2014 Chevy Silverado in High Country trim.
BY GERRY MILES
In one of the closest finishes reported, Chevy’s Silverado earned three more points than the Ram 1500 to earn Consumer Reports “Top Truck” title and an “Excellent” road-test score as well. A small consolation for Dodge will be CR’s testers deemed the 1500 a better daily driver.
Both outscored the previously-tested Ford’s F150 XLT, which 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 versions ranked third and fourth respectively.
The Silverado edged the Ram in several areas important to pickup truck owners:
- It has a much larger cargo bed
- several hundred pounds greater payload capacity
- it can tow a heavier trailer—up to 11,200 pounds
- lower step-in height than Ram 1500
- more agile handling
- best-in-class EPA, 16 mpg overall (+1 mpg over Ram).
“The reality is that you can’t go wrong with either one. Both are capable trucks that get decent gas mileage and are as quiet inside as a good luxury car,” said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports opted to test the Silverado’s widely sold 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 4WD version that had great acceleration but not the thrust of the Ram or Toyota Tundra.
For daily use, CR found the Ram a comfy place to spend time with better front seats and friendlier layout and the ride is supported by its rear coil suspension.
Consumer Reports tested the Ram with Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8, four-wheel-drive, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth and efficient. Consumer Reports found that combination delivered seamless and effortless power, while returning a relatively good 15 mpg overall. Acceleration is quicker than the Silverado and the Hemi feels much brawnier in real-world driving.
Complete tests results for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 can be found on www.ConsumerReports.org and in the November issue of Consumer Reports.
Road Miles 