0:00:00.0 Speaker 1: They're big, they're heavy, they're unwieldy, but gee, they're
great at hauling stuff. We're talking about the Chevrolet Silverado and the brand new Ram 1500.
These two American full-size trucks are part of a growing market segment in Australia,
100k plus petrol V8 utes that are almost six metres long, seat five in comfort, and can tow
up to 4500 kilograms. The Limited will set you back about $140,000 before on-road costs and the
Silverado 114,000. That's a lot of cash, and it reflects the fact both vehicles are converted from
left to right-hand drive in Australia. The Ram 1500 has just landed in Australia in its latest DT
generation. This is the Limited flagship and it's stuffed to the gills with tech and features.
Check out these powered side steps, the massive 22-inch alloys, and the clever storage boxes
either side of the tray. The Silverado has been on sale for about 12 months in Australia, and until
the new RAM showed up, it's been by far the most sophisticated full-sized truck ever sold here,
including a full suite of driver assist systems. The Silverado is sold in Australia
by factory-owned GM Specialty Vehicles, but GMSV wouldn't provide us with a press test vehicle for
this compare, so we've borrowed one from a private owner. It's about 12 months old and has 17,000
kilometres on the odo, but it's in great nick and is indicative of what the Ram is up against.
0:01:53.5 S1: Both vehicles are powered by petrol push rod V8 engines mated to automatic
transmissions and two-speed 4 x 4 transfer cases. The Chev makes more power and torque,
but the Ram is headed by a clever 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds kilowatts and
saves fuel. Mind you, saving fuel isn't at the top of the agenda for these two. They both calmly chew
through about 12 litres of unleaded fuel per 100 kilometres. In reality, that's being optimistic.
The Ram is draped in stitched leather, has this class-leading 12-inch touchscreen, and one of the
most intricate centre storage console boxes you're ever likely to find. You won't believe the Ram is
a local conversion job, only the oddly-shaped exterior mirrors are an obvious giveaway.
The front seats are huge, supportive, and very comfortable. They're powered, heated,
and ventilated. The touchscreen really is very cool. I mean, check out how big the sat nav
map is, but you can also split the screen in two to access more features at the same time,
and of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Dial up Spotify and
you can blast out your favourites on a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
0:03:17.6 S1: There are just so many storage options in this thing.
The centre console box is just crazy, it's got slides and flips and levers
and all sorts of things going on. There's even a measurement conversion chart under the lid.
The Chev isn't as expensive as the Ram, and you can see that in the interior.
There are still leather upholstery, but it's not as high quality and the seats are flatter.
The Chev's touchscreen and the area around it is old school compared to the Ram.
It just has a more utilitarian feel. You do get the key features like Apple and Android, but
don't expect the seven-speaker audio to deliver anything like the same punch as the Ram system.
The Chev also has impressive storage. There's a double glove box just like in the Ram,
but it's just not quite as flash. You know, there's just not quite as much
choice and trickery about it. The lidded bin... Oh, it's just a big hole. That's it.
Critically, both these vehicles come with autonomous emergency braking,
which is backed up with adaptive cruise control. They also bristle with sensors and cameras,
which is essential if you're gonna drive these things anywhere near urban centres. In fact,
to be frank, don't even think about that. These are vehicles for the open road.
0:04:44.5 S1:
The Ram is simply huge in the rear seat. You can sit three adults in here comfortably. The rear
seat splits in two and slides and reclines. The outboard seats are also heated and ventilated.
The Chev is also commodious in the rear seat. It just lacks the Ram's tricks,
apart from seat heating. The seat doesn't slide or recline and the middle pew isn't as comfortable
because of the hard backrest. Importantly, both vehicles come with adjustable rear aircon
vents. And so do the trays, they're both big enough to take an Aussie pallet and they both
have spray-in bed liners, which is what we prefer. The Ram's storage boxes really are a good idea,
note the three-pin plug-in here, and its air suspension means you can lower it to make
loading easier. The Silverado has more tie down hooks to secure your load, but neither actually
carries that much payload, which is a signature of US trucks, less than 800 kilos in both cases.
A Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux can carry much more. Okay, enough of the waffle. Let's go driving.
0:06:14.0 S1:
The Ram is an enormous vehicle and very heavy too. It weighs in at nearly 2.75 tons.
You just never lose the sense of that bulk and heft. The engine is impressive. It never feels
overwhelmed and it responds quickly via its eight-speed auto. Considering its height and
weight, it really does handle pretty well. It really tries to go where you point it.
The air suspension and long wheelbase help keep the ride comfortable.
Apart from some enjoyable engine growls, when you hit the throttle,
this is a particularly quiet and peaceful place in which to travel.
And all that height means you get a panoramic view of the world quietly passing by.
Transfer to the Chev and there's no doubt you're in the same ginormous weight and size class
as the Ram. Again, the V8 engine is valiant in resisting so much weight, this time assisted by
a 10-speed auto. The Chev is a competent handler. Look, I wouldn't compare it to a sports car,
but considering all that's gotta be dealt with here, its manners are entirely acceptable.
It's a bit busy in the ride when unladen, but previous tests have shown it settles
down with a few kegs in the tray. The Chev's cabin is a quiet and refined place to be
just like the Ram. The only difference is the optional HSV exhaust really bellows when pressed.
0:08:02.8 S1:
And yes, again, just like the Ram, the Chev provides an excellent viewing platform.
There's no way you can expect V8 trucks of this size and weight to be fuel sippers.
You'll see mid to high tanks numbers even before you start towing,
but even taking that into account, these two drive far better than you might expect. The
Yanks really do a good job of building big trucks. We'd still like to see a bit of warranty though,
three years and 100,000 kilometres is pretty skimpy for 100K plus workhorses like these.
These huge American full-size trucks are easy to dismiss as not appropriate for Australian roads,
and for the most part, that's pretty much right. But they do a very good job in a very specific
role, and for that you have to admire them. In this case, we prefer the flash, the tech,
and the capability of the Ram that little bit more. Yep, the Chev is bloody impressive,
and it's got a decided price advantage, but the Limited is the flagship of its range
and it behaves like it. It's really easy to see why Yanks love these big trucks.