The all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 trucks made their world debuts at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). They are the best sellers and bread winners for their respective manufacturers. There are also several common themes between them: offer more choice, offer more space and cargo volume, offer more efficiency and capability.
Each truck will also offer more distinctive off-road versions with more options than ever before. So how do they compare with the specifications, trims, and features? Here is a direct comparison between the two. This is all we currently know about the trucks. If power specs or MPG ratings are not listed, then we don’t know them yet.
| 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 2019 Ram 1500 | |
| Chassis/Frame | new frame (88 lbs savings) | new frame (100 lbs savings) |
| Total Curb Weight | 450 lbs savings | 225 lbs savings |
| Wheelbase | 147.4 in, 156.9 in (crew cabs) | 144.5 in, 153.5 in (crew cabs) |
| Engines | ||
| 5.3L V8 with DFS cyl deactivation | 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft) + eTorque 90 lb-ft | |
| 6.2L V8 with DFS cyl deactivation | 5.7L V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) + eTorque 130 lb-ft | |
| 3.0L I6 Duramax diesel (2019 model year) | 3.0L EcoDiesel (2019 calendar year) | |
| Transmissions | ||
| 10-speed automatic | two versions of 8-speed automatic | |
| (not clear if 10-speed comes with 5.3L V8) | (EcoDiesel transmission version: unknown) | |
| Max Payload | unknown (estimated* 2,700 lbs) | 2,300 lbs |
| Max Towing | unknown (estimated* 12,950 lbs) | 12,750 lbs |
| Cabs | Regular, Extended, Crew | Extended, Crew |
| Trims | WT, Custom, Custom Trailboss, LT, RST, LT Trailboss, LTZ, High Country | Tradesman, BigHorn, HFE, Rebel, Laramie, LongHorn, Limited |
| Off-Road | Trailboss (2-in lift, two trims, Goodyear Duratrac tires) | Rebel (1-in lift, two cabs, two suspensions, two engines, Goodyear Duratrac tires) |
| Interior | more legroom, new design, rear seat storage | more legroom, new design, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled/reclining rear seats |
| Bed | powered down & up tailgate, optional in-bed storage boxes | powered down tailgate, bigger external RamBox storage boxes |
| MPG | unknown (possible 10% improvement) | unknown (possible 10% improvement) |
| Availability | Q4 2018 | Q2 2018 |
The two manufacturers are using slightly different approaches to bring more customers into their new trucks.
Chevrolet took a more aggressive approach with weight reduction. They dropped about 450 lbs from the current truck with use of high-strength steel and aluminum hood, doors, and tailgate. The Silverado keeps the two V8 gas engines, but they offer new Dynamic Fire Skip (DFS) cylinder deactivation technology for more efficiency and smoother operation. The truck uses a unique front-end and roof design for improved aerodynamics. The company is offering more trim levels of the Silverado than ever before, as well as two Trailboss off-road truck versions.
Ram also used high-strength steel and aluminum hood and tailgate to drop about 225 lbs from the truck. Ram kept the V6 and V8 engines, but added optional eTorque mild-hybrid system for additional performance boost off-the-line, smoother operation, and better efficiency. The Ram uses the next generation of the air suspension as well as an active front air dam and roof design for improved aerodynamics. The 2019 Ram has more distinct interior design options and more high-tech and comfort features than ever before.
Check out the videos below for all the details!
