Budget-Friendly Performers: 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT vs 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman
Are you looking to upgrade to a brand-new full-size pickup? This is a year of exciting offerings from both Chevy and Ram, and it’s time to dive into the differences between these two great pickups to let you know which one pulls ahead. By narrowing your options down to the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500, you’re halfway there in choosing the best new pickup with all of the hottest upgrades and savviest driver assist technology. As popular American automakers, these companies have been manufacturing reliable and trustworthy vehicles that are well worth your interest, research, and investment, but be sure you’re choosing the model that is right for you.
Although you can’t go completely wrong with either choice, a closer inspection does reveal some differences that may be key for what you want your full-size pickup to handle. The trim selection will also impact the performance and level of luxury included with each truck. Each manufacturer offers nine different trim levels for the outstanding Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500. However, for the purpose of this article, we’ll start by comparing the base trims to avoid too much confusion. We’ll take a look at the Silverado 1500 WT and compare it to the Ram 1500 Tradesman to see what features come standard for these trucks.
Performance That Matters
You need a truck with an engine that performs, but each of these trucks brings something different to the table. The 2025 Silverado 1500 WT comes standard with Chevy’s TurboMax engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder capable of producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman underperforms in comparison despite having a larger 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque, a 48-volt electric motor assist, under the hood. This combination produces just 305 horsepower and only 269 lb-ft of torque. You’ll feel the difference in daily driving, and if towing is in the cards, choosing the Silverado 1500 will be the much better option.
The 2025 Silverado 1500 is able to haul much heavier loads, offering a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs with the standard TurboMax engine. Meanwhile, the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman tops out at 8,110 lbs with its V6. At the base trim level, both automakers’ trucks pair their standard engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission that drivers find to operate smoothly and reliably. Both Chevy and Ram have available engine upgrades for their trucks, which can add significant towing performance gains even if the fuel mileage may not be as good. However, even with the available options, Chevy maintains a clear lead.
For more detail, Chevy is offering four different engine options across the trim lineup for the 2025 Silverado 1500, including a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel and a 6.2-liter V8. There is also a 5.3-liter V8 that is available on the WT trim, which provides 355 horsepower and increases the maximum towing capacity to 11,300 pounds. Chevy takes towing seriously, and you can expect features like Tow/Haul mode that, when selected, helps keep your engine and transmission happy when pulling or carrying heavier loads by minimizing extra shifting. This also delivers better control for those heavy hauling days.
Intuitive and Eye-Catching Design
The Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 are thoughtfully and intuitively designed when it comes to cabin space and comfort. Every function is user-friendly and within the driver’s reach for less distracted driving, whether you are adjusting the climate settings, using a navigational app, or simply playing music. The Silverado 1500 WT is definitely designed with function over luxury at this trim level, and we love it for that. Simple and almost minimalist engineering gives you everything you need to handle a rough day on the worksite or a muddy backcountry fishing adventure. The Ram 1500 Tradesman has a dash more luxury that, although highly functional, adds a bit of busyness to the eye with a plethora of buttons located very near or on the steering wheel to make space for the center stack infotainment touchscreen. This includes a rotary dial for the gear selector instead of the more traditional lever found in the Silverado 1500.
Moving to the exterior, both the Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500 are very similar at their base levels. However, the Silverado 1500’s stacked front headlight design is more interesting, and the Ram 1500 Tradesman’s lack of body color between the grille and the front bumper gives it a less distinct front end. When shopping between trim levels, both automakers provide a seemingly infinite number of options that are sure to appeal to buyers looking for the perfect truck that also meets their performance needs. However, Chevy offers some important cab and bed options not available from Ram, including the traditional regular cab and long bed favored by hard workers who need a no-nonsense truck.
An interesting difference between these two models is the wheels they come standard with. The Silverado 1500 WT rolls on a silver-painted set of 17-inch steel wheels with all-season tires that give it almost 11 inches of ground clearance. Ram gave the Tradesman a similar look with silver-painted steel wheels paired with all-season tires, but they are slightly larger 18-inch wheels. However, upgrading to available aluminum wheels costs about half as much for the Chevy. The Silverado 1500 is also available with the incredible Z71 off-road package if going off the map is your favorite pastime.
Tech-Savvy Safety Included
Safety and driver assist technology is found in both models. If you’re currently driving an older vehicle, you’ll be floored by the safety and driver assist features now available in these trucks. Even at the WT trim level, features such as Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning are now standard. Even more tech-savvy features are available to increase the wow factor, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Front and Rear Park Assist, which will have you wishing you’d upgraded sooner for the convenience these features bring. Connectivity is also top-notch—you can enjoy all your favorite apps and stay connected through both automaker’s user-friendly digital platforms.
Shop for the Chevy Silverado 1500 WT With Us Today
Here at DePaula Chevrolet, we believe the best bang for your buck is the Silverado 1500 at any trim level, although the WT is certainly the most budget-friendly. With nine different trims available, we are certain you’ll be able to find the perfect truck that will not only look good but will perform at the highest level for your rugged off-road or heavy hauling needs. With incredible upgrades for the cargo bed for storage, convenience, and more, and a class-exclusive Multi-Flex tailgate that includes a bed step, load stops, and other features, the Silverado 1500 is sure to please new pickup truck buyers.
Beyond outdoing the Ram 1500 in powertrain performance, the incredible blend of high-tech connectivity, convenience, and driver assist features in a spacious, rugged, and durable cabin will absolutely win you over on a test drive. Give us a call, contact us through our website, or stop by to see what we mean about Chevy’s full-size truck offering for 2025.
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