Get More From a Used Chevy Silverado 1500

Full-size trucks like the Chevy Silverado 1500 are among the most important vehicles on the market, as they are incredibly rewarding to drive and many people rely on them to get significant work done each day. With so much to offer, new trucks can be quite pricey, which is one of the main reasons pre-owned models are so popular. Which one is right for you? Whether you’re already interested in a used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale or are still considering different options, such as a pre-owned Ram 1500, finding the right pickup is crucial. While the Ram 1500 is a fine truck in its own right, it just can’t keep up with everything Chevy delivers. Let’s take a good look at the 2022 models for these two trucks, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

Four Engines Each, Some Big Differences

The right used truck for you depends on what you’re looking for, so we can’t say exactly which option is better for you. However, we can examine the specs and details to see how they compare and determine which truck offers the most. Looking at the 2022 Silverado 1500, you’ll find four different engines when checking out used models, starting with a 2.7L Turbo I-4 (it wasn’t called the TurboMax yet in 2022) that provides 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 2022 Ram 1500 also offers four engines (excluding the supercharged V8, which is exclusive to the TRX model), starting with a 3.6L V6 that produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. That’s pretty good horsepower, but far behind Chevy’s standard engine when it comes to torque.

From there, you’ll find several impressive options for both trucks, including a 355-hp 5.3L V8 gas engine for the Silverado 1500. The Ram’s 5.7L V8 outperforms it, but Chevy comes back with its 6.2L V8 engine, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the Ram 1500’s 5.7L HEMI V8 engine tops out at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, far behind what Chevy offers. We’re being generous in considering the 2022 models, because the Ram 1500 still offered a diesel engine with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque at that time, a feature no longer available. This is similar to the Duramax turbo-diesel you can find on a used Silverado 1500 with its 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, although you’ll get more done with Chevy’s truck and its diesel compared to a used Ram 1500.

Chevy Gives You Greater Towing Capabilities

Big horsepower and torque are all well and good, but it’s not the only thing that matters. You want great performance, and you want that muscle to translate into robust capabilities that you can count on. Although the Ram 1500 is no slouch, it generally can’t match what the Chevy Silverado 1500 can do. The Silverado’s standard engine is truly a marvel, boasting impressive torque that results in a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs. The 2022 Ram 1500, with its standard engine, tops out at just 7,730 lbs of towing capacity, a significant difference that matters in the real world.

From there, we see a similar story with other engines too, with Chevy coming out on top time and again. The Ram 1500’s 5.7L HEMI V8 engine offers a towing capacity of 12,750 lbs, while the diesel can handle up to 12,560 lbs when properly equipped. By comparison, both the 6.2L V8 gas engine and the Duramax turbo-diesel engine give the 2022 Silverado 1500 an impressive 13,300-lb towing capacity. That’s enough difference to really matter when it comes to getting the most from your truck each day.

Variety and Trim Levels

One thing Chevy is well known for is the amount of freedom available in their lineup to find whatever you’re looking for. This translates into a variety of trim levels available to shoppers of new models, as well as a vast range of options when considering pre-owned trucks. With the 2022 Silverado 1500, for example, nine different trim levels were originally available when sold new, and you’ll find all of them when checking out used models. These include great starting options like the WT, Custom, and LT; advanced trims with enhanced features, such as the RST and High Country; and incredible off-road models, including the Trail Boss trims and the ZR2.

By comparison, Ram is no slouch when it comes to ensuring there are plenty of trims available, but they fall short of what Chevy offers. Examining the 2022 Ram 1500, we find six main trims available. (Again, we’re overlooking the TRX because it’s such a niche option that it’s not right for most drivers we know.) The Tradesman, Big Horn, and Laramie are excellent places to start, while the Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited build on those other trims to offer more impressive features. Overall, this is a fine lineup, but Chevy makes it easier to explore more options and find exactly what you want.

Chevy Stays on Top With Advanced Features

Speaking of impressive overall options, you can also get superior features when looking at used Silverado 1500 models. For example, the 2022 Ram 1500 features a standard five-inch infotainment display, with an 8.4-inch screen available or a 12-inch display found in some higher trims. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, on the other hand, starts with a larger seven-inch screen and features a gorgeous 13.4-inch display beyond the first few trims. You’ll find similar differences across the board, like how Chevy offers an eight-foot bed while the longest bed for the Ram 1500 is just over six feet long. You can get more with the Silverado 1500 in many different ways.

All of This and a Great Value

Although we can’t say exactly what every used model will cost, it’s still worth taking a moment to talk about pricing on these two trucks. Their original prices when sold as new give us some guidance. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 had a starting MSRP of $34,600, while the 2022 Ram 1500 had a starting MSRP of $37,090. The Silverado 1500 already started at a lower price point, which can give it an advantage when you’re looking at used models that have undergone some depreciation but still have a lot to offer. Speaking of which, a 2022 Silverado 1500 with a Crew Cab, which started at over $38,000, is now worth approximately $23,000. Similarly, a 2022 Ram 1500 with a Crew Cab, originally sold for more than $48,000, is also worth around $23,000. The Ram truck lost 52% of its value, while the Silverado 1500 lost only 38% of its value, showcasing how a Chevy pickup is often a better investment.

Find the Right Used Truck to Meet Your Needs

The right used pickup ultimately comes down to what you need your truck to be able to do, which is why it is important to consider a variety of different factors. We’re big fans of both of these trucks, but there’s no denying that the Chevy Silverado 1500 can offer a lot more. It’s worth taking some time to consider the kind of performance you prefer, the amount of weight your truck needs to handle, and the features that are most important to you. From there, it’s easier to explore different used models, compare what each one has to offer, and make sure you get a pre-owned pickup that meets your needs.