Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 1 Jul 2026
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD: we're still completing wheelbase, 0-100km/h, turning circle, 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD starts from $168,000 before on-road costs, while the RAM 3500 opens at $177,950. That makes the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD the more affordable entry point by $9,950.
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 $184,800 and $195,745 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 2500 HD
- REC-006144 · published 7 Nov 2024Under certain conditions, some customers may experience harsh transmission shifting leading to momentary rear wheel lock up or Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) activation may occur.Year range on the notice: 2021
RAM 3500
- 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
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 2500 HD 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 2500 HD stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for the RAM 3500. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD uses a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 producing 350kW and 1322Nm 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 all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has the clear power advantage at 350kW vs 313kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD measures 6,387mm long, 321mm longer than the RAM 3500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase).
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.
14.4m diameter
Large
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 12.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 2500 HD) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 3500). The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 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 3500 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD: Top CarSorted Score, 53 vs 48
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (53 vs 48), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ahead by 24), practicality (RAM 3500 ahead by 22), value (Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ahead by 16). The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 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 2500 HD and RAM 3500?
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is the cheapest at $168,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 3500 by $9,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The RAM 3500 uses the least fuel at 12.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and RAM 3500 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 RAM 3500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD has the longest warranty at 5 years / No data.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD makes the most power at 350kW.
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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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