2021 Silverado Diesel vs 2021 Ram 1500 Diesel

• 2021 Silverado Diesel

  

  Starting at

  $41,990*

  2021 Ram 1500 Diesel

  

  Starting at

  $37,240**

  89.1	Max Cargo Capacity (cu.ft.)	65.1
  10-speed Automatic	Transmission	8-speed Automatic
  23/33 MPG	Fuel Economy (city/highway)	22/32 MPG

  Drivers often look to diesel trucks when they need power. While gasoline engines are still capable, a properly equipped diesel truck can tow up to almost 36,000 pounds with current technology. If you are looking for a diesel truck, you will find the 2021 Silverado diesel vs 2021 Ram 1500 diesel is the battle of the diesel kings. These trucks are the smaller versions of their more powerful 3500 counterparts, and the configurations provide a good balance of size and towing capacity. Other features such as safety and security, trailer assistance technologies, trailer theft alert, multi-view cameras, and much more bring these diesel trucks to the top of the market.

  Along with towing capacity and power, technology features are also important when looking at any new vehicle. Trailering technology is becoming more popular with trucks as well. It takes practice to pull a trailer safely and efficiently, and these new trailering features help make it easier to learn. Both trucks offer this technology, but there are some important differences between the two, and not just when it comes to towing. Let’s take a closer look at these features and compare performance differences to see which truck is right for you.

• Performance

  

  When it comes to getting a truck, one of the most important things to look at is the performance capabilities. While trucks are fun to drive, they also need to have the power to be functional. Trucks are the choice for people who want a good commuter vehicle, a workhorse, and an adventure machine all in one.

  The 2021 Silverado Diesel’s Performance

  The 2021 Silverado diesel truck is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6 engine. It has 277 horsepower and produces 460 lb-ft of torque. The two-wheel drive model gets up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway, and its four-wheel drive version gets up to 22 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway.

  When properly equipped, this model can tow up to 9,500 pounds. It can also carry up to 1,870 pounds in the truck bed, meaning you can haul smaller items like ATVs without even needing a trailer. The diesel version has automatic stop and start technology to further improve fuel economy, and it’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Silverado diesel is the most fuel-efficient 2021 Silverado out there, so you get great power for longer drives.

  The 2021 RAM 1500’s Performance

  The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, but its specs are a bit different than the Silverado’s. It has less horsepower, landing at 260, 480 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. While it does have a bit more torque than its competitor, its overall towing capabilities are weaker. Where mileage is concerned, the RAM 1500’s rear-wheel drive variant gets up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Its four-wheel drive variant gets up to 22 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway. Its payload is also less than the Chevy Silverado’s, landing at a maximum 1,810 pounds.

• Technology

  

  The Silverado's Tech

  The diesel engine option comes on four different trims, which include the LT, the RST, the LTZ, and the High Country. So, the available technology will depend on that rather than the engine itself. However, we can give you a brief overview on the base and high-end trims to display what the Silverado diesel has to offer.

  The LT trim comes with two USB ports, remote keyless entry, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, the Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and heated driver and passenger seats. Buyers can add several upgrades, such as an HD radio, a power-sliding rear window, remote start, a universal home remote, more USB ports, and a rear window defogger, to name a few options. Further, there are available driver assist features such as front and rear park assist, hitch guidance with hitch view for towing, lane change alert, and rear cross traffic alert.

  The highest trim is the High Country, and it includes all the aforementioned options, along with a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera mirror, a safety alert seat, a following distance indicator, and even trailer tire pressure and temperature sensors. Its Infotainment system comes with navigation, and it has memory seats and mirrors, so you don’t have to re-configure your seating each time you renter. Simply enter your preset, and you’re good to go.

  The Silverado's Convenience Features

  Speaking of convenience, this model also comes with Chevrolet Connect. This technology comes with several convenience features, including Vehicle Diagnostics, the Marketplace, Chevrolet Smart Driver, and the myChevrolet mobile app. Vehicle Diagnostics alerts drivers of any mechanical issues, creating a monthly email report to update you. Further, it reminds occupants about maintenance appointments, and it connects with OnStar diagnostics to better monitor different aspects of the Silverado.

  The Marketplace connects drivers with food, fuel, and other merchants to make ordering easier and safer. The Chevrolet Smart Driver feature can help drivers earn insurance discounts, monitor driving habits, and produce a monthly score based on how well the driver performs. Finally, the myChevrolet mobile app allows drivers to collect rewards, purchase and manage SiriusXM, view billing history, locate assistance, learn how to use tech features within the Silverado, and much more. There are also available remote commands, letting drivers start or stop their Silverado, lock or unlock its doors, and even flash its lights. There’s also a vehicle location service that updates drivers about where their vehicle is parked, if it’s moving, and where it’s going if someone else is driving it.

  On the High Country, driver assist features become standard, and a 3-month SiriusXM trial subscription becomes available. Teen Driver mode and OnStar are standard on both the LT and the High Country. So, the LT offers basic needs and conveniences, and the High Country just amplifies them by adding more luxurious options.

  The Ram's Tech

  The diesel engine is now available on all Ram 1500 trims, except for the specialized TRX, so we’re going to look at the base trim and the highest trim to get an idea of the RAM’s technology. First, we’ll look at the base-level Tradesman. It comes with Uconnect 3, a 5-inch screen display for music streaming, time, and other fundamental assets. It also comes with optional trailer brake control and blind spot monitoring. Overall, the base trim is the bare minimum with few tech options.

  The highest trim for the Ram diesel is the Limited, which includes an upgraded 12-inch Uconnect screen with Navigation, and optional driver assist features such as ParkSense front and rear park-assist with stop, a surround-view camera, trailer reverse steering control, and a remote start system. ParkSense monitors the surrounding area for pedestrians and other vehicles, and it can automatically apply brakes when drivers get too close to another object or person. Further, trailer reverse steering control is included in the Trailer Tow Group package, and it allows drivers to direct the trailer while backing up via a simple knob.

  The Ram's Convenience Features

  As far as convenience and entertainment features go, it includes heated seats, a premium sound system, power-adjustable pedals with memory, remote start, a head-up display, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. You can also connect your smartphone via Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Overall, the Ram 1500 comes with some pretty impressive convenience features, but they still don't compare to the Silverado 1500.

• Interior

  

  A Look Inside the Silverado 1500

  While hauling space is important, so is cargo capacity. There are several available cab sizes and bed lengths on the Chevy Silverado, but the regular cab offers up to 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space. With one of the largest cargo spaces available in its class, the 2021 Chevy Silverado also comes with several types of interior seating.

  The High Country trim comes with either Jet Back or Jet Black/Umber leather-appointed seat trim. Buyers can upgrade to floor liners with removable carpet inserts, floor liners with the Z71 logo, or all-weather floor liners. There’s also available rear under-seat storage, which emphasizes the Silverado’s vast space. It also offers 12-volt auxiliary front power outlets, a 120-volt power outlet, which can be used for laptop chargers and other home electrical appliances. A premium Bose sound system with 7 speakers and a subwoofer for better bass, heated outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel complete the comfortable interior.

  A Look Inside the Ram 1500

  The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with 61.5 cubic feet of cargo space with its largest configuration. The highest trim comes with cloth/vinyl bucket seats but can be upgraded to leather-trimmed bucket seats with additional pairings. It comes with a front center armrest with storage, adjustable head restraints, a passenger vanity mirror, and a manual tilt/telescoping steering column, along with 4-way manual reclining seats. It has 6 speakers but no subwoofer, speed-sensitive power locks, a leather-wrapped shifting knob, and power rear windows.

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