Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs RAM 2500

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a massive presence on the road, available in various configurations including regular, double, or crew cabs with a seven-foot or eight-foot bed. It came in six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. The truck's size was imposing, with a wheelbase reaching up to 4.25 metres and an overall length of 6.7 metres. Each trim had distinct front fascia styling, from the plain yet handsome Work Truck to the chrome-laden LTZ and High Country. The ZR2 stood out with its blacked-out grille and unique "flow tie" badging. For 2024, Chevrolet added standard tow hooks and wheel options up to 22 inches, along with ten colour choices, though many were variations of red, grey, and white. The High Country trim boasted a luxurious interior with open-pore wood, leather, and metal trim, while the ZR2 offered a more rugged aesthetic.

The 2025 RAM 2500 was anything but subtle, with a massive vertical grille that blended into the hood and body sides. It featured multiple hood styles, some with aggressive bulges and vents. A new split headlight design and redesigned taillights gave it a modern edge. The face of the Ram 2500 varied by trim, with the Tradesman sporting black plastic, while the Big Horn added chrome highlights. The Power Wagon and Rebel trims had a premium finish with unique grille designs. The Laramie trim introduced luxury elements like leather seating and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Limited Longhorn and Limited models offered cowboy-themed or understated interiors, respectively, with open-pore wood and supple leather upholstery. An optional Night Edition package replaced chrome with dark exterior accents, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-litre V8 gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was notably quiet, with smooth shifts and quick acceleration. In Canada, most trims offered standard RWD, with 4WD available on the ZR2 and High Country trims. Fuel efficiency varied, with the truck returning 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres in 2WD and 13.8 L/100 km using a mix of 2WD and Auto 4WD. The ZR2 Bison package excelled off-road, featuring Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and a 3.8-centimetre lift, providing 29.4 centimetres of ground clearance and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles.

The 2025 RAM 2500's standard powertrain was a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It successfully towed nearly 4,100 kilograms up the Davis Dam incline. However, over 70% of Ram customers opted for the diesel engine, which for 2025, came standard in its High Output spec, delivering 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant upgrade from the previous model. The new eight-speed automatic transmission and a consolidated 3.42 axle ratio improved performance. Ram's five-link rear suspension and coil springs provided a smoother ride compared to leaf springs. Optional air suspension packages allowed for load compensation and easier loading. The Power Wagon excelled in rock-crawling, while the Rebel was ideal for off-roaders needing towing capabilities. An Off-Road Group package added Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires to other 4WD models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum of 10,175 kilograms, though our tester was closer to 8,600 kilograms. Payload capacity varied, with our tester at 1,360 kilograms. Towing was made easier with advanced camera views, including a transparent trailer camera and a 360-degree view camera. The MultiFlex tailgate offered versatility, serving as a desk, bed extender, or step. The High Country trim featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the audio system was limited to six speakers.

The 2025 RAM 2500 offered various configurations, including Regular, Crew, and Mega Cabs. The Crew Cab provided ample space for adult passengers, while the Mega Cab offered limo-like legroom. Towing capacity varied by configuration, with the Power Wagon at 4,775 kilograms and the Cummins diesel-equipped models reaching up to 9,000 kilograms. The diesel engine's low-end torque and electronically controlled exhaust brake made towing more relaxed. The 2500's maximum payload was 1,780 kilograms, with the diesel reducing it by around 450 kilograms. The Power Wagon's payload was limited to 710 kilograms. The 3500 series offered higher payload capacities with leaf springs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen starting on the LT trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Charging options were plentiful, with USB ports, wireless charging, and a traditional power outlet. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available, along with a 15-inch head-up display and a rear camera mirror. However, the Silverado lacked an on-board generator.

The 2025 RAM 2500 offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, with a 12-inch or optional 14.4-inch unit available on higher trims. A separate screen for the front passenger was also offered. Starting at the Laramie level, a 12.3-inch digital cluster replaced traditional gauges. The rearview mirror could be upgraded to a screen showing multiple views. Trailer reverse steering control and Trailer Tow Pages were available for towing enthusiasts. However, Ram had yet to match Ford's payload weight display capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD included standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The GM Safety Seat provided additional alerts. Adaptive cruise control was optional and worked while towing. The Buckle to Drive feature and Teen Driver technology added extra safety measures. The Silverado 2500 had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 RAM 2500 offered forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as standard. Park assist sensors were included on all but the base trim. An optional Safety Group added features like adaptive steering and active lane management. A comprehensive suite of camera technologies was available, including a surround-view camera system. The NHTSA gave the Ram 2500 a four-star rating, while IIHS had not rated it.