The 2026 Ram 1500 Express arrives on the scene as a value-oriented full-size pickup. Its closest GM competitors are the WT and Custom trims of the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro. All of the above are modern and capable trucks that can be had for under $50k.
Let’s take a closer look at how the pricing compares for these budget-conscious full-size trucks.
| Powertrain | 2WD Quad Cab / Double Cab | 4WD Quad Cab / Double Cab | 2WD Crew Cab | 4WD Crew Cab | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ram 1500 Express | 3.6L V6 | $44,495 | $48,345 | $47,245 | $51,095 |
| 2026 Ram 1500 Express | Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6 | $46,190 | $50,040 | $48,940 | $52,790 |
| 2025 Chevy Silverado WT | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | $43,440 | $46,740 | $45,840 | $49,140 |
| 2025 Chevy Silverado WT | 5.3L V8 L84 | $45,430 | $48,730 | $47,830 | $51,130 |
| 2025 Chevy Silverado Custom | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | $45,795 | $49,095 | $48,095 | $51,495 |
| 2025 GMC Sierra Pro | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | $48,030 | $51,280 | $50,430 | $53,680 |
| 2025 GMC Sierra Pro | 5.3L V8 L84 | $49,720 | $53,270 | $52,420 | $55,670 |
The reason we added the Dark Essentials Package (LPO, PDB) to the Silverado WT and the Graphite Edition Package (RPO code WBP) to the Sierra Pro is that black wheels and exterior accents are standard on the Ram 1500 Express. In fact, the Ram Express comes standard with 20-inch wheels, which aren’t available on the Silverado WT. They’re optional on the Custom trim (but not with the V8), and the Sierra gets 20-inch wheels with the Graphite Edition Package.
While it’s possible to get a Chevy truck for cheaper than the Ram 1500 Express, Ram’s newest truck packs an impressive value. For example, it comes standard with adaptive cruise control, which is unavailable on the Silverado WT and Custom. However, it’s a standalone option on the GMC Sierra Pro (KSG, $500).
Another area where the Ram 1500 Express shines is under the hood. It can be had with Stellantis’s Hurricaine twin-turbo 3.0L I6, rated at 420 horsepower. The strongest engine available in the GM truck at this price point is the aging 5.3L V8 L84, producing 355 horsepower.
The GM trucks have a couple of advantages when it comes to safety features. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra both come standard with lane keep assist and lane departure warning (UHX), features that don’t appear to be available on the Ram 1500 Express. Also, OnStar Basics, with an 8-year package that includes remote commands, built-in voice assistance, real-time traffic and navigation, and Automatic Crash Response, is a GM-exclusive feature.
Overall, Stellantis did a nice job packing a lot of value into the Ram 1500 Express. The top luxury trims of pickup trucks have been getting fancier and more expensive for years, so it’s refreshing to see a major truck brand take a small step toward affordability and simplicity.
Comments
Surprised the difference between Chevy Silverado W/T and Sierra Pro.
But seriously. There’s no reason for the discrepancy other than the name.
Missing the WT appearance package pricing. Given that + GM’s competitive incentives, I’d take the Silverado over the ram TBH
Just looked on auto trader. Using the KBB estimator, after incentives and trade in, 15k is what I pay out the door for a brand new custom. These trucks are fairly affordable if you play the game correctly. A custom trim makes more power torque and comfort than my 09 LT with a 5.3 and is more comfortable and has more features. Today’s LT’s have all the amenities of the LTZ’s/Denalis of the 09 GMT900’s such as heated seats and heated steering wheels etc. really this price game only gets expensive if you must have a luxury yacht, which nobody does. Only complaint I have is the price of used has gone way up, which limits people looking to get their first car, so Gen X/boomers can afford these while millennials likeyself and Gen Z are largely screwed as we need to dump 30K for our first well used truck. I’m lucky to have gotten a steel on mine.
Ram under cutting them by few grand for the worth while engine . Rams will have incentives for v6 as well . should be intresting if it works out