Compare the2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500VS 2022 Ram 1500 Classic

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Silverado 1500 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Silverado 1500 has standard Automatic Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Silverado 1500 offers optional Rear Cross Traffic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Silverado 1500 4x4’s optional Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The Silverado 1500’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Silverado 1500 (except W/T/Custom) offers an optional HD Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Ram 1500 Classic only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Silverado 1500 (except Custom)’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive and blind spot warning systems.

The Silverado 1500’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Ram 1500 Classic’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 20 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Ram dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Silverado 1500’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Silverado 1500 has a standard 220-amp alternator (170-amp - Silverado 1500 V8). The Ram 1500 Classic’s 160-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Silverado 1500 first among large light duty pickups in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Ram 1500 Classic isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ram vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ram is ranked 18th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ram vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ram is rated below average.

The Silverado 1500 has more powerful engines than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	Horsepower	Torque
Silverado 1500 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder	310 HP	430 lbs.-ft.
Silverado 1500 5.3 V8	355 HP	383 lbs.-ft.
Silverado 1500 6.2 V8	420 HP	460 lbs.-ft.
Ram 1500 Classic 3.6 DOHC V6	305 HP	269 lbs.-ft.
Ram 1500 Classic 5.7 V8	395 HP	410 lbs.-ft.

The Silverado 1500’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 226 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 269) than the Ram 1500 Classic’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6. The Silverado 1500’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 85 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 410) than the Ram 1500 Classic’s optional 5.7 V8.

On the EPA test cycle the Silverado 1500 gets better mileage than the Ram 1500 Classic:

			MPG
Silverado 1500
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	24 city/29 hwy
		2.7 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
		5.3 OHV V8	17 city/21 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	22 city/27 hwy
		Z71 3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	21 city/23 hwy
		2.7 turbo 4-cyl.	18 city/21 hwy
Ram 1500 Classic
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/25 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	15 city/21 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	16 city/23 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	15 city/21 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Silverado 1500’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Silverado 1500 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Ram 1500 Classic.

The Silverado 1500’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ram 1500 Classic’s optional 60 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Silverado 1500 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Ram 1500 Classic’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ram 1500 Classic only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Silverado 1500 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Silverado 1500 has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare costs extra on the Ram 1500 Classic. Without the option you must depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Silverado 1500 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Ram 1500 Classic’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Silverado 1500’s wheelbase is longer than on the Ram 1500 Classic:

	Silverado 1500	Ram 1500 Classic
Regular Cab Standard Bed	126.5 inches	120.5 inches
Extended Cab Standard Bed	147.5 inches	140.5 inches
Crew Cab Short Bed	147.4 inches	140.5 inches
Crew Cab Standard Bed	156.9 inches	149.4 inches

For better maneuverability, the Silverado 1500’s turning circle is tighter than the Ram 1500 Classic’s:

	Silverado 1500	Ram 1500 Classic
Regular Cab Long Bed	44.6 feet	45.2 feet

For greater off-road capability the Silverado 1500 Short Box Crew Cab Lifted has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Ram 1500 Classic short bed Crew Cab w/Air Suspension (11.2 vs. 10.8 inches), allowing the Silverado 1500 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Silverado 1500 Regular Cab has 3.2 inches more front headroom and 3.5 inches more front legroom than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab.

The Silverado 1500 Double Cab has 2 inches more front headroom, 3.5 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear legroom than the Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab.

The Silverado 1500 Crew Cab has 2 inches more front headroom, 3.5 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and 3.1 inches more rear legroom than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab.

The Silverado 1500 Regular Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab shortbed (72.7 vs. 57.5 cubic feet). The Silverado 1500 longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab longbed (88.9 vs. 74.7 cubic feet).

The Silverado 1500 Double Cab has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab shortbed (72.7 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

The Silverado 1500 Crew Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab shortbed (63.9 vs. 50.3 cubic feet). The Silverado 1500 Crew Cab longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab longbed (72.7 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

The Silverado 1500’s cargo box is larger than the Ram 1500 Classic’s in almost every dimension:

	Silverado 1500 Double Cab	Silverado 1500 Regular Cab	Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab
Length (short/long)	79.4”	79.4”/98.2”	76.3”
Max Width	71.4”	71.4”	66.4”
Min Width	50.6”	50.6”	51”
Height	22.4”	22.4”	20.1”

A standard locking glovebox and standard locking underseat storage drawer (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Silverado 1500. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a standard CornerStep, which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. A Fold-Out Bumper Step costs extra on the Ram 1500 Classic.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Silverado 1500 offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

The Silverado 1500’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ram 1500 Classic’s (8900 vs. 4350 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab is only 10610 pounds. The Silverado 1500 Standard Box Double Cab offers up to a 13300 lbs. towing capacity.

The Silverado 1500 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	Silverado 1500	Ram 1500 Classic
Extended Cab 1500	2040 lbs.	1930 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500	2030 lbs.	1610 lbs.
Regular Cab 1500 4x4	2130 lbs.	1580 lbs.
Extended Cab 1500 4x4	2020 lbs.	1740 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500 4x4	2010 lbs.	1430 lbs.

The Silverado 1500 has much higher optional payload capacities than the Ram 1500 Classic:

	Silverado 1500	Ram 1500 Classic
Regular Cab 1500	2270 lbs.	1910 lbs.
Extended Cab 1500	2040 lbs.	1930 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500	2030 lbs.	1870 lbs.
Regular Cab 1500 4x4	2130 lbs.	1710 lbs.
Extended Cab 1500 4x4	2020 lbs.	1740 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500 4x4	2080 lbs.	1560 lbs.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Silverado 1500 LT/RST/ZR2/LTZ/High Country offers a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

When different drivers share the Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Silverado 1500’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Ram 1500 Classic’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Silverado 1500’s standard power windows allow the driver or passenger to lower and raise the windows without leaning over or being distracted. Power windows cost extra on the Ram 1500 Classic.

The Silverado 1500’s standard front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Ram 1500 Classic’s basic optional power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its front windows open automatically.

On a hot day the Silverado 1500’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Ram 1500 Classic can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Silverado 1500’s standard power locks allow the driver or passenger to lock or unlock all the doors at a touch without leaning over. Power locks cost extra on the Ram 1500 Classic.

The Silverado 1500’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Ram 1500 Classic’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Ram 1500 Classic’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Silverado 1500 LT/RST/ZR2/LTZ/High Country’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Ram 1500 Classic’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Silverado 1500 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

When the Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Ram 1500 Classic’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic offer available heated front seats. The Silverado 1500 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Ram 1500 Classic.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Silverado 1500 ZR2/LTZ/High Country keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Silverado 1500 (except Custom) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard on the Silverado 1500, connecting the driver and passenger’s cell phones to the vehicle systems. This allows them to use the vehicle’s stereo and hand controls to place calls safely and easily. Bluetooth costs extra on the Ram 1500 Classic.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (except W/T/Custom) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Silverado 1500 offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.