2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a diverse choice in its lineup, coming in either quad cab or the larger crew cab configurations, with bed lengths varying accordingly. The crew cab model, employed in our review, included a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. Among the eight available trims—Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX—the Limited trim, located near the top tier, graced our review unit.

A noteworthy attribute of our tested unit was the $4,145 Night Edition option, which provided a stealthy look by swapping out copious chrome for blacked-out elements. This upgrade included a black grille, black badging, headlamp bezels, mirror caps, and stunning 22-inch black aluminum wheels, ensuring the truck's appearance was cohesive and striking.

Inside, the luxurious vibe of the Limited trim continued, with leather enveloping the cabin and accented by contrasting stitching. The embossed Limited logo on the center storage console added a bespoke touch. The cabin's open-pore wood accented with metallic trim created a sophisticated and stylish dashboard. The steering wheel incorporated both wood and leather, enhancing the upscale ambiance. The 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen stood out as a centerpiece in the dashboard, enhanced by chunky volume controls, further emphasizing the truck’s unique and robust aesthetic. The accompanying Ram and Limited logos subtly but consistently reminded drivers of their prestigious choice.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD presented itself as either a 2500 model, which we evaluated, or a beefier 3500 model. Available in regular, double, or crew cabs, with seven-foot or eight-foot bed options, it offered six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2.

The massive Silverado 2500HD spanned wheelbases up to 14 feet and an overall length of up to 22 feet. The differentiation among trims was apparent through their front fascia designs. The Work Truck featured a straightforward yet attractive look. The Custom trim added a body-colored horizontal bar across the grille, with squinty headlamps. The LT trim swapped that bar for a chrome one, while the LTZ and High Country trims granted an entirely chromed grille with C-shaped headlamps. The ZR2 trim blacked out its grille and included the distinctive Chevrolet "flow tie" for improved airflow into the engine bay.

For 2024, the truck sported standard tow hooks and wheel options up to 22 inches in bright chrome. The color palette, with ten choices, had an emphasis on variations of red, grey, and white. We tested both the High Country and ZR2 trims. The High Country trim embodied open-pore wood, leather trim, metal accents, and detailed embroidery, creating a premium yet understated finish. The Jet Black interior, accented with brown Umber, featured stitching and fabric piping. Chevrolet appeared to have rectified its past issues with cheaper materials, resulting in a high-quality, tactile experience.

The 2023 RAM 1500 provided drivers with a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). It came with a variety of engines: a standard 3.6-liter V6 with the eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a 3.0-liter diesel, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRX trim took performance to extremes with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering an astounding 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The eTorque system offered better fuel efficiency and extra power bursts up to 130 lb-ft, complementing the V8's already formidable 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The engine and transmission pairing accomplished smooth shifts and impressive acceleration, achieving an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Despite our heavy driving, an 18 mpg average was more than acceptable.

The suspension system featured rear coilovers instead of the traditional leaf springs, providing an exceptionally smooth ride. With an optional air suspension, standard on the Limited trim, the truck handled all road imperfections with aplomb. Confident stopping power was assured by the 14.9-inch brake rotors. Steering felt well-balanced, with an accurate and quick ratio.

Towing suitability depended on configuration, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a payload of up to 2,300 pounds. Our tester’s capacity was lower, but the $1,095 Trailer Tow package, with practical tools like Trailer Reverse Steering Control, simplified towing tasks significantly.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, on the other hand, defaulted to a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. An optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 added considerable muscle at 470 horsepower and a remarkable 975 lb-ft of torque, both paired with a seamless Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel impressed with its refined quietness and smooth, nearly unnoticeable shifts.

During our 250-mile review, a mixed driving approach yielded about 17 mpg. The truck accommodated various configurations, including a small 28-gallon tank on regular cabs with the diesel engine and larger tanks up to 36 gallons for other setups.

The off-road-oriented Silverado 2500 ZR2 Bison performed outstandingly, thanks to Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, one-and-a-half-inch lift, and 11.6 inches of ground clearance. Approach, departure, and breakover angles were well-suited for rugged terrains. The Bison added further protection with skid plating and steel bumpers. This package could capably handle challenging trails and rocky paths, although maneuvering its nearly seven-foot-wide frame on narrower trails could be demanding.

The 2023 RAM 1500 excelled in interior storage with a plethora of cubbies, highlighted by a two-tiered center console—ideal for storing laptops, purses, and even large snack boxes. Front seats featured eight-way adjustability, with heating and cooling functions standard. Power-adjustable pedals further enhanced comfort.

Rear passengers enjoyed up to eight degrees of reclining seats, ample legroom of 45.2 inches, an entirely flat floor for easy cargo loading, and seats that flipped up for additional space. The multifunction tailgate opened like a 60/40 split door or a traditional gate. With optional air suspension, the tailgate height was lowered for easier access. The $995 RamBox storage compartments in the rear quarter panels provided secure storage for tools and other essentials.

Performance-wise, the Silverado 2500HD 2WD spec with a regular cab, DRW, and diesel engine boasted a massive 36,000-pound towing capacity. The 2500HD had a maximum towing capacity of 22,430 pounds, depending on configuration, with our review unit rated closer to 19,000 pounds. Payload capacities varied from over 7,000 pounds for the 3500HD down to about 3,000 pounds for our test unit.

We tested the Silverado 2500HD towing 11,000 pounds behind a ZR2 Bison model. The experience was notable for its ease, thanks to advanced camera options showing rear views and blind spots, making towing simpler and safer. Additional helpful features included a side step for bed access, a highly versatile MultiFlex tailgate, and power-retractable running boards.

Inside, our High Country trim boasted heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Comfort was bolstered by a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, perfect for long hauls. A six-speaker audio system, while functional, might leave audiophiles wanting more.

For the 2023 RAM 1500, a reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster was available in higher trims, a feature that provided multiple menus and information tiles, although it was missing from our tester. The infotainment setup featured a standard 5-inch screen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch screen on mid-level models. The 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen in upper trims allowed simultaneous dual-function use, such as displaying audio and navigation concurrently. Even though the Uconnect system was initially complex, users found it well-organized. Occasional lag during Apple CarPlay usage was noted, particularly when skipping ahead in podcasts.

Other tech features included a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror in the optional Equipment Group 1 package. These additions offered enhanced visibility and functionality. Multiple device charging options were available, including USB-A and USB-C outlets, a wireless charging pad, and both 115-volt and 12-volt outlets.

In the 2024 Silverado 2500HD, tech upgrades were abundant, featuring a standard 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen from the LT trim upwards. The system integrated Google maps and a Google-built interface, allowing access to the Play store and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the system's layout facilitated easy use, although the ever-present split-screen mode proved slightly frustrating.

Charging was efficient, with numerous USB ports, wireless charging, and a traditional laptop power outlet available. A Wi-Fi hotspot was another valuable feature. The 15-inch head-up display (HUD) showed essential information in the driver’s line of sight. The rear camera mirror, displaying a live video feed from the back-up camera, proved exceedingly beneficial, particularly when the bed was loaded.

One missed opportunity was the absence of an on-board generator, which competitors like the Ford SuperDuty offer, limiting the Chevrolet's utility for some users.

The 2023 RAM 1500 had its drawbacks in terms of standard advanced driver-assistance systems, lacking even automatic emergency braking as a baseline feature. Options like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning were available either as add-ons or within packages. Blind-spot monitoring, however, could extend to cover trailers—a useful feature.

Despite these shortcomings, the truck earned commendable safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it an overall five-star safety rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) granted it Good marks across most categories. Some trims received Marginal grades for seat belt reminders, LATCH ease of use, and headlight performance.

Conversely, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD included several standard safety features: front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. Our test truck's Safety Seat feature added another layer of safety by vibrating to alert drivers to potential collisions.

Adaptive cruise control was an option for all trims, including our top-level High Country tester. This feature even accounted for trailers in tow, adjusting braking distances automatically.

The truck also featured configurable safety settings such as GM's Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver technology, which tracked young drivers' habits and issued report cards. At the time of the review, the 2024 model had not yet received ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.