2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2026 Ram 1500

• Chevy gives the Silverado only minor updates, while the Ram 1500 gets major changes, including a returning V-8 and a new trim.
• The Silverado 1500 is less expensive than the Ram 1500 in its lower trims.
• The Silverado1500 gives you more engine choices across the lineup.

The Silverado 1500's Realtree Special Edition became a dealer-installed option this year. Additionally, Chevy refreshed its color palette, removing its old pearl and gray shades for White Sands and Polar White. As of May 29, 2026, its trims are:

• Work Truck: $38,345
• Custom: $43,845
• LT: $49,345
• RST: $52,845
• Custom Trail Boss: $54,345
• LTZ: $60,895
• LT Trail Boss: $61,145
• High Country: $65,795

Stellantis listened to Ram 1500 fans and brought back the 5.7-liter V8 as a $995 option on the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie models. (Buyers who opt for the Limited, Longhorn, or Rebel still get that V8 power, but at no cost.) The automaker also introduced the Express trim, with darkened headlamp bezels and dark gray interior accents for buyers who want an aggressive, blacked-out look. It's available in both Quad and Crew Cab configurations with either RWD or 4WD. The Black Express appearance package also adds a Sport hood, blacked-out exterior badges, and 20-inch black wheels.

The company also added a new BackCountry trim, which gives the Ram 1500 a one-inch suspension lift, underbody skid plates, and rugged styling, as well as an America250 edition, offered across the Big Horn, Laramie, and Rebel trims in red, white, or blue. Its trims start a little higher than the Silverado's:

• Tradesman: $44,820
• Express: $46,945
• Lone Star: $50,075
• Big Horn: $50,075
• Warlock: $55,660
• Big Horn America250: $61,415
• BackCountry: $62,410
• Laramie: $64,275
• Rebel: $67,845
• Laramie America250: $70,365
• Rebel America250: $72,830
• Limited: $79,200
• Longhorn: $79,695
• Tungsten: $91,595

Chevy gives you four engine options to choose from in the Silverado 1500. They are:

• 310-hp 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder
• 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8
• 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8
• 305-hp 3.0-liter Duramax diesel

The Ram 1500 doesn't have a diesel option. Its offerings are:

• 305-hp V-6 with a hybrid system
• 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 (a costly add-on for Tradesman and Laramie trims, but standard on the Limited and Longhorn)
• 540-hp twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six

The Silverado pulls ahead of the Ram 1500 in towing, too. With a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, it outhauls the Ram by 550 pounds--not bad for a half-ton truck.