2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a design that sparked mixed reactions. While some elements like the split-bar grille were reminiscent of classic Chevy trucks, the small headlights and aggressive styling were polarizing. The design seemed to align with Chevrolet's current vehicle portfolio, which had a bold, almost toy-like aesthetic. Various appearance packages, such as the Rally Edition and Redline Edition, offered additional customization options. Inside, the Silverado's cabin was more universally appealing, with functional controls and two distinct interior layouts depending on the trim. The WT and Custom trims retained a more traditional interior with a smaller screen, while other trims boasted a modern, high-tech dash centred around a large touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 1500 Limited exuded a more refined and luxurious feel. The Night Edition package added a stealthy look with 22-inch black aluminum wheels, appealing to those who preferred a less flashy appearance. Inside, the Limited trim was adorned with leather and contrasting stitching, with the Limited logo embossed on the centre storage console. The open-pore wood and metallic trim on the dash, along with the wood and leather steering wheel, contributed to an upscale atmosphere. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen was a standout feature, offering a unique interior look and practical functionality. The RAM logo on the dash and the Limited logo between the seats served as constant reminders of the truck's identity.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.3-litre V8 delivered 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available, generating 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option. The base engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines used a 10-speed automatic. The Silverado 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 kilograms when equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package. The smaller V8 could tow up to 4,990 kilograms, and the maximum payload capacity was 1,025 kilograms for the base engine with RWD. The Silverado handled well for its size, though it didn't quite match the ride quality of the RAM 1500. Its steering was less communicative, but it excelled off-road, especially in the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and a variety of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with optional eTorque, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine. The top TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eTorque system provided better fuel economy and up to 130 pound-feet of supplemental torque at takeoff. The V8 engine produced 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, offering strong performance. The RAM 1500's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its coilover rear suspension and available air suspension. The truck had a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,043 kilograms, though configurations varied. The TRX trim was a standout for off-roading, with its 702 hp V8 engine and Bilstein active performance shocks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including a regular cab with a standard or long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with a short or standard bed. The short bed measured 1,776 millimetres, the standard bed was 2,018 mm, and the long bed was 2,494 mm. The regular cab was tied to work-based trims and featured a front bench seat for up to three passengers. The double cab had conventional car doors for easy rear seat access, though legroom was limited. The crew cab was incredibly spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear bench folded upward for additional in-cabin cargo space.

The 2023 RAM 1500's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage cubbies, including a two-tiered centre console. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability for both the driver and front passenger. The crew cab offered generous rear legroom of 1,148 millimetres, with reclining rear seats and a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The multifunction tailgate could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate, and the optional air suspension lowered the tailgate height to 83.3 cm. The RamBox storage system integrated into the rear quarter panel provided lockable storage for tools and other items.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a base infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The WT and Custom trims retained this setup, while other trims boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The modern dash layout included a fully digital instrument panel, and the LTZ trim added wireless device charging and additional USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with vivid and responsive graphics.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with a new reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, though it wasn't available on our tester. Lower trims had a 5-inch infotainment screen, while mid trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Upper trims offered a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, allowing for dual-functionality. The Uconnect system was initially confusing but well-organized. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with the former. The optional Equipment Group 1 added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The RAM 1500 Limited had multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and additional power outlets.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Teen Driver system allowed for speed and volume limitations. The LTZ trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, and more. The Silverado received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control being optional or part of a package. The blind-spot monitoring system could cover the length of a trailer. Despite this, the RAM 1500 crew cab received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.