Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs RAM 3500
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
From $134,500
Ute
Petrol
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
313kW
12.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
1781L
RAM 3500
From $177,950
Ute
Diesel
Diesel Turbo
313kW
12.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
900L
Track the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 & RAM 3500
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts from $134,500 before on-road costs, while the RAM 3500 opens at $177,950. That makes the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the more affordable entry point by $43,450.
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 $195,745 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features a 13.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the RAM 3500 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 and Bose audio that you will not find on the RAM 3500. 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 3500 responds with a Diesel Turbo making 313kW and 1458Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. 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 3500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 1781L in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 900L in the RAM 3500, giving the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a 881L advantage.
For towing, the RAM 3500 leads with a 8,000kg braked capacity vs 4,500kg. That 3,500kg 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 14.4m
Based on 14.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,449/year for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and $3,648/year for the RAM 3500. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Estimated annual total: $3,449 (Chevrolet Silverado 1500) vs $3,648 (RAM 3500). The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Chevrolet Silverado 1500) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 3500). The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chevrolet's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 3500 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a clear edge. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and RAM 3500?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the cheapest at $134,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 3500 by $43,450.
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 3500 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the largest boot at 1781L.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 3500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Free: Chinese Cars in Australia Cheat Sheet
Sign up free and we'll email you our Chinese Cars Cheat Sheet (PDF) — all 22 brands ranked on service, parts, warranty and dealer experience. Plus new-car launches, reviews and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
