towing Capacity (LBS)	10,150

  Finding the perfect truck is a high priority for many potential vehicle owners. If you are going to be spending tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle, you will want to be sure you get the right one. With so many great options out there these days, it is both a blessing and a hassle when searching for that right option. How do you know which truck, out of all the different varieties and variations, will fit you like a glove? This is where comparing a couple of options comes in handy. Take, for example, the 2018 Chevy Silverado vs 2018 Ram 1500. Both trucks come from highly respected, industry-pushing manufacturers that have spent decades putting their individual marks on pickup truck design. The 2018 model year is no different. Both the Silverado and Ram have plenty to offer in terms of power, torque, cargo capacity, convenience features, and safety. In fact, nothing but the most detailed look between these two options will reveal which one wins such a matchup.

  Both trucks offer a whole lineup of trims and upgrades that span the range of light to heavy-duty pickups. This means you are almost guaranteed to find a great combination of engine, drivetrain, bed, cabin, and features that will provide the exact driving experience and capability you need in a new vehicle. The Silverado, starting at a $28,300 price point, has a base level trim that is perfect for a larger light-duty pickup to drive around town. The Ram, as well, has a similar general profile with a base trim that starts at $27,095.

  To make the best choice between the two trucks, you have to look at the details. From the engine options to the plethora of safety and convenience features, the specifics of each truck will show you how the Chevy Silverado slightly inches out the Ram in almost every important category for truck owners.

• Performance

  

  What is the most important thing for many potential truck owners? That is the engine. From the amount of horsepower and torque to the ease of maintenance a motor has, the engine is the heart of any truck. For the most part, it will have the largest impact on towing and hauling capacity, as well as general fuel efficiency. Depending on your specific needs, you will find capable and powerful engine options with each truck.

  The Ram comes with several different V6 and V8 engine options, including a powerful diesel engine or hybrid motor for people wanting an alternative fuel source. The base engine is a 5.7L V6 that is capable of outputting 395 hp with 410-pound-feet of torque. At the upper end, the turbo diesel engine option is a 3.0L V6 diesel motor. With the lightest possible chassis, including a short bed and single row cabin, the fuel efficiency rating comes in at around 15 city and 25 highway MPG.

  On specs alone, the Chevy Silverado slightly lags behind the Ram’s engine offerings, especially since it doesn’t offer a diesel option at this time. The base engine is a 5.3L V8 power plant that will provide a maximum 355 hp and 383-pound-feet of torque. With lower specs also comes a better city rating of 16 miles per gallon. For highway, you will get 23 MPG.

  Higher engine specs, however, aren’t always the key to getting the most performance out of the truck. This is why the Silverado is actually the more capable of the two trucks when it comes to cargo and towing. Compared to the Ram’s 1,560-pound maximum carrying payload, the Silverado manages to squeeze a maximum 1,840 pounds in its rear cargo bed thanks to a lighter, more efficient chassis. Comparing the standard engine options in the two trucks, you’ll also see the Silverado wins the trailering category with a standard towing capacity of 5,500 pounds versus the Ram’s 4,750-pound limit.

  What does this all mean? Despite the lack of more powerful engine options, the Silverado is a better choice for people looking for the most performance and hauling capability from their truck of choice. This can be extremely useful, particularly for professionals looking for their next commercial truck to purchase.

• Features

  

  No truck comparison would be complete without looking at the number and quality of different convenience and safety features you can get with each option. In some ways, these little details can make the most difference when choosing between the two trucks. If one option comes with a set of standard or optional features you absolutely need, you may find the overall driving experience to be better and safer.

  When comparing the standard interior features and accessories the Silverado and Ram come with, it is hard to see any major differences between the two trucks. Both come with a standard assortment of common interior features such as power windows, heating, and air conditioning systems, and LCD display screens for their respective infotainment systems. Larger drivers and passengers may appreciate the Silverado’s extra bit of leg and headroom in the front since the cabin has a few inches over the Ram in length and height.

  When it comes to upgrading the driving experience, each truck has its own set of optional packages and individual features you can add. The choice between the two options may come down to what you need the most. All of these available packages and options will depend on the specific trim you consider and your overall maximum budget.

  The optional upgrades of the Ram tend to focus on exterior enhancements and better interior comfort. Ram’s cargo management system, for example, is a noteworthy possible upgrade to consider if you want to maximize the amount of organization you can get from the rear cargo bed. Inside, you can purchase an upgraded infotainment system using Ram’s Uconnect platform, heated seating, and more.

  Compared to the Ram, the Silverado is different but equal in its package options which are often more focused on better overall performance than comfort. Many of the trim levels come with upgraded brakes, all-wheel drive trains, assist steps built under the doors, and larger, upgraded chrome wheels for better traction and performance. Commercial workers and off-roaders will also appreciate the optional trailering package and wide array of rear cargo accessories that allow you to tow and haul cargo with extra organization and efficiency.

• Design

  

  One of the best things about a truck is how manufacturers are designing their chassis these days. The body of a modern truck is a durable frame with a customizable exterior built on top. This means you can have a variety of different configuration options in terms of cabin and bed without sacrificing any strength or durability necessary for the truck to survive daily driving abuse. Both the Chevy Silverado and Ram come with many bed/cabin configurations, in addition to other exterior features and upgrades, that you can use to tailor the truck to your exact specifications.

  The Ram has an overall smaller profile compared to the Silverado, making it slightly more maneuverable while sacrificing a little bit of cargo and passenger space. The overall length of the basic truck is 209 inches with a 120.5-inch wheelbase. The cabin options range from a single row, driver and passenger setup all the way to a full rear passenger addition.

  Coming in slightly larger, the Silverado has a 230-inch length with a 143.5-inch wheelbase at the base trim level. The extra distance between the tires gives it a little bit more stability in tight turns or on unstable terrain. Many drivers have also found the Silverado’s suspension options to dampen smaller, more frequent impacts when driving over loose rock and mud.

  If cargo space is of the utmost importance to you, the Silverado manages to squeeze a little bit more room in its larger profile than the rim. In the base trims, you will find the Silverado to have 61 ft.² of cargo space versus 57.5 ft.² in the Ram. This is just enough additional space to squeeze in some extra tools or longer equipment. You can also use the extra space for exterior accessories like rack-mounted fog lights or additional cargo boxes.

  One final aspect that should be at the top of your list for the best truck is safety. Both trucks come with a standard set of interior airbags that protect each occupant regardless of the specific cabin option you choose. Front and side driver and passenger airbags are standard while rear seating comes with additional side airbags. In terms of crash test ratings, the 2018 Silverado was awarded five stars in overall, front, and side crash testing compared to the Ram’s four-star score in the overall and frontal categories.

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