You’re ready to buy a new half-ton truck, but when it comes to the 2021 Ram 1500 vs 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, you may feel a little lost. Both trucks are powerful and made for getting stuff done, and they both come with a lot of similar options. However, the 2021 Ram 1500 does outperform the Silverado in some very important categories. Where performance and technology are concerned, the Ram 1500 dominates this battle.
Performance Aspects: Horsepower, Off-Roading, and Towing
The 2021 Ram 1500 comes in eight different trims with five engine options. The highest horsepower engine belongs to the top TRX trim. This is the trim you want to get if your goal is to race or show off your street driving skills. Its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine produces the highest available horsepower of any engine in its class, landing at 702 horses, with a whopping 650 pound-feet of torque along with it. The TRX is designed specifically for off-roading and performance. While it can tow over 8,000 pounds, it still falls lower on Ram’s max towing capacity spectrum. When you opt for a TRX, you’re looking to show where you can go more than what you can pull.
When you need towing capacity, check out the Ram’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque. This engine can tow up to 12,750 pounds. Those who prefer diesel can also snatch the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 for a similar 12,560-pound max towing capacity. These are the Rams to choose when you have major towing and hauling to get done.
By contrast, the 2021 Chevy Silverado does not include a dedicated off-roading trim opwetion. While it’s a good model for towing and hauling, it’s not a performance-driven model. It’s also important to note that the Ram’s diesel engine far outperforms its Silverado rival. While the Silverado diesel engine can only tow up to 9,500 pounds, the Ram’s diesel variant can tow up to 12,560 pounds. For a nice balance of towing capability and sports performance, you’ll want to check out the 2021 Ram 1500 before you test drive the Silverado.
Launch Control? A Ram-Exclusive Selling Point
Ready for takeoff! Prepare for your Ram to feel like a rocketship taking off into outer space. Essentially, picture one of those wind-up toys you used to play with as a kid. The more you wind it up, the faster it takes off. Launch Control is like this. Simply press the Launch Control button to enter this mode, and think of your gas pedal as your “wind up” trigger.
While pressing the brakes, apply full throttle and watch those rpm numbers rise. When you let go of the brakes, you’ll see a massive difference in acceleration compared to any other truck model. The 2021 Chevy Silverado truck does not offer a feature like Ram’s Launch Control.
Fun Technology Features
The 2021 Ram 1500 includes several handy tech features. In fact, it is considered the most luxurious truck in its class when it comes to technology and interior. This model features an optional 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.
Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can stream music, call or text a friend via voice connectivity, or ask Siri for directions. Speaking of music, the Ram includes an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. This 900-watt sound system provides drivers with an audio experience that most people have to pay extra for later down the road. Thanks to this sound system mixed with Ram’s noise-canceling cab, the Ram 1500 is like a concert on wheels.
The Silverado does include standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its largest touchscreen option only measures 8 inches, and its sound system is not nearly as impressive. While the Silverado may be more affordable, that is because it lacks the premium features made available by Ram.
Interior Features
Obviously, any truck is going to include plenty of interior space. However, the Ram has the best rear legroom rating in its class. Plus, it is the only truck model in its class that offers rear reclining seats. The Ram’s underfloor storage compartments make it easier to haul necessities in a concealed manner, leaving plenty of passenger space and really emphasizing that best-in-class leg space.
The 2021 Ram 1500’s center console is big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop; plus, it comes with file hangers and charging ports for up to five different devices. This space is even configurable to suit your own specific needs. Ram kicks it up a notch in the cargo space category by adding in something called “RamBins,” which offer 15 inches of additional hidden space within each bin.
In order to get additional storage on a 2021 Silverado, you have to add on the Storage Package or choose a higher trim level. This does come with under-seat storage, much like the Ram. However, the Silverado is lacking when it comes to additional hidden cargo space and cargo flexibility.
Some Features That Both Models Have In Common
While we do believe that the 2021 Ram 1500 dominates the Silverado in most cases, there are a few important and handy features that they share. First off, both trucks include tech-savvy tailgates. The Ram’s is called a multifunctional tailgate and comes with split 40/60 doors. The bed also includes a 115-volt power outlet and optional RamBox storage bins on each side that are insulated, waterproof, and can act as coolers. The Ram 1500 also offers Tailgate Assist, which means that drivers can remotely open and close their tailgate. This is especially handy for heavier loads, which are made possible thanks to the Ram’s high payload capacity.
Similarly, the Silverado offers a Multi-Flex tailgate which has a full-width step and an inner work surface. However, the Silverado’s tailgate does not include the 40/60 door, and the bed doesn’t offer the lockable cargo space that is available in the Ram 1500. While these two models do offer tech-advanced tailgates, the Ram’s proves more efficient overall.
Both models also offer surround-view camera options and trailering technologies. Thanks to a 360-degree camera view, you can see everything on each side of your truck. This makes it easier to navigate your vehicle, especially when you’re towing a trailer. It also makes hooking your trailer up easier as well.
The main way that your camera system helps with this is through the camera’s hitch line-up technologies. Whether you purchase the 2021 Ram or the 2021 Silverado, you’ll gain access to a backup camera with hitch lines. This helps guide you when backing up your truck to hook to the trailer’s hitch. The best part about this is that both trucks offer a cargo view, so you can keep an eye on your payload as well.
Why You Should Bring Home a 2021 Ram 1500 Today
The competition between truck brands is heavier than most vehicle segments. While some people prefer one brand over another no matter what the specs are, the truth is that in this case, the Ram is overall the more effective model for its price. You’ve got more power, superior off-roading capabilities, a killer sound system, and better cargo space options. There’s really no downside to purchasing the 2021 Ram 1500 over the 2021 Silverado 1500. Go test drive one of these powerhouses today to truly see what we mean.
