2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and impressive sales figures. Despite the presence of the older Ram 1500 Classic, the redesigned model managed to outsell the Chevrolet Silverado, showcasing its popularity. The RAM 1500 boasted a large grille, a feature it had been known for since the '90s, setting a trend that others were only beginning to follow. The truck offered a range of trims, starting with the Tradesman, which provided essential features like 18-inch steel wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could enjoy more luxurious options, such as the Laramie with leather upholstery and advanced tech features, or the off-road-ready Rebel. The RAM 1500 was praised for its versatility, offering both rugged capability and refined comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and commanding exterior with its boxy design, flared fenders, and chrome accents. The Silverado offered a variety of cab styles, bed lengths, and trim levels, catering to diverse preferences. The LTZ trim, just below the top-tier High Country, featured a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine, providing a balance of power and efficiency. While the Silverado's exterior was striking, its interior fell short, with dated materials and design elements that lacked the finesse expected in a modern truck. Despite this, the Silverado offered practical features like dual dashboard glove compartments and a spacious rear seat, making it a functional choice for those prioritizing utility over luxury.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a reworked 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivered 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and featured a mild-hybrid system called "eTorque," which provided an additional 90 lb-ft of torque when needed. The V6 was efficient, achieving fuel consumption figures of 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.7 on the highway with 4WD. For those seeking more power, the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms. The 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, with 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, was another option, though it experienced some turbo lag. Overall, the RAM 1500 provided a range of powertrains to suit different needs, with impressive towing capabilities and fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also offered a variety of engine choices, with the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 being the most powerful, delivering 420 hp. However, the Duramax turbodiesel engine was a standout, offering 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and achieved a fuel efficiency of 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Duramax's towing capacity was increased to 4,309 kilograms, though it fell short of the Silverado's maximum capabilities with the 6.2-litre V8. The Silverado's performance was enhanced by the Z71 Off-Road Package, which improved suspension control. While the Duramax offered smooth acceleration, the Silverado's overall performance was slightly hindered by its firm suspension and body movement on rough terrain.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a spacious cabin with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats could recline in higher trims, providing additional comfort. The RAM 1500 also boasted class-leading interior storage, with over 151 litres of space, including a giant centre console and hidden pockets. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, which could limit functionality. Some controls in the cabin were noted to be loosely calibrated, affecting ease of use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 provided a roomy interior, with wide, supportive front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat comfortably accommodated three adults, though the cushion was slightly low. The Silverado offered practical storage solutions, such as dual dashboard glove compartments and built-in storage areas in the rear seatbacks. The cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. However, the Silverado's interior lacked innovation, and some storage areas were smaller than expected for the segment.

The 2020 RAM 1500 stood out with its advanced technology, particularly the 12-inch tablet-style touchscreen running the Uconnect system. This system was praised for its ease of use and smartphone connectivity, though a minor issue with audio playback was noted. The RAM 1500 also featured push-button start and a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring ample charging options for passengers. The engine technology, including the eTorque mild hybrid system, was highlighted as a significant improvement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, with 7-inch and 8-inch screens. The system offered quick loading times and modern graphics, with standard Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. The LTZ trim included a fully-featured infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and multiple camera views for improved visibility. However, the audio quality of the Bose system was not as impressive as competitors, and some trailering technologies fell short.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size pickup to earn a Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS, provided it was equipped with specific safety features and LED lights. While most safety features were available across trims, none were standard, allowing buyers to choose only what they needed. The RAM 1500's hood design improved visibility, and braking performance was consistent, though stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision, and its headlights were rated "Poor." The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results. The Silverado offered a range of safety features, including forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring, but some advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control were missing. The Safety Alert Seat was a unique feature, vibrating to get the driver's attention.