2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 | McHenry, IL
The 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 are bold, robust pickup trucks prepared to handle a range of driving tasks, from towing to off-roading. With each bringing muscular engines, sophisticated safety features, and premium interior amenities, it can be tough to decide which is your next workhorse. Continue reading this 2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 comparison created by the team at Sunnyside CDJR in McHenry, IL, to see them brought head-to-head, and find out which is right for you.
Interested in what else the Ram 1500 can offer? Be sure to visit our Ram 1500 review for performance specifications, exterior colors, and key features, or check out our Ram 1500 trims guide for details on each model. If you decide on the Ram 1500, find your ideal model in our inventory and consider pairing it with a lease offer. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (815) 385-7220.
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2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Performance & Towing
Handle tough towing jobs, travel off-road, and embrace exceptional power with the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine options. Both trucks are available with four unique engines, though the Silverado 1500 offers a turbo diesel option. You’ll find more available horsepower and torque with the Ram 1500 thanks to its powerful high-output 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (I6) engine, though the Silverado 1500 has a higher maximum towing capacity. The Ram 1500 is ideally suited to handle heavy bed loads thanks to its higher payload capacity. You’ll find all-terrain suspension and tires available to each truck to help you hit the trails with confidence.
See engine specifications in the following table.
Ram 1500 | 2026 Model | Silverado 1500 |
---|---|---|
Four | Engine Options | Four |
540 HP | Max. Horsepower | 420 HP |
521 lb.-ft. | Max. Torque | 495 lb.-ft. |
Eight‑speed automatic | Transmissions | Eight‑ or ten-speed automatic |
4x2 / 4x4 | Drivetrains | 2WD / 4WD |
11,610 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | 13,300 lbs. |
2,360 lbs. | Max. Payload Capacity | 2,260 lbs. |
2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Interior Comfort & Space Comparison
The 2026 Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are packed with exciting amenities ready to keep up with all your towing travels. Relax with a variety of seat materials in either truck, with the Ram 1500 offering six options, including premium quilted leather, while the Silverado 1500 has three choices. The Ram 1500 offers exceptional adjustability and comfort with available 24-way power front seats, while the Silverado 1500 has up to ten-way power front seats. Stay cozy year-round with available heated and ventilated front seats in either truck, or extend the comfort to your passengers with heated and ventilated rear seats in the Ram 1500, or heated rear seats in the Silverado 1500. Relax on long drives with available front massage seats in the Ram 1500, and enjoy natural light through the available dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
When it comes to interior space, the Ram 1500 has two cab options, which include the quad cab, which seats six, or the crew cab, which can seat five or six. The Silverado 1500 has the three-passenger regular cab, and five- or six- passenger crew and quad cabs. The Ram 1500 cabs offer 40.9 inches of front legroom, while the Silverado 1500 cabs have 44.5 inches.
Available Ram 1500 interior features include:
- Heavy-duty vinyl, cloth, cloth and vinyl, leather, premium leather, or premium quilted leather seat upholstery
- Front seat massage feature
- Front and rear under-seat storage area
- Rear in-floor storage bins
- Power-adjustable pedals
- LED interior lights and accent lights
- Under-seat lighting
- Jeweled rotary shifter
- Digital display rearview mirror


2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Tech & Connectivity Features
On every excursion, find excellent safety and connectivity capabilities in the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500. When it comes to intuitive technology, both trucks have infotainment systems, including the Uconnect® 5 or 5 Nav system in the Ram 1500 or the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system in the Silverado 1500. Access your favorite apps on an available 14.4-inch touchscreen inside the Ram 1500, or a 13.4-inch touchscreen in the Silverado 1500. When it comes to audio, the Ram 1500 has a wide selection of systems available, which includes the 23-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere sound system, while the Silverado 1500 can have a seven-speaker Bose® premium sound system.
Gain next-level confidence with advanced safety features in either truck. The Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 share access to helpful driver assistance systems, like automatic emergency braking, lane management, and collision warning. Both trucks have available surround view camera systems and specialized systems for towing, including trailer sway damping and a brake controller. Take on long drives with help from semi-autonomous driving systems, including the hands-free active driving assist system for the Ram 1500, or the Super Cruise driver assistance system in the Silverado 1500.
Available Ram 1500 technology features include:
- 12-in. driver information display
- 10.25-in. front passenger’s interactive display
- Six-speaker audio system, nine-speaker Alpine® amplified audio system with subwoofer, 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system, or 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system
- Integrated voice commands
- Ram Connect services capability
- Off-Road Info Pages
- Dual wireless charging pad
Available Ram 1500 safety features include:
- Blind spot and cross-path detection
- ParkSense® front and rear park assist
- ParkView® rear backup camera
- Pedestrian emergency braking
- SelecSpeed® control
- Intersection collision assist system
- Drowsy driver detection
- Evasive steering assist
2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Pricing
Ram 1500
- Tradesman® $41,025*
- Express® $43,445*
- Big Horn® $46,575*
- Warlock $51,815*
- Laramie® $61,075*
- Rebel® $64,740*
- RHO $69,995*
- Limited $75,700*
- Limited Longhorn® $76,895*
- Tungsten $88,095*
Silverado 1500
- WT $39,495*
- Custom $44,995*
- LT $50,495*
- RST $53,895*
- Custom Trail Boss $55,395*
- LTZ $60,595*
- LT Trail Boss $62,195*
- High Country $65,495*
- ZR2 $74,295*
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
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