The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 are two more customizable and popular trucks on the road. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 Ram 1500 pulled ahead in two categories. For the Chevrolet Silverado, J.D. Power found that the truck offered an advantage in three categories. In two of the categories, neither truck had a true advantage.

Is the Chevrolet Silverado a good truck?

J.D. Power knows that those buying full-size trucks are buying these vehicles for a reason. It is usually a combination of work, lifestyle, and overall location. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 are two solid options for those looking to do just that.

The Chevrolet Silverado offers three cargo-bed lengths and three cab configurations. A few trims are offered, such as WT (Work Truck), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. Most are also offered in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. The MSRP for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado starts at $29,300 and goes up to around $58,000, depending on your configuration.

J.D. Power ranked the 2021 Silverado second on the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study. It offers a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain and roadside assistance warranty is five years or 60,000 miles or five years or 100,000 miles with a diesel engine.

If you choose the V8 engine, the Silverado can tow over 11,000 pounds with Chevy’s Max Trailering package. The diesel engine has a 9,000-pound tow rating and will get better fuel economy overall.

The 2021 Ram 1500 has advantages

The 2021 Ram 1500 is a bit less complicated because the company offers fewer options. Ram offers an extended can and crew cab. There are two bed sizes, short or standard. The prices range from around $32,795 to $70,425. Ram offers Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Rebel, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. The trims offer two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, except the Tradesman HFE is only 2WD, and the TRX is 4WD only.

Ram offers a Ram Care maintenance program covering oil changes and tire rotations for the first two years. In the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Ram 1500 ranked third. It comes with the same standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain and roadside assistance warranty is five years or 60,000 miles or five years or 100,000 miles with a diesel engine.

The towing situation is similar to the 2021 Ram 1500. The V8 offers a higher tow rating of 11,540 pounds. The diesel V6 offers a rating of almost 11,000 pounds (and will get better fuel economy while doing it.) The Ram also offers an autonomous steering function to help drivers back up with ease. It also offers optional air suspension, which is helpful when attaching the trailer.

Which truck pulls ahead in the comparison?

The Ram 1500 pulled ahead in the categories of towing/trailer equipment and safety/driving assistance. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado came out ahead in the sections of infotainment/technology, price/value, and reliability/quality. J.D. Power did not find that either truck had an advantage in the performance/efficiency or comfort/utility sections.

In conclusion, Ram and Chevy both offer a lot for buyers. Both trucks offer extensive engine options from V6, V8, diesel, naturally aspirated, and turbo options. The Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado are both relatively comfortable, too. If you need to carry a lot and tow heavy items around regularly, the Silverado is a good choice. If you tote your family around in the truck and go on longer trips regularly, the Ram is going to serve you better.