For a powerful pickup truck, consider either the 2026 Ram 1500 or 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500. Both full-size trucks offer versatility, exuberant performance, and cutting-edge technology systems. The Ram 1500 seats five or six passengers and offers four engine options, while the Silverado 1500 can seat between three to six passengers and also offers four engines. For more details on how these two trucks compare, continue reading this 2026 Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 review written by the team at Brickner’s Park City.
Has the Ram 1500 captured your attention? You can also take a look at our Ram 1500 review to explore its features in more depth.
The new Ram 1500 is available now at our Ram dealership in Merrill, WI. Find it in our inventory and take a look at our current lease offer. Then, arrange a test drive with a member of our team and use our directions to plan your visit. If you have any questions, you can reach out to our Ram experts by phone at (715) 536-2833 or send us a message.
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2026 Ram 1500
The 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 are powerful, prepared, and packed with potential. Both are available with four unique engine options, each designed to suit a specific set of requirements. Returning for the Ram 1500 2026 model year is the sought-after 395-horsepower 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine. Other Ram 1500 engine options include the standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6, impressive 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder (I6), and top-of-the-line high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine. Meanwhile, the Silverado 1500 offers a standard 2.7L TurboMax™ engine, or an available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, a 3.0L Duramax® turbo diesel I6 engine, or a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.
When it comes to towing, you’ll find that the Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds with its 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine. The Silverado 1500 tows slightly more — 13,300 pounds with its available 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel I6 engine.
Elevated performance is part of the fun of the drive, and both the Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 deliver. The Ram 1500 offers electronic four-wheel drive (4WD), electronic shift-on-demand, and electronic shift-on-the-fly part-time transfer cases, while the Silverado 1500 offers either a single-speed or two-speed Autotrac® transfer case. On select trims, both also offer raised ride suspensions to increase your capability over rough terrain. To make navigating through tough off-roading situations more fun, you’ll appreciate the available Goodyear® Wrangler Territory® tires available on either truck — 35 inches on the Ram 1500 or 33 inches on the Silverado 1500. The Ram 1500 also offers enhanced performance in the form of available 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® all-terrain tires, as well as a class-exclusive Active-Level™ four corner air suspension system and Performance Pages available through its infotainment system.
Available engine specs are shown in the accompanying table.
| Ram 1500 | 2026 Model | Chevy Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Four | Engine Options | Four |
| 305 / 540 HP | Horsepower (Standard/Max.) | 310 / 420 HP |
| 269 / 521 lb.-ft. | Torque (Standard/Max.) | 430 / 495 lb.-ft. |
| 11,610 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | 13,300 lbs. |
| 2,360 lbs. | Max. Payload Capacity | 2,260 lbs. |
| 4x2 / 4x4 | Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD |
| Eight-speed automatic | Transmission | Eight-speed automatic or ten-speed automatic |
Inside the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, you’ll find plush, sporty interiors designed to maximize comfort for you and your crew members. Both offer available heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, plus heated rear outboard seats are also available in both truck cabins. For increased comfort in the summer months, the Ram 1500 exclusively offers ventilated rear outboard seats. To keep the cabin temperature at a comfortable place, both trucks have available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Depending on the cab you choose, you can seat between five or six passengers in the Ram 1500 or three to six passengers in the Silverado 1500. When it comes to storing gear, the Ram 1500 offers class-exclusive in-floor storage bins. Plus, both trucks offer rear underseat storage to keep gear out of sight. Silverado 1500 models also offer storage beneath the front bench seat and in the rear seat backs with the up-level rear seat.
Shared interior features include:
Available Ram 1500 interior features include:
Available Chevy Silverado 1500 interior features include:
2026 Ram 1500
2026 Ram 1500
From command central inside the 2026 Ram 1500 or 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, you can stay connected and focused using key technology systems. The Ram 1500 is standard with an 8.4-inch Uconnect® 5 infotainment system, which can be upgraded to either a 12-inch or 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 Nav system on select trims. The Silverado 1500, meanwhile, offers a 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system or a larger 13.4-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system. You can connect to both trucks’ infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
When it comes to staying focused and protected on the road, you’ll find advanced driver assistance systems available with both trucks. Both offer their own version of a hands-free driver assistance system that can be used on select highways throughout North America. To monitor your surroundings fully, use the surround view camera system available with each truck. To monitor vehicle updates while staying focused, both offer a head-up display.
Shared technology features include:
Available Ram 1500 technology features include:
Available Chevy Silverado 1500 technology features include:
The 2026 Ram 1500 starts at $41,025 MSRP, while the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a starting MSRP of $39,495.
* 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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