The 2023 Chevy Silverado Still Can’t Catch the Ram 1500
The race to be the best truck is never ending, and the Chevrolet Silverado can’t catch a break. It has been trying to catch up to the 2023 Ram 1500 with an attractive refresh and updated features. However, the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 hasn’t moved up in the rankings.
2023 Chevy Silverado vs. 2023 Ram 1500
When the Ram 1500 was refreshed back in 2019, it set the new standard for tech, comfort, and ride quality for full-size trucks. Rivals like the 2023 Chevy Silverado and the 2023 Ford F-150 have been trying to catch up.
According to the U.S.News, the 2023 Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are tied in first place as the best full-size trucks for 2023. They both earned a score of 9.0 out of 10.
But the Silverado 1500 is down in fourth place with a score of 8.3. The GMC Sierra, which is its fancy twin, is in third with 8.6 points.
U.S.News rankings are pretty much an industry average based on reviews by respected automotive critics found in newspapers, magazines, and online outlets.
Each vehicle is judged based on safety, comfort, performance tech, towing power, value, fuel economy, and reliability. So, critics must give the Ram 1500 better ratings.
Why does the Ram 1500 outrank the Silverado?
The 2023 Ram 1500 ranks highly for having an elegant and spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain options, well-balanced ride and handling, and an intuitive infotainment system. However, it doesn’t have a lot of standard features.
The 2023 Chevy Silverado ranks well for having a lineup of strong engines, an optional high-tech infotainment system, and expansive interior space. But the interior quality is lacking with lower trims, and the ride can be stiff.
For more speed, the Silverado offers a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 3.0-iter V6 diesel engine cranks out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque.
With the V8 engine, the Silverado can tow up to 8,900 lbs. The diesel-powered Silverado can tow up to 13,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,206 lbs.
The Ram 1500 offers a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine delivers 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 12,750 lbs with the V8 and up to 12,560 lbs with diesel power. It can carry a payload of up to 2,335 lbs.
While the Silverado has a little more muscle, the Ram 1500 is more comfortable. The interior is quieter, the ride is smoother, and the seats offer more padding, even with the entry-level model. It even ranks for having a better climate control system.
Does the Ram truck or Silverado have more value?
The 2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Chevy Silverado only have about a $1,000 difference with starting MSRPs. However, the Ram 1500 provides more features for comfort and convenience.
It starts with automatic headlights, heated/power-adjustable mirrors, cruise control, and trailer sway dampening. But it has a standard 5.0-inch infotianment system, and the Silverado has a standard 7.0-inch unit.
Both trucks offer vinyl flooring/upholstery, keyless entry, power windows/locks, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
So, while the Silverado did get an attractive makeover with a revamped interior and modern tech, that’s not where it falls short. The Ram 1500 is a bit more well-rounded, with a more comfortable ride and a higher-quality interior.