If you're a hardworking driver from Rapid City, Belle Fourche, Sioux Falls, or any of the surrounding South Dakota towns, then there are probably only two pickup trucks that can work as hard as you: the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500. But which one is the better choice?
To help answer that question, our team here at Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT wrote this Ram 1500 vs. Silverado 1500 comparison. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us today.
Tough-as-Nails Capabilities: Ram & Chevy
We'll kick things off with a side-by-side look at these two trucks' performance capabilities.
Starting with the 2020 Ram 1500, here's a closer look at its available engine options:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6: 305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7-liter HEMI® V8: 395 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 with eTorque: 395 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6: 260 horsepower, 480 lb-ft of torque.
Here's what those numbers mean in concrete terms: When you properly equip your Ram 1500, you could take advantage of a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,302 pounds.
Unfortunately, the Chevy Silverado specs fall behind the Ram truck in important ways. For example, its standard engine, a 4.3-liter V6, only delivers 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.
Deluxe Interior: A True Luxury Truck
The modern pickup truck is so much more than a workhorse. As you move up trim levels in the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you'll find more in the way of style. Real leather seats are available, along with premium accents and inlays around the cabin.
The top-tier trims cloak themselves in the finest leather. From the Natura Plus leather in 2-tone Indigo and Light Frost Beige in the Ram 1500, to the 2-tone Jet Black and Umber real leather in the Chevy Silverado 1500, you can expect a dynamic cabin.
However, the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn goes above and beyond. The Mountain Brown and Light Mountain Brown leather oozes rugged adventurousness. It also includes filigree patterns on the edges of the seats-a deluxe touch you won't find on any Silverado.
High-Tech In-Cabin Features
Additionally, you can be certain that both the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 are extremely technologically advanced vehicles. On one hand, you've got the Ram, with its available state-of-the-art Uconnect® system. It allows you to turn the cabin into either a mobile office or an entertainment system. With technology like a 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, HD Radio™, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, remote vehicle start, and more, you'll be connected in all the right ways.
The greatest high-tech marvel in the Ram 1500 may be the available 12-inch touchscreen. You can have it equipped as part of the Uconnect® 12.0 infotainment system, and it has navigation as well as split-screen technology. Show your maps on the top half and audio on the bottom!
The Chevy Silverado base infotainment offers many of the same features as the Ram 1500 system, from Apple CarPlay® to Android Auto™. However, it lacks a screen as large as the one in the Ram truck-the largest Silverado touchscreen measures eight inches. It also lacks the split-screen functionality of the Ram system.
Multifunction Tailgate? Only in the Ram
The 2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offer versatile pickup beds. You can choose among various bed lengths and customize a truck tailored to your cargo-carrying needs. The Ram has a handy feature that seals the deal, though: an available multifunction tailgate.
It can transform in a few seconds to serve your exact needs. The 60/40 split swing-away doors open to 88 degrees. Close and latch them, and you can swing it down like a more traditional tailgate, too. So, what makes it so convenient?
For one thing, you can get closer to your cargo when you swing the doors open. You can load items directly onto the bed without reaching over a traditional tailgate-something you won't be able to do in the Chevy Silverado. Likewise, cleaning the truck bed will be easier.
The swing-away doors are designed to avoid being obstructed by trailers. If you have a boat hitched to your Ram 1500, you can access your cargo conveniently all the same!
Bonus: RamBox® Cargo Management System
The Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 can carry so much in their cargo beds. However, the Ram 1500 offers a segment-exclusive way to take more along for the ride: the available RamBox® Cargo Management System. It features storage bins that run along both sides of the bed.
These bins are lockable, illuminated, drainable, and weatherproof. Keep smaller items secure for your drive-or fill the bin with ice and cold drinks for the next tailgate! The Silverado lacks a comparable feature, unfortunately.
Extended Warranty
Last, but not least, we'd like to talk about the warranty that Ram offers for their 2020 1500 pickup truck. These types of programs show you just how much confidence they have in the truck.
Why do they give you a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty? Well, it's probably because of features like its high-strength steel frame, its hydroformed tubular front frame unit, and its eight ultra-tough cross members.
The Chevy truck's drivetrain warranty also lasts for up to 60,000 miles.Â
Schedule Your Exclusive 2020 Ram 1500 Test Drive Today
Regardless of whether you live near Sioux Falls, Belle Fourche, or Rapid City, SD, our team at Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT is here for you. Just contact us or chat with us online to schedule a test drive today. If you're interested in financing your next vehicle, visit our finance center for more information.