Everyone thinks that their truck brand is the best. While there’s not nearly as much competition between SUV and sedan owners, truck owners are as passionate as sports car drivers when it comes to branding, looks, and capability. Chevy and Ford often come head to head in this truck-themed battle, so it comes as no surprise that Ram is in the equation as well. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Ram 1500 battle is one you won’t want to miss.
The Chevy Silverado has been around as a model lineup since 1998, but it first debuted as a Chevy C/K truck trim. This trim makeup was so well-loved that Chevy decided to replace the C/K line with the Silverado line. Ram, on the other hand, started off as a Dodge model back in 1981; however, by the 4th-generation, Ram broke away from Dodge and became its own in 2010 and has been on its own since.
It’s clear at first glance that both the Silverado and the Ram are capable truck models. The real question is, which one has the better overall package? A side-by-side comparison shows Chevy coming out in the lead. Here’s why.
Weighing in on Towing Capability
Towing capacity has always been a defining factor in the truck market; that said, trucks are more tow-capable now than ever before. There are also many new towing and hauling features that make it safer and easier to pull a trailer. When it’s time to buy a new truck, you have to consider which one offers the better tow capacity, as well as trailering features and equipment.
Towing Capacities
The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes with four different engine options. The two most capable engines can tow up to 13,300 pounds. This includes a 6.2-liter EcoTec V6 and a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. You can opt for smaller engines if you’re concerned about fuel efficiency; however, we only recommend doing so if you’re opposed to diesel. Not only can the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine tow up to 13,300 pounds, it’s also the most fuel-efficient option, reaching an average of 26 MPG combined.
Similarly, the 2022 Ram 1500 does include four different engine options as well; that said, its engines do not keep up with the Silverado’s when it comes to specs. The 2022 Ram 1500’s max tow capacity is 12,750 pounds with its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 eTorque engine, followed by a 12,560-pound capable diesel engine. The Ram’s diesel engine offers the same max 26 MPG combined fuel-efficiency rating that the Silverado does.
There are a few things to keep in mind here. First off, Chevy outdoes the Ram in almost every comparison. For example, the Chevy Silverado’s base-level engine allows it to tow up to 9,500 pounds, which is 1,770 pounds more than the Ram’s 7,730-pound base engine capacity. Even more importantly, the Silverado starts out at a lower MSRP than the Ram does. There’s no doubt about it – already, you’re getting more for your money when you choose the Silverado.
Towing Technologies
The 2022 Ram 1500 is a luxurious truck with plenty of convenience and entertainment technology, but it’s lacking in the tow tech department. It does include two trailering features, which are its Surround-View camera and the Trailer Reverse Steering Control technology. The Ram 1500 also includes a trailer hitch light.
The 2022 Silverado 1500, on the other hand, offers a plethora of towing tech features. It includes 8 cameras with up to 15 different views, including an Invisible Trailer View, an Inside Trailer View, and even a Turn-Signal-Activated Rear Side View. Whether you need to check up on your livestock or see what’s going on behind your gooseneck trailer or camper, you’re set.
The Silverado also flexes an “In-Vehicle Trailering System,” which is the first in this segment. This technology allows you to set profiles for each of your trailers, making it much easier to switch back and forth between your boat, camper, livestock trailer, and so on. In addition to trailer profiles, you’ll get a pre-departure checklist, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring, lightning diagnostics, and more. You can control and view this information via the myChevrolet mobile app. It is also accessible through the infotainment system.
Need help determining your load capability? The myChevrolet app also comes with a Trailer Load Calculator, helping to make sure you don’t overload your Silverado. You can also perform a Trailer Light Test via the mobile app and access how-to videos and glossary terms when you need quick towing help.
The Silverado also offers Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and Auto Grade Braking, along with Trailer Theft Alert, a Tow/Haul Reminder, and Electric Parking Brake Hookup Assist. These particular features not only make towing easier, they also make it safer by providing warnings and acting fast when emergencies strike.
Cargo and Functionality
Truck buyers need cargo capacity as much as they need tow capability. That’s why both the Silverado and the Ram offer several cab and truck bed size options to suit each driver’s needs; that said, the max bed length options vary greatly between the two models. Firstly, Chevy offers three bed options, while Ram only has two. Chevy’s longest bed option can carry 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, while Ram’s maxes out at 61.5 cubic feet. The Silverado’s short bed option is also larger than Ram’s, maxing out at 62.9 cubic feet compared to the Ram’s 53.9 cubic feet short bed rating. When you look a bit closer at these specs, you’ll see that the Silverado’s short bed option is actually longer than the Ram’s long bed.
When it comes to truck bed functionality, both trucks do offer some pretty cool features, but Chevy dominates the battle yet again, thanks to the Multi-Flex Tailgate. This tailgate includes six different features, including a full-width step, load stops, and an inner gate work surface, to name just a few. The Silverado’s tailgate also includes 12 cargo tie-downs to help with hauling and an available power up/down tailgate.
The Ram doesn’t offer anything like the Multi-Flex Tailgate. It does, however, come with a class-exclusive cargo management system that acts as both storage or a cooler. Furthermore, it has Tailgate Assist, a power-release feature that allows you to lower the tailgate via the key fob.
Which Truck Comes Out Ahead?
Choosing between the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2022 Ram 1500 can seem intimidating at first. Both models have been around for decades and carry reputations that are indisputable. Despite their brand reliability, in comparison, it’s safe to say that the Silverado comes out ahead when we’re talking about overall value.
Of course, every person is different. You may find that towing technologies simply aren’t that important to you and that taking a cut in towing capacity is fine for the items you’ll be pulling. If you don’t need as much tech, extra power, or cargo, the Ram will certainly still get you and your trailers where you need to be. But if you’re like us and you want the most value for your dollar, you’ll stick with the new 2022 Chevy Silverado every time.
