2017 RAM 1500 vs 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Posted on August 4, 2020
When it comes to the full-size light-duty pickup trucks we love so much in this part of the world, the 2017 Ram 1500 and the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are two of the real heavyweights of the division. So, if you're in the position of trying to choose which new pickup truck to go for, here we put the Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 head-to-head to see which is best.
Styling
There's everything from basic workhorses to brash, blingy rides in the Ram 1500 lineup. Different models have different grilles, and it has to be said there's very little in the way of subtlety on display. The slightly rounded front of the Ram makes a pleasant and notable change from the majority of slab fronted domestic models, so this is definitely a pickup that comes with a healthy dose of style.
Speaking of those flat, slab-fronted domestic pickup trucks; that's a pretty apt description of the Chevy Silverado 1500. Everything is square or rectangular, although we are reassured by Chevy that the Silverado is a lot more aerodynamic than it looks. There's nothing wrong with the design of the Silverado, it's just not quite as distinctive, macho or appealing as the Ram.
Engines
Three engines are offered with the Ram 1500, which between them cover everything you could really want from a full-size light duty truck. The standard 3.6-litre V-6 develops 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 5.7-litre Hemi V-8 ups the power ante to 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. But the ace up the Ram's sleeve is the 3.0-litre V-6 EcoDiesel, which offers 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and some great fuel economy to boot.
Chevrolet also drops three engines in the Silverado 1500, but they're not as diverse as those found in the Ram. The base 4.3-liter EcoTec V-6 only produces 285 horsepower, while the 5.3-litre V-8 also falls short of the Ram equivalent by some 40 horsepower. The thirsty 6.2-litre V-8 is the most powerful engine here, but with no diesel option, this round is easily won by the Ram 1500.
Capabilities
Style, horsepower and torque are all important factors, but what a truck can actually tow and haul is also critically important for many buyers. When properly equipped, the Ram 1500 can tow a maximum 4,826 kg and can haul a payload of up to 853 kg, which isn't bad at all. The Silverado does have the upper hand here though. Courtesy of that big 6.2-litre V-8, the Silverado 1500 can tow as much as 5,670 kg and haul as much as 1,021 kg, so it definitely takes this section.
Verdict
If you're purely interested in how much your truck can tow and haul, you will be able to cope with more if you buy a properly specified Silverado 1500. However, if you also want a big helping of style and choice, there's no doubt the Ram 1500 is way ahead of its Chevy rival. There are currently 12 different trim levels of Ram 1500, which include stylish and sporty models such as the Rebel and the Night Edition the Silverado just hasn't got an answer to. For everything other than getting the highest towing and hauling ratings, the 2017 Ram 1500 is a better truck than the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as far as we're concerned.
For more information and to arrange test drive in the fabulous 2017 Ram 1500, don't hesitate to get in touch with us here at North York Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM FIAT.