When you think of full-size pickup trucks, what’s the first model that comes to mind? If you answered the Chevy Silverado 1500, then you are in the majority. As one of America’s favorite trucks, this light-duty model is everything you could possibly want. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is even better than its predecessors, but it’s not the only popular truck that’s coming back this year. The 2021 Ram 1500 is also headed to dealership lots, and it won’t go down without a fight. Today we are going to see which model reigns supreme in the battle of the 2021 Chevy Silverado vs 2021 Ram 1500.
Body Styles
Many trucks have recently retired their two-door models, but Chevy has kept theirs alive and well. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is available in three body styles, including a regular two-door model with no back seats, as well as an extended cab and a crew cab. The extended cab is sometimes referred to as the king cab. It has two doors, but it also comes with a back seat that can hold two to three additional people. As for the crew cab, this is the four-door model that can carry up to six people in total. Depending on which cab you choose, you will also have up to three bed lengths to pick from, including a short 5.8-ft bed as well as a standard 6.5-ft bed and a long 8-ft bed.
On the other hand, the 2021 Ram 1500 is one of the trucks that has seen its regular cab body style go into retirement. Only offered in Quad and Crew Cabs, these models carry 5 to 6 people. There are also only two bed lengths to choose from as well – a standard 6.4-ft bed and a short 5.7-ft bed. As you can see, there are more body style options on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, making it the perfect vehicle for customizing to your needs.
Engine Lineup
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2021 Ram 1500 both have five different powertrain options. The Silverado’s standard engine is a 4.3-liter V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It generates 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2021 Ram 1500 uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine that is mated with the eTorque mild hybrid system. It pushes out 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Next for the Chevy Silverado 1500 is the turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder motor. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. There is not a 4-cylinder equivalent on the 2021 Ram 1500.
If you want something more powerful on the Chevy Silverado, you can opt for a 5.3-liter V8 coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Ram 1500 uses a 5.7-liter V8 that generates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine technically has two options, one with the eTorque system and one without.
As for diesel options, the Chevy Silverado has a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter 5-cylinder motor that is mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission as well. Its output is around 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. For the Ram 1500, its diesel powertrain is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The fourth powertrain for the Ram 1500 is the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It is only available on the new TRX trim. The Chevy Silverado, on the other hand, offers drivers a 6.2-liter V8 engine as well.
Base Trims
The base model for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the Work Truck trim. Riding on 17-inch steel wheels, it comes with a locking tailgate and full power accessories. Inside the cabin, you will find easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery and rubber floors. But don’t let that fool you. This model has some great tech features as well. The infotainment interface is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen that operates with Bluetooth connectivity as well as smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 6-speaker stereo is also included.
On the other hand, the 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman is the competing entry-level model, riding on 18-inch steel wheels. While it may have bigger wheels, it comes with a much smaller 5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system than the Silverado has. While it does have basic amenities like air conditioning and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, it is missing all the entertainment upgrades that the Chevy has.
Second-Level Trim
Next is the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom trim level. Rolling on much larger 20-inch aluminum wheels, this model gets a body-colored trim on the outside as well as LED lighting in the bed. Remote start technology allows you to get the vehicle warmed up before you go outside, and the side mirrors are both heated and power-adjustable. Interior upgrades include cloth upholstery and carpeted floors. You will also notice that this vehicle has a Wi-Fi hotspot. For better-towing capability, the trailering package has been added along with hitch guidance for the rearview camera.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn is pretty lackluster in comparison. It uses 18-inch aluminum wheels and comes with fog lamps. It also has a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Third-Level Trim
If you like the custom, but you want it to be a bit more suited for off-roading, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss is a solid choice. It comes with 4WD and an off-roading suspension package. Since it has 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, you can go just about anywhere in this beast. It also gets an automatic locking rear differential for better off-roading.
The 2021 Ram 1500 Rebel is the comparable model in this category. Featuring LED lighting, upgraded shocks, and a revised suspension, it is geared more for off-roading as well. It even gets all-terrain tires, skid plates, hill-descent control, and an electronic locking rear axle.
Fourth-Level Trim
If off-roading isn’t your cup of tea, then the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT trim is a better option for you. Because it is building off of the Custom trim, it comes with a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. This trim has 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim on the outside, and LED headlights for enhanced visibility at night. Slipping behind the wheel, you will find dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The seats and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheels are heated as well.
Similarly, the 2021 ram 1500 Laramie adds some much-needed features like a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable mirrors, and a power-sliding rear window. The seats are heated and ventilated, and leather upholstery covers the cabin. It also gets forward collision mitigation.
Fifth-Level Trim
If you prefer something a bit sportier, then the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST trim is a good choice. Building off of the LT trim, it adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED fog lamps, and body-colored exterior accents. You can also get the All-Star Edition model on the RST trim. There isn’t a comparable trim at this level for the 2021 Ram 1500.
Sixth-Level Trim
Just like the Custom trim had a Trail Boss model, the LT also gets one. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss comes with the V8 engine and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler. It even features a heavy-duty battery to handle the larger motor. Inside the cabin, you will find comfortable bucket seats in the front and a center console for extra storage space.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the most comparable since it is the last off-loading trim in the lineup. It features Bilstein adaptive dampers, all-terrain tires, extra skid plates, and launch control technology. It also gets upgraded brakes and a 2-inch suspension lift.
Seventh-Level Trim
If you want the V8 engine with more luxurious features, then the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ is your best bet. Riding on 20-inch alloy wheels, this model features a Multi-Flex Tailgate and power-sliding rear window. The front bucket seats and center console carry over, but everything else has been upgraded. For example, leather upholstery covers the cabin, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated for comfort all year long. The back seats are heated as well.
There are a lot of new tech features on this model too. These include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as several safety and trailering systems. Safety upgrades include blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front/back parking sensors, and an HD rearview camera. Trailering features include the advanced trailering system that monitors your trailer and gives you maintenance reminders and the trailer brake controller that allows you to make trailer adjustments from the comfort of the cabin.
As for the 2021 Ram 1500 Longhorn, it adds side steps, bed lighting, and a spray-on bed liner. It also comes with heated rear seats, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Front/rear parking sensors have been installed as well.
Top-Tier Trim
Finally, the top-tier 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country model is for folks who want it all and then more. It comes with a protective spray-in bed liner and lane-departure warning. It also includes a digital driver information display, a wireless charging pad, a 7-speaker Bose stereo, and a navigation system. You can keep the cabin clear of clutter, listen to your favorite songs with the highest quality of sound, and find your way in a new city with ease.
On the other hand, the 2021 Ram 1500 Limited is the most luxurious of the Ram models. It gets a larger 12-inch touchscreen, premium leather upholstery, and bucket seats. It also comes with power-deployable running boards, a wireless charging pad, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Find a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Near You
Are you excited to try the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 or the 2021 Ram 1500? While we are biased towards the Silverado because it’s affordable, offers plenty of options for customization, and has a much higher towing capacity (13,300 lbs to the Rams 12,750 lbs), the Ram 1500 could still make a great truck. You can find these great trucks at your local Chevrolet or Ram dealer. Contact one today to learn more!
