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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 vs Ford F-350 vs Ram 3500: Which Heavy-Duty Truck Reigns Supreme?

Ultimate Heavy-Duty Truck Showdown: Chevy Silverado 3500 vs Ford F-350 vs Ram 3500 | MotorVero

Heavy-Duty Truck Showdown: Chevy Silverado 3500 vs Ford F-350 vs Ram 3500

heavy-duty truck comparison

When it comes to serious towing and hauling, only true heavy-duty trucks can handle the challenge. MotorVero's comprehensive comparison pits three diesel-powered titans against each other: the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 High Country, Ford F-350 Lariat, and Ram 3500 Laramie. We evaluated these workhorses under identical conditions to determine which reigns supreme in power, comfort, and capability.

BMW 6 Series 640i Coupe RWD Image
BMW 6 Series 640i Coupe RWD

$50000

Petrol

63325 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus RWD Image
2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus RWD

$24950

Gas

37670 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro Premium Plus Image
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro Premium Plus

$20998

87523 mi mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)


The Test Parameters

To ensure a fair comparison, all three trucks met strict criteria:

  • 4×4 crew cab configurations with single rear wheels
  • Factory-equipped for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing
  • Premium diesel engine packages
  • Comparable luxury trim levels
  • Target price under $75,000

Testing occurred across varied terrain including mountain grades, desert highways, and controlled acceleration/braking tests at a private airfield. This rigorous evaluation provides truck buyers with definitive data for their purchasing decisions.

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Chevrolet Silverado 3500 High Country

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 vs Ford F-350

Key Specifications

  • Engine: 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8
  • Horsepower: 445 hp @ 2,800 rpm
  • Torque: 910 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
  • Transmission: Allison 6-speed automatic
  • Max Towing: 23,300 lbs (gooseneck)
  • Payload Capacity: 6,543 lbs

As GM's flagship heavy-duty offering, the Silverado 3500 High Country represents the pinnacle of Chevrolet's truck engineering. The High Country trim delivers premium interior appointments while maintaining exceptional capability.

The Duramax/Allison powertrain combination has earned legendary status among diesel enthusiasts. Recent updates include:

  • Enhanced turbocharger response
  • Improved exhaust braking system
  • Revised cylinder head design for better cooling

With a base price of $59,610 (including destination), the Silverado presented the most affordable entry point in our comparison. The diesel option added $9,255, while other premium features brought the total to $70,215 after available discounts.

2016 Lexus ES 350 Image
2016 Lexus ES 350

$23988

Gas

49923 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2022 Lexus ES 350 Image
2022 Lexus ES 350

$36888

Gas

25516 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2019 Acura ILX FWD Image
2019 Acura ILX FWD

$21000

Gas

53000 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Ford F-350 Lariat

heavy-duty truck comparison

Key Specifications

  • Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8
  • Horsepower: 450 hp @ 2,800 rpm
  • Torque: 935 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
  • Transmission: TorqShift 6-speed automatic
  • Max Towing: 21,000 lbs (conventional)
  • Payload Capacity: 6,490 lbs

Ford's F-350 Lariat combines the brand's proven capability with upscale features. While not the top-tier Limited trim, the Lariat offers an excellent balance of luxury and value.

The Power Stroke diesel demonstrates several technological advantages:

  • Compact-graphite iron block for strength and weight savings
  • High-pressure common-rail fuel system
  • Variable-geometry turbocharger

Starting at $53,830, our test vehicle's final price reached $74,470 after adding the $8,995 diesel option and numerous premium packages including:

  • LED headlights ($1,080)
  • Towing Technology Package ($1,970)
  • Lariat Luxury Package ($3,255)

Ram 3500 Laramie

Ram 3500 towing capacity

Key Specifications

  • Engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo-Diesel I6
  • Horsepower: 385 hp @ 2,800 rpm
  • Torque: 930 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
  • Transmission: Aisin 6-speed automatic
  • Max Towing: 31,210 lbs (gooseneck)
  • Payload Capacity: 7,390 lbs

Ram's 3500 Laramie brings a unique combination of brute strength and refined comfort. The Cummins/Aisin powertrain delivers class-leading torque figures, while the Laramie trim offers premium interior materials.

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Key features of the Ram's drivetrain include:

  • High-output turbocharger configuration
  • Dual overhead cam design
  • Selectable exhaust brake modes

With a base price of $53,890, the Ram's final sticker reached $74,435 after adding the $8,700 diesel option and $2,695 Aisin transmission upgrade. Notable options included:

  • Sport Appearance Group ($1,895)
  • Auto-leveling rear air suspension ($1,595)
  • High-mounted cargo camera ($345)

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category Silverado 3500 F-350 Ram 3500
Engine 6.6L Duramax V8 6.7L Power Stroke V8 6.7L Cummins I6
Horsepower 445 hp 450 hp 385 hp
Torque 910 lb-ft 935 lb-ft 930 lb-ft
Max Towing 23,300 lbs 21,000 lbs 31,210 lbs
Payload 6,543 lbs 6,490 lbs 7,390 lbs
Transmission Allison 6-speed TorqShift 6-speed Aisin 6-speed
Tested Price $70,215 $74,470 $74,435

Performance Evaluation

2017 Cadillac ATS Image
2017 Cadillac ATS

$19565

Gas

26281 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

4 (5)

2011 BMW 1 Series 128i Image
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i

$6176

Gas

158183 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD Image
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD

$61488

diesel

54487 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Acceleration and Power Delivery

During controlled acceleration tests:

  • The Ford F-350 demonstrated the quickest 0-60 mph times, benefiting from its high horsepower rating and responsive turbocharger
  • The Ram 3500 showed impressive mid-range pull thanks to its massive torque output
  • The Silverado 3500 offered the most linear power delivery, with seamless shifts from the Allison transmission

Towing Dynamics

With equivalent fifth-wheel trailers attached:

  • The Ram's exhaust brake provided the most confident descent control on steep grades
  • Ford's trailer-specific blind spot monitoring proved invaluable in traffic
  • Chevrolet's integrated trailer system offered the most comprehensive connection diagnostics
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Ride Quality and Comfort

Unloaded ride impressions varied significantly:

  • The Silverado's refined cabin insulation made it the quietest at highway speeds
  • Ram's optional air suspension delivered the smoothest ride over rough surfaces
  • Ford's seats provided the best long-distance support during extended drive.
  • 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Image
    2024 Chrysler Pacifica

    $49092

    Gas

    0 mi

    Very Good Deal   Very Good

    0 (5)

    2014 Toyota 4Runner Image
    2014 Toyota 4Runner

    $20899

    Gas

    140789 mi

    Good Deal   Good

    0 (5)

    Audi e-tron GT Image
    Audi e-tron GT

    $15773427

    electric

    54466 mi

    Fair Deal   Fair

    0 (5)


Which Heavy-Duty Truck Reigns Supreme?

Each contender brings unique strengths to the segment:

  • Value Leader: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 - Most affordable with premium features
  • Technology Champion: Ford F-350 - Advanced towing aids and driver assists
  • Capability King: Ram 3500 - Highest tow ratings and innovative suspension

The "best" truck ultimately depends on your specific needs. Contractors needing maximum payload should consider the Ram, while luxury-focused buyers might prefer the Silverado High Country. Those prioritizing towing technology will appreciate the Ford's advanced systems.

For more detailed performance data and final rankings, visit MotorVero's heavy-duty truck comparison hub. Our comprehensive testing methodology ensures you get accurate, real-world information to guide your purchasing decision.

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Last Updated On May, 05-2025

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