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| 410 | Base Horsepower (HP) | 401 |
| 19,680 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 18,500 |
| 4,010 | Max Payload (lbs) | 3,715 |
Ram and Chevy offer some very powerful trucks, especially when you’re talking about the 2500 models. The 2020 Ram 2500 and 2020 Silverado 2500HD both offer multiple bed lengths, cab styles, and many trim levels to pick from; however, there are some significant differences between the two, including both power and capability. So, which is the better truck? The only way to answer that question is to make a full comparison of the 2020 Ram 2500 vs 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD.
Overall, the new Ram is lighter and tougher than the older versions of itself. Using high strength steel and aluminum panels, the 2020 Ram is designed to maximize both fuel economy and rugged capability. It’s interior is upgraded and refined, borrowing elements from the Ram 1500 and providing a comfortable ride with good style. The Chevy Silverado 2500HD is a natural competitor for the Ram, also offering a range of options for customers to choose from. Although the cabin isn’t quite as luxurious as the Ram, the Silverado is a capable truck, making the competition tight.
Really, either truck is capable of putting in work and getting a tough job done; however, the Ram has a slight advantage with an extra 1,000 pounds of max towing capacity and additional almost-500 pounds of payload. But there is much more to know when deciding which truck is better, such as the specific engines, the interiors of the vehicles, and the safety features they offer. And that is why an in-depth comparison is essential to picking the right heavy-duty truck.
The Ram 2500 has excellent stats related to performance. Engine options include a 6.4-liter gas engine with a V8 transmission and a 6.7-liter inline-six diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The gas engine will give you 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel produces 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are extremely impressive and allow the Ram 2500 to tow up to 19,680 pounds and hit a payload maximum of 4,010 pounds.
The Silverado has similar engine options, with one gas and one diesel to choose from. Its standard gas engine is a 6.6-liter V8 that produces 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado’s 6.6-liter diesel V8 has 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. On any trim other than Custom, you can upgrade to the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. While some of the ratings are higher for the Silverado 2500HD, both the towing and payload maximums are lower. This vehicle sees a towing max of 18,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,715 pounds. Both of these numbers are significantly lower than the Ram 2500's; meaning, the Ram is likely the better choice.
No matter which model you pick, choosing between diesel and gas is also based on individual preference. While some buyers will make their decision solely based on the price differential at the pump, there’s more to the story worth considering. In North America, diesel fuel tends to be more expensive not because it costs more to produce than gas, but because of our tax structure on diesel. Both diesel and gasoline are sourced from crude oil, but higher taxes on diesel are generally related to its association with commercial use versus gasoline, which is used more by personal drivers. Luckily, diesel engines offer excellent gas mileage, so your full tank will last longer in a diesel truck.
Although diesel can cost you most upfront (including the higher cost of both diesel fuel and engines), it provides a smooth ride with simpler mechanics that tend to outlast gasoline-powered trucks. Diesel engines don’t require spark plugs or distributors, so a lot of the ignition-related repairs and maintenance associated with gasoline can be avoided with a diesel truck. However, if your diesel truck does need a tune-up, it can end up being a pricier proposition than the types of service required for gasoline engines.
But whatever you decide, both the 2020 Ram 2500 and 2020 Silverado 2500HD give you the choice of a diesel and gasoline engine to pick from. However, the Ram 2500 has much better capabilities either way.
While it’s easy to find comparable variants of the Ram and Silverado in terms of capability, when it comes to the interior, the Ram clearly stands out where the Silverado falls flat. And taking a quick glance at the interior features is definite proof of that fact.
Unlike trucks of the past, the 2020 Ram is quiet and comfortable with an interior Active Noise Cancellation System. Instead of listening to the sounds of the road, drivers can enjoy the available Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with a 750-watt amplifier and the most speakers (17) that you could find in trucks of this segment.
If one upgrades to the 2500 Limited, the interior becomes even more refined with real wood and aluminum accents, along with 100% leather seats. In the Laramie Longhorn, southwestern designs are crafted into the premium mountain brown leather interior. And for a more modern look, the Power Wagon has your choice of durable vinyl and premium diesel gray cloth seats or smooth finished black leather-trimmed seats.
Another leading feature is the Ram’s 12-inch touchscreen, the largest available radio touchscreen in its class. Pinch and zoom technology, a customizable home screen, split-screen capability, and physical controls make the Ram’s touchscreen user-friendly and fun.
The 2020 Silverado’s interior is dated but nonetheless spacious. There’s lots of storage space and more room in the backseat than in previous models. You won’t find a large touchscreen in this truck like you will in the Ram. The Work Truck includes a 7-inch touchscreen that can connect to your smartphone with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims, including the LTZ and above, provide an upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen. Overall, though, this interior lacks a modern touch that the Ram 2500 provides. Technology, creature comforts, and entertainment are important, and because of this, the Ram 2500 is the way to go.
When you’re hauling a heavy load and maneuvering a large truck, safety is a top priority. The 2020 Ram boasts of several high-tech safety features, including an exclusive adaptive forward lighting system. To enhance visibility when driving in the dark, you can turn the LED headlamps up to 15 degrees and get a better view of possible obstacles ahead. Available forward-collision warning with active braking and adaptive cruise control with stop technology help you maintain a safe distance and enable your truck to act fast if a crash is imminent.
The new Ram also offers LaneSense technology, which warns you if you start to drift and make slight adjustments to keep you safely within your lane. A blindspot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection notifies you of vehicles hiding in your blind spot using dual wide-band radar sensors smartly implanted into the taillights. To assist with parking, this heavy-duty truck, Parksense front, and rear park assist utilize sensors in the front and back of your truck to help you fit safely into tight spaces. In the Ram’s instrument cluster, the driver can watch a graphic display that indicates any nearby obstructions while parking.
Chevy also provides several safety features in the 2020 Silverado. If you plan on letting your teen take your Silverado 2500HD out for a spin, the Teen Driver Program will give you some peace of mind. By allowing you to set the rules on features like volume controls and speed limits, the Teen Driver Program gives parents greater control when they aren’t riding along. An available safety alert seat lets the driver know when lane departure warning or forward collision warning systems are triggered. The new Silverado also has front and rear park sensors available.
In general, the Silverado 2500HD is a very safe vehicle. That said, so is the Ram 2500. Both offer extensive lists of safety features; however, there is one difference: Price. The Ram 2500 offers more safety equipment at a lower price than the Silverado 2500HD does, making the Chevy vehicle fall short.
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For over 30 years, Orange Coast has been your trusted family dealership in Costa Mesa. We are happy to provide a wide selection of new and used trucks to fit any lifestyle and budget. Customer needs always come first at our dealership, which is why we were awarded FCA’s Customer First Award. If you can’t find the perfect truck from our inventory of over 1,000 new and used vehicles, we guarantee to find it for you within 72 hours, or we’ll cover your first payment on another Orange Coast vehicle of your choice.
We know that our customers are busy. Spending all day filling out paperwork at the dealership might not be your idea of the perfect weekend. That’s why we promise to get you in and out in 90 minutes or less. If you change your mind after a purchase, feel free to return your vehicle within 72-hours or 250 miles of driving, no questions asked. You never have to worry about hidden fees or hassles when you shop at Orange Coast.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
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