2022 RAM 1500 vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2022 RAM 1500 was available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offering a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, with a 5-foot, 7-inch box option for Crew Cab models. Canadian consumers could choose from eight trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The model year introduced the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on higher trims and optional on lower ones, featuring an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Trailer Tow Group added a new Trailer Hitch Light feature, enhancing visibility after dark. The Limited trim of the RAM 1500 Crew Cab test truck came equipped with a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and a host of luxury features, including a Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package with premium leather upholstery and a 19-speaker sound system. The RAM 1500's design was praised for its clean and contemporary look, with a luxurious interior that exuded quality and comfort.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a mix of timeless and aggressive styling, with small headlights and a body panel design that some found peculiar. The Silverado's cabin was functional, with controls conveniently placed, and featured two different interior layouts based on the trim. The WT and Custom trims retained interiors from before the 2022 facelift, while other trims boasted a modern dash design centred around a large touchscreen. The Silverado's trim levels included the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2, with the new-for-2023 Bison package. The LTZ trim was noted for its value in terms of creature comforts, while the High Country trim offered luxury-level features. The Silverado's cabin was spacious, especially in the crew cab configuration, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of engines, including a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with a mild-hybrid system called eTorque, and an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine. The RAM 1500 TRX featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 based on the Hellcat engine. The test truck was equipped with the EcoDiesel engine, a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel V6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kilograms, with the test truck managing a 4,354-kilogram trailer and carrying 807 kg of payload. The RAM 1500's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test truck averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The RAM's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the interior remained quiet and comfortable.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a base turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Optional V8 engines included a 5.3-litre with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available, producing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The Silverado's maximum towing capacity reached 6,000 kilograms with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package. The base four-cylinder engine offered a maximum payload capacity of 1,025 kilograms. The Silverado's handling was commendable, though not as refined as the RAM 1500. The Trail Boss trim excelled off-road, and the ZR2 Bison package added heavy-duty skid plates and steel-stamped bumpers for enhanced capability.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards, which could be turned on or off through the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The RAM 1500 Limited trim offered heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample space for passengers. Practical storage solutions included a centre console with trays and bins, rear centre armrest with cupholders, and concealed storage under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate could support 900 kilograms and offered versatile loading options. The RAMBox storage bins were available but not included in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with different bed lengths. The regular cab was tied to work-based trims, while the double cab provided easy access to rear seats with conventional doors. The crew cab was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and the rear bench folded upward for additional in-cabin cargo space. The Silverado's interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on functionality and comfort.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster loading times and improved features. Lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 12-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and connected services. The test truck had a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a Ramcharger wireless charging dock. However, the voice recognition system and overall complexity posed challenges. Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and trailer-specific technology.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a fully digital instrument panel. The Custom trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the LTZ trim offered wireless device charging and additional USB ports. The Silverado's infotainment system was praised for its functionality and ease of use, with options for both modern and straightforward layouts.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered driver-assist features starting from the Big Horn trim, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group included additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The LTZ trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. Additional safety tech included adaptive cruise control and GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.