2023 RAM 2500 vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel offered a strikingly familiar look to the Power Wagon due to its shared fundamental design, albeit with significant distinctions. Instead of the Power Wagon’s graphics, 17-inch wheels, and the hefty 12,000-pound Warn winch integrated into its front bumper, the Rebel showcased an aluminum sport hood and 20-inch wheels that gave it a sleek and aggressive appearance with a popular blacked-out aesthetic. Its pure visual appeal was evident, from the Rebel-specific grille to its crew-cab configuration coupled with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed.

Inside, the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel made a bold statement. High-quality materials, accented with contrast stitching, lent a luxurious feel. Despite this, the glossy black plastic surrounding the infotainment system, notorious for collecting dust and fingerprints while glaring under sunlight, detracted slightly from the overall experience. The introduction of a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and upgrades like the Harman Kardon premium sound system further enhanced the sense of luxury, though the traditional gloss black trim was a minor letdown.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD distinguished itself with its substantial size and diverse trim options. With configurations available in regular, double, or crew cabs paired with seven-foot or eight-foot beds, the Silverado 2500HD showed versatility. Buyers could choose from six trims, ranging from the basic Work Truck to the upscale High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2.

The Silverado stood out in its design cues, differentiating its trims with distinctive front fascia styling. For instance, higher trims like the LTZ and High Country featured a striking, chrome-heavy grille with C-shaped headlamps, while the ZR2 sported a blacked-out grille. With upgrades for the 2024 model, including standard tow hooks and new wheel options up to 22 inches, the Silverado aimed to keep its presence modern and functional.

Inside, the High Country trim exuded sophistication. Open-pore wood, leather trim, and metal accents, complemented by elegant stitching, provided a refined ambiance. Chevrolet had overcome past struggles with cheaper interior materials, delivering a cabin that felt premium and upscale. The simple yet upscale design highlighted the brand's attention to enhancing the quality of its interior experience.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared its DNA with the Power Wagon, boasting a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system. The part-time transfer case offered 4-Hi and 4-Lo settings, and a front-axle disconnect system allowed better fuel efficiency by enabling rear-wheel drive alone. An alternative 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine was also available, delivering 370 horsepower and a hefty 850 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Though the Cummins diesel was a pricey upgrade, it delivered superior fuel efficiency. The diesel model managed an impressive 19.1 mpg on highways, reducing to 16.1 mpg with some climbs and further down to 14.7 mpg in off-road conditions. These figures outperformed the V8, which could sink to 10.3 mpg under similar conditions. However, for maximum towing capacity, the standard V8 was indispensable, achieving up to 16,870 pounds and a payload of 3,140 pounds. The rugged frame, substantial off-road capabilities, and advanced suspension system ensured that the Rebel handled various terrains with refinement.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine generating 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 provided 470 horsepower and a robust 975 pound-feet of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This Duramax engine was notably quiet and refined, ensuring smooth shifts and quick acceleration up to highway speeds without undue noise.

Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the diesel returning 20.3 mpg in two-wheel-drive mode and 17 mpg in mixed driving modes. The ZR2 Bison version, particularly advantageous for off-road enthusiasts, featured Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and notably high ground clearance, enhancing its rugged capabilities. With skid plating and robust front and rear bumpers, the ZR2 Bison handled off-road challenges with aplomb, providing an assured and comfortable driving experience.

Functionality was a strong suit for both trucks, but each had specific advantages. Entering and exiting the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some physical dexterity, given its substantial height. Inside, the cabin offered premium comfort with leather upholstery and well-ventilated seats. The spacious rear seats provided comfort with additional storage options by flipping the rear seat cushions. Abundant storage spaces and innovative features like Ram Box locking bedside storage bins further enhanced utility. The cargo box offered practical options like a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting, though Ram’s competitors provided more functionalities for accessing the cargo area.

In comparison, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and payload capacities. While the mammoth 3500HD variant could tow up to 36,000 pounds, the 2500HD's maximum towing capacity was around 22,430 pounds, and practical configurations saw it closer to 19,000 pounds. Payload capacities ranged up to 3,700 pounds, with our test model around 3,000 pounds. The Silverado’s towing capabilities were significantly enhanced by the extensive camera views and the MultiFlex tailgate options, which included power operation on higher trims.

The Silverado also featured thoughtful design touches like power-retractable running boards, heated and ventilated seats, and a comprehensive suite of cameras that greatly aided in towing trailers and navigating the vehicle, emphasizing Chevy’s commitment to practical and advanced utility.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other functionalities, controlled via an intuitive interface. A new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel provided configurable options but required familiarization to avoid distraction while driving. The enhanced camera systems and trailering technologies added significant value, from blind-spot cameras to the Trailer Reverse Steering Control that simplified maneuvering trailers.

In tech, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD set a high bar with a standard 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, with seamless integration of Google maps, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard. Although the infotainment screen was always split-mode, the intuitive and driver-oriented interface made up for it.

With abundant charging ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Silverado ensured no device was left unpowered. The comprehensive heads-up display and rear camera mirror added further convenience by providing key driving information and unobstructed rear-view vision.

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking with trailer brakes. These systems proved valuable on highways, with adaptive cruise control maintaining a safe following distance. However, detailed crash-test ratings were unavailable, given the truck’s hefty build and the inherent safety offered by its size.

For the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, standard safety features included front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-departure warning. Optional adaptive cruise control was noteworthy, capable of functioning even while towing. The innovative Safety Seat provided tactile alerts, enhancing driver attention. While crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending, features like Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver Technology aimed to bolster safety for everyday use and younger drivers.