2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2012 Dodge Ram: Which One Should I Buy?

When you are looking for a way to get a load of mulch or gravel, or need to haul a large trailer or boat behind your vehicle, chances are you are looking for a truck. Trucks are not meant to move a large number of people comfortably; knee space in the back is certainly not the most important statistic you’re looking at for a truck. Instead, you want to know if the truck will haul – and how much it will haul.

The Chevrolet Silverado and the Dodge Ram are both solid entries in the large truck group and are relatively comparable in terms of manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the base truck option. While the Silverado is clearly a work truck, it knows how to play nice with the wealthier truck owners who may be looking for more of a toy than a working machine. The Dodge Ram is second only to the F-150 in terms of desirability and may be the best-looking full-size truck on the market.

dodge ram 2012
2012 Dodge Ram

Towing Capacity

When you look at the minimal differences in fuel economy you may be surprised to find that the difference in trailering is quite significant, with the Silverado able to tow up to 4,900 lbs and the Dodge Ram a paltry 3,800. Overall towing stats for the Silverado outperform the Ram, so if you’re looking to do some heavy-duty towing or moving of heavy stuff, definitely go with the Silverado as it’s a workhorse, even in the high-end trim package.

Interior Package

There are few differences in the interior other than the overall design, which is subjective. The main functionality difference is the optional cruise control on the Dodge Ram which comes standard on the Silverado as well as the lack of overhead console in the Dodge Ram. As you go down the options list overall, you’ll see a number of “optional” notes next to the Ram, where the Silverado more often reads “standard”. This gives you a good idea of the way the two stack up in terms of interior luxury and options.

Neither of these trucks stands head and shoulders ahead of the other, but the Silverado does offer a few extra options as well as having an overall abundance of little “extras” that can make a difference in your overall enjoyment of the vehicle, especially if you’re looking more for the idea of a truck than for the hard-working utility vehicle.


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Jermaine

25 years of experience
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Jermaine
25 years of experience
Dodge Durango V6-3.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Silver Spring, Maryland
Awesome mechanic! Very reliable !! Awesome personality! Explained everything and now I feel less stressed.
Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
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18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
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Caz Arrived on time much earlier than scheduled. He was very professional in inspecting the car and made excellent recommendations.

Brian

19 years of experience
138 reviews
Brian
19 years of experience
Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Brian was very informational and knowledgeable about the Inspection. He throughly inform me what issues on vehicle. Great Mechanic !!!
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Jay

24 years of experience
262 reviews
Jay
24 years of experience
Honda CR-V L4-2.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jay did a great job! Excellent at taking time to explain things about your car. And provided sound recommendation on repair. Courteous and responsive. I would definitely recommend Jay!
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