2027 Silverado 1500 vs 2027 Ram 1500: Small-Block vs HEMI
The 2027 Silverado 1500's new 5.7L small-block makes 402 hp and tows up to 13,700 lb, while the Ram 1500's 5.7L HEMI makes 395 hp and tows up to 11,470 lb. That gap is the heart of this matchup, but Ram brings real strengths, from the Hurricane inline-six to a 777-hp supercharged TRX. Here's how we see it from the Chevy side of the lot at Knudtsen Chevrolet.
Some background first. The Silverado is fully redesigned for 2027, with new styling, a new cabin and two new Gen 6 V8s. If you missed it, our 2027 Silverado redesign overview covers the whole truck.
How does the Silverado 5.7L V8 compare to the Ram 5.7L HEMI?
Chevy's 5.7L makes 402 hp and 428 lb-ft, edging the Ram 5.7L HEMI at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. On paper the power gap is small. The towing gap isn't: the Silverado 5.7L is rated up to 13,700 lb with the Max Trailering package, versus 11,470 lb for the HEMI. That's more than a ton of extra capacity from the same displacement.
The Chevy engine is all new. It displaces exactly 350 cubic inches, with "350" cast into the block, and it replaces the old 5.3L. GM stretched the stroke 6 mm, raised compression and added port injection alongside direct injection, while keeping pushrods and the 4.40-inch bore spacing used since 1955. It runs on regular 87 octane. For the full engineering story, read our post on why the 350 is back for 2027.
The HEMI has its own following, and on most Ram trims it comes as an eTorque mild hybrid, which Chevy doesn't offer. Ram brought the 5.7L back for 2026, and it carries on for 2027. If you love the HEMI, we get it. We'd just point to that towing number.
Which truck tows more, Silverado or Ram 1500?
The 2027 Silverado tows up to 13,700 lb, which GM calls best in class, while the 2027 Ram 1500 tops out at 11,530 lb with its standard-output Hurricane inline-six. That's a 2,170-lb advantage for Chevy at the top of the chart.
Go down the engine lists and the Silverado stays competitive at every step. The Duramax diesel tows up to 12,000 lb, more than any Ram 1500 engine. The 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder is rated at 9,400 lb, and the 6.6L V8 at 9,700 lb. For Ram, the high-output Hurricane tows up to 9,480 lb. As always, towing and payload on both trucks vary by configuration, trim and packages, so confirm the rating on the specific truck.
Payload is closer. Ram's maximum is 2,340 lb, and the Silverado's best payload is also 2,340 lb, from the TurboMax. Call that one a tie.
What about the Ram Hurricane inline-six?
Ram's 3.0L Hurricane inline-six makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft in standard form and 540 hp and 521 lb-ft in high-output form. Those are strong numbers, and the high-output Hurricane is one of Ram's real wins. Nothing in the Silverado lineup matches 540 hp.
Chevy's answer splits the job. If you want the most horsepower in a Silverado, the 6.6L V8 makes 481 hp and 501 lb-ft, and GM says it's the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the half-ton class (that claim doesn't count supercharged engines). If you want the most towing, the 5.7L gets you 13,700 lb. The Hurricane's standard version lands between those two in output and below both of Chevy's top towing numbers.
Some buyers simply prefer a V8, and the Silverado gives them two new ones. Drive both.
Is the Ram TRX or Rumble Bee faster than any Silverado?
Yes. The supercharged 6.2L HEMI in the Ram TRX SRT and Rumble Bee SRT makes 777 hp and 680 lb-ft, and no 2027 Silverado comes close. Ram also offers a 6.4L HEMI in Rumble Bee models at 470 hp.
We won't pretend otherwise. If straight-line speed and a supercharger whine are what you're shopping for, the TRX is in a class of its own. The Silverado's top performance and off-road model is the ZR2, which takes a different approach: 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a 2-inch lift, front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers, at a starting price of $79,995 including destination. It's built to crawl and soak up rough terrain rather than chase TRX horsepower.
Does the Ram 1500 offer a diesel?
No. The Ram 1500 does not offer a diesel, and the Silverado's 3.0L Duramax is the only diesel in the half-ton segment. It makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft, tows up to 12,000 lb, and GM estimates 27 mpg highway in 2WD form.
The range is the headline. With the available 34-gallon tank, GM quotes more than 900 miles of highway driving between fill-ups. For anyone who tows a camper across several states or racks up highway miles for work, that's a big deal.
How do ride and comfort compare?
Ram's coil-spring rear suspension has a well-earned reputation for a smooth ride, and that's a fair point in its favor. Many owners pick a Ram for exactly that reason.
The Silverado counters with a fully new cabin. Every trim, including the Work Truck, gets a 16.3-inch center touchscreen (class-leading, per Chevy) and a 12.2-inch digital driver display. Seats are new and wider. High Country adds Adaptive Ride Control, and both High Country and ZR2 add an 11.5-inch passenger screen and head-up display.
Hands-free driving is another Silverado point. Super Cruise is standard on High Country and ZR2, available on the Silverado and Trail Boss trims, and works while trailering. Lane changes are not available while towing, and the system comes with three years of OnStar, after which a Super Cruise plan must be purchased.
Which should you buy, Silverado or Ram 1500?
Buy the Silverado if towing, a V8 or a diesel is high on your list, and look hard at the Ram if you want maximum horsepower, a TRX or that coil-spring ride. Here's the scorecard as we see it.
Silverado wins: 13,700 lb max towing versus 11,530 lb, a 5.7L V8 that out-pulls the 5.7L HEMI by more than 2,000 lb, the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the class (per GM), a diesel option Ram doesn't have, and a ground-up redesign with big standard screens. Ram wins: the 540-hp high-output Hurricane, the 777-hp TRX and Rumble Bee SRT, and a ride many drivers love.
Our 2027 Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500 comparison page has the numbers side by side, and the Silverado competition overview brings the Ford F-150 into the picture as well. You can also check our earlier Silverado vs F-150 comparison.
When the 2027 trucks land, come drive one back to back with whatever else you're considering. Browse new Silverado inventory or contact Knudtsen Chevrolet to get on the list for a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Silverado 5.7L make more power than the Ram 5.7L HEMI?
Slightly. The Silverado 5.7L makes 402 hp and 428 lb-ft, compared with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft for the Ram 5.7L HEMI.
How much more can the Silverado tow than the Ram 1500?
The Silverado tows up to 13,700 lb with the 5.7L and Max Trailering package. The Ram 1500 tops out at 11,530 lb with the standard Hurricane. Ratings vary by configuration.
Can I get a diesel Ram 1500 for 2027?
No. The Silverado's 3.0L Duramax is the only diesel offered in a 2027 half-ton.
What is the most powerful 2027 Silverado engine?
The 6.6L V8 at 481 hp and 501 lb-ft. GM says it's the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the half-ton class.
Does Ram have anything faster than the Silverado?
Yes. The supercharged TRX SRT and Rumble Bee SRT make 777 hp, and the high-output Hurricane makes 540 hp.