2020 Chevy Silverado HD vs. 2019 Ram, Ford heavy duty trucks: How they compare on paper

Last year was all about the latest in light-duty full-size pickup trucks, so this year, Ram, Ford and Chevy are launching the heavy-duty variants. The first out of the gate is the redesigned 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD, and Ram dropped all the pertinent specs with the reveal. Chevy followed with the new Silverado HD in Chicago, and Ford revealed updates to the Super Duty at the same show.

Ford hasn't released details on output, payload capacity, towing capacity or pricing for the updated Super Duty. As such, we'll be comparing the current Super Duty with the all-new Silverado HD and Ram HD. Both Chevy and Ram have revealed full specs for each of their respective trucks, leaving out only pricing, which we've estimated based on the outgoing models. You can see the raw details in the chart below, followed by extra information and analysis. Some things to keep in mind: These specifications cover all versions of the Ram HD, Silverado HD and Super Duty, such as 2500 and 3500 models, and all the way up to F-450. Specifications can vary widely based on engine, drivetrain, cab and bed configurations, so be sure to take a close look at the specific model you're interested in when you get particularly serious about buying. And of course, be sure to check out our car comparison tool if you'd like to look at other trucks on the market.

Engines and drivetrains

All three of these trucks offer gasoline and diesel engines, but only the Ram has two versions of the diesel. Starting with gas engines, Ram's 6.4-liter V8 has the power advantage with 25 more horsepower than the next-most-potent Super Duty, but the new Silverado HD's 6.6-liter V8 takes the torque crown at 464 pound-feet, nearly 35 more than the other two gas engines. The Ram is also the only one to pair an eight-speed automatic with the gas engine, whereas the Ford and Chevy make do with a six-speed.

With diesel engines, horsepower is a weak point for the Ram. The Ram's entry-level turbo 6.7-liter inline-six is the weakest, as the only one with under 900 pound-feet of torque and under 400 horsepower. Even the high-output version only makes 400 horsepower, while the Chevy makes 445 and the Ford 450. But the tables turn with torque, as the Ram makes a best-in-class 1,000 pound-feet followed by the Ford's 935 and the Chevy's 910. Both the Ram and the current Super Duty diesels each get a six-speed automatic, but the new Silverado HD's diesel gets a 10-speed unit. And all of these trucks offer all of their engines with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Towing, payload and cargo volume

Engine output is fun to talk about, but actual utility matters, too. Among gas-powered trucks, the Ram wins out in towing capacity. At 17,810 pounds, but the Silverado HD is just 410 pounds behind it. The Ford finishes third with a towing capacity under 17,000 pounds. Payload is almost a dead heat between the Ram and Ford, but the Ram can carry 40 pounds more than the Super Duty. The new Chevy is again close behind at just under 7,500 pounds.

Moving to diesels, the entry-level Ram is at the bottom, but the high-output Ram is very close to the competition with 35,100 pounds, 100 more than the Ford. But the most potent towing machine is the Silverado at 35,500 pounds. The top of the heap for payload is similar, with the low-output Ram's 6,910-pound capacity just beating the Ford by 10 pounds. The Silverado's 6,517-pound payload capacity brings up the rear, and falls just behind the high-output Ram.

The Chevy chalks up a clear win in overall bed volume. Both its standard and long beds have more space than the respective beds from the competition. Clear at the bottom is the Ram HD. While this doesn't necessarily make a difference for particularly bulky loads, if you're planning on carrying loose materials or using a bed cover, having more bed volume is useful.

Additional features

There are some unique features on offer from these different truck manufacturers that aren't necessarily comparable to each other. The Ram HD has a serious off-roader in the form of the Power Wagon, which brings lifted suspension, electronic sway-bar disconnect, locking front and rear axles, and a 12,000-pound winch. The lockable Ram Box bed side cargo bins make a return, too. Inside, the Ram HD offers the biggest infotainment screen in the segment, something that has impressed us with its responsiveness and clarity.

The Ford Super Duty is available with a pull-out step from the tailgate to aid bed access. The cab is all-aluminum, too, which means it will be particularly resistant to rust.

The Silverado HD now features additional steps in the bed sides for easier access to cargo. These complement existing steps in the rear bumper. A fancy camera system is also available that can make the trailer disappear from the rear camera display for better rear visibility on the highway.

Price

With final pricing yet to come on the Ram HD, the most affordable of these trucks is the Ford Super Duty, with the base model starting at just under $35,000. The Silverado HD's pricing hasn't been announced, but since the outgoing model starts at just under $40,000, expect a similar starting price. That will also make it the most expensive of these pickups The current Ram HD starts at $34,740, virtually matching the Ford, but the new model may be more expensive. It will probably still be around the $35,000 mark, though.

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