Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs RAM 2500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
RAM 2500: we're still completing width, 0-100km/h, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 & RAM 2500
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Price Breakdown
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts from $134,500 before on-road costs, while the RAM 2500 opens at $157,950. That makes the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the more affordable entry point by $23,450.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $147,950 and $173,745 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- REC-006344 · published 6 May 2025The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- REC-006200 · published 9 Dec 2024The brake fluid cap affixed to the vehicle does not contain the required warnings in accordance with the standards set out under Australian Design Rule (ADR) 35/07 – Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006084 · published 23 Sep 2024Due to a software issue with the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), the brake fluid warning light may not illuminate as intended and therefore fail to warn the driver when the brake fluid level is low.Year range on the notice: 2023
RAM 2500
- REC-006701 · published 18 Aug 2026Due to a manufacturing defect in the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may fail.Year range on the notice: 2026
- REC-006523 · published 7 Jan 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module may disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006507 · published 19 Dec 2025Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual warnings for the brake system lights, gear selection indicators, and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- 13 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features a 13.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the RAM 2500 gets a 12-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for the RAM 2500. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 uses a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 producing 313kW and 624Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4WD layout.
The RAM 2500 responds with a 90-degree petrol V-8 with variable cam timing and multi-displacement system making 306kW and 582Nm, paired to a zf torqueflite hd 8hp75 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the clear power advantage at 313kW vs 306kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 measures 5,931mm long, 135mm shorter than the RAM 2500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase).
For towing, the RAM 2500 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 4,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.3m to 14.6m
Based on 14.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Chevrolet Silverado 1500) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 2500). The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chevrolet's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 2500 if: You or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Top CarSorted Score, 55 vs 45
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (55 vs 45), taking 3 of 3 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ahead by 20), technology (Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ahead by 20), practicality (Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ahead by 11). The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and RAM 2500?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the cheapest at $134,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 2500 by $23,450.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 uses the least fuel at 12.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and RAM 2500 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the longest warranty at 5 years / No data.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 makes the most power at 313kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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