Pickup truck prices have been going up for many years, but we seem to have found some great deals on new crew cab 4×4 trucks. Check out this new 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman Black Express and this new 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST. They have similar capability, yet they are very different. One truck has a V8 and the other one is powered by a turbo-4. Let’s take them for a test drive and dig in!
Both of these new pickup trucks offer very comfortable large crew cabs. The Silverado 1500 has a slightly large bed and about 200 pounds more payload than this Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 has an optional 5.7L HEMI V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Silverado 1500 is equipped with its base 2.7L TurboMax I4 turbocharged engine. This engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
There is another significant difference. This Ram 1500 Tradesman Black Express is equipped with a 4WD system that includes 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo “low range” gearing. The Silverado 1500 RST has 2-Hi, AWD, and 4-Hi. This one does not offer a 4-Lo transfer case.
While this Ram 1500 and its V8 offer a slightly higher maximum tow rating, this particular Ram does not include an integrated trailer brake controller. The Chevy has a brake controller.
In the end, both can be had at a price that is under $50K (depending on your discount eligibility). The Ram 1500 has a secret weapon. It offers a 10-year / 100,000 mile factory warranty.
Which truck would you choose for around $50,000? Please let me know in the comments below.
