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f our Sunday Drive reviews begin with a road trip, a scenic canyon drive, or a weekend spent hauling family, groceries, or camping gear. This week, however, our test vehicles never ventured very far from the Utah County Fairgrounds in Spanish Fork. Instead, they became an important part of one of Utah County’s biggest annual events.

Thanks to our friends at Doug Smith Auto in Spanish Fork, we were able to use a pair of impressive heavy-duty pickups throughout the 2026 Utah County Fair. A beautiful 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country and an equally capable 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie served as our official dignitary vehicles during four of the fair’s signature events.

Throughout the week, these trucks proudly transported Utah County Commissioners, elected officials, community leaders, sponsors, and royalty–including Miss Utah County–around the rodeo arena and demolition derby track before each night’s festivities.

While we didn’t rack up hundreds of highway miles or spend days exploring Utah’s backroads, these trucks proved something equally important. They became a visible symbol of the fair itself–professional, dependable, and impressive. Whether it was Wednesday’s packed free rodeo, Thursday night’s monster truck show, or two sold-out nights of demolition derby action, both pickups helped create memorable introductions that thousands of spectators enjoyed.

We could not have started the shows without them!

Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country

The Silverado HD High Country represents Chevrolet’s luxury approach to the heavy-duty pickup market.

Finished with elegant styling, chrome accents, distinctive LED lighting, and handsome High Country badging, it immediately projected an upscale appearance. It looked every bit at home carrying county commissioners around the arena while also possessing enough capability to tow nearly anything the fair could have thrown at it.

Inside, the High Country is remarkably refined. Rich leather seating, genuine wood trim, excellent stitching, and one of Chevrolet’s best interiors to date make it feel more luxury SUV than work truck. Large digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple camera views, premium audio, heated and ventilated seats, and plenty of room for passengers meant every dignitary who climbed aboard did so in complete comfort.

Under the hood, Chevrolet continues to offer its legendary 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 paired with the outstanding Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers tremendous horsepower and an incredible 975 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most capable heavy-duty trucks on the road today.

Although we weren’t pulling enormous trailers during the fair, simply driving around the grounds demonstrated how smooth and composed the Silverado has become. Steering was surprisingly light for a truck this size, visibility was excellent, and maneuvering through crowds and tight fairground spaces was easier than expected.

The ride quality also stood out. Even without a heavy trailer behind it, the Silverado absorbed bumps confidently while maintaining the quiet, refined ride expected from a premium pickup.

It felt every bit like Chevrolet designed a luxury vehicle that simply happens to be capable of towing well over 30,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Ram 2500 Laramie

If the Silverado emphasized luxury, the Ram 2500 Laramie brought its own unique personality to the fair.

Ram has earned a reputation over the past decade for producing some of the nicest truck interiors in the industry, and the Laramie continues that tradition.

Stepping inside reveals comfortable leather seating, a clean dashboard layout, quality materials, and an available massive touchscreen that remains one of the easiest infotainment systems to use. Everything feels thoughtfully arranged, from the large storage compartments to the comfortable rear seating.

Passengers riding around the arena frequently commented on just how comfortable the Ram felt.

Power comes from Ram’s proven heavy-duty powertrains, offering outstanding towing capability and impressive low-end torque that heavy-duty truck buyers expect. Whether equipped with the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel or the updated gasoline engine, the Ram delivers the confidence needed for work, recreation, or simply making an entrance at a county fair.

One of the biggest differences between the Ram and many competitors remains its suspension. The optional rear air suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride for a heavy-duty pickup, reducing harshness while maintaining excellent capability.

That became especially noticeable as we navigated uneven gravel roads, fairground pathways, and arena entrances throughout the week.

The Ram felt composed, stable, and comfortable regardless of the surface beneath it.

Outside, the bold grille, sculpted hood, and attractive chrome accents gave the truck a commanding presence. It looked right at home leading the opening ceremonies before thousands of spectators each evening.

Helping Create Fair Memories

This review isn’t really about quarter-mile times, fuel economy, or towing numbers.

Instead, it’s about how two exceptional trucks quietly helped make an important community tradition even better.

Each evening before the action began, the Silverado and Ram slowly circled the arena carrying honored guests who waved to enthusiastic crowds. The trucks gave local leaders, sponsors, fair royalty, and special guests an opportunity to be recognized before the night’s entertainment began.

Watching families cheer as the vehicles rolled past reminded us that trucks like these are woven into the fabric of Utah life.

They’re found on farms, construction sites, ranches, small businesses, and family driveways throughout the state. During fair week, they simply took on another role–becoming center stage.

As Utah County Fair Directors, it was rewarding to see the excitement these vehicles generated while helping our nightly ceremonies run smoothly. Their reliability throughout an incredibly busy week allowed us to focus on creating a memorable experience for thousands of fairgoers.

Choosing Between Them

If someone asked us which truck we’d choose, the answer would depend entirely on personal preference.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country impressed us with its luxurious interior, exceptional technology, quiet cabin, and polished road manners. It feels sophisticated without sacrificing any heavy-duty capability.

The Ram 2500 Laramie counters with one of the most comfortable rides in the segment, an outstanding interior, and styling that continues to attract loyal Ram buyers year after year.

Both trucks offer tremendous towing capability, outstanding passenger comfort, advanced safety technology, and enough refinement that long trips become enjoyable rather than tiring.

There really isn’t a wrong choice.

Instead, buyers will likely gravitate toward whichever brand’s personality best fits their own.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes a vehicle review isn’t about the miles traveled.

Sometimes it’s about the moments created.

The 2026 Utah County Fair welcomed record crowds to Wednesday night’s free rodeo, thrilled fans during Thursday’s monster truck spectacular, and packed the grandstands for two exciting nights of demolition derby competition. Throughout it all, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country and the 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie faithfully served behind the scenes while also enjoying a moment in the spotlight.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone at Doug Smith Auto in Spanish Fork for providing these outstanding trucks and for their continued support of the Utah County Fair. Their willingness to partner with community events like ours helps make experiences such as these possible.

And after watching thousands of smiling faces as they rolled around the arena each evening, we’d say that may have been one of the most meaningful jobs either truck could have performed.

This article is in the same narrative style as your previous Sunday Drive columns, but with a community-event focus that ties the vehicles directly into the success of the 2026 Utah County Fair while still giving readers a good overview of what makes each heavy-duty truck special.