2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500
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The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offers plenty of features with quality design and comfort. With a broad range of engine options and towing capability, it makes this full-size truck well-rounded. Let’s compare it to the 2021 Ram 1500.

Design/Pricing

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 on the Road

The Sierra offers a quiet, well-built cabin with plenty of quality materials. Your choice of cab style will decide your seating and comfort. The Crew cab will give you the most space and legroom. It comes in three cab styles and three bed lengths - Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab and 5 feet, 8-inch bed available in Crew Cab models, 8 feet bed available in Regular Cab models, and 6 feet 6-inch bed available with Double and Crew Cab models. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and a rear-seat reminder comes in models with rear seats. A dual glove compartment, angular air vents, and a bold steering wheel come on all trims. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available on SLT trim and higher trims. An available GMC MultiPro Tailgate has six distinct functions to help improve loading, unloading and accessing the cargo box. It is standard on the SLT, AT4, and Denali and available on the SLE and Elevation trims. Trims include: Sierra, Sierra SLE, Sierra Elevation, Sierra SLT, Sierra AT4, and Sierra Denali. Pricing starts at $29,700 for the Sierra and ranges to $55,200 for the Sierra Denali.

The 2021 Ram 1500 features a roomy and luxurious interior, with an abundance of high-quality materials. It is a full-size pickup truck that has space for up to six passengers. It features two cab configurations and two bed lengths: Quad-Cab or Crew-Cab. The Quad Cab comes with a long bed, measuring 6 feet, 4 inches and the Crew Cab has the option of the long bed or a short bed (5 feet, 7 inches). The Ram comes in seven trims: the base Tradesman, Big Horn, the Rebel, the Laramie, Long Horn, Limited, and a new for 2021 off-road-focused TRX. A tilt-and telescoping steering wheel and 18-inch steel wheels are standard features, with each model adding more options. Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, side steps, 60/40-split folding rear seat, power mirrors and power rear windows are available options. The Ram starts at $33,000 for the base price and ranges to six figures for the TRX.

Safety and Technology

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Technology

With standard and available advanced safety features, the Sierra will keep you safe on the road. Standard features include Teen Driver, and a rearview camera; and available features on the SLE trim and above include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a surround-view parking camera system, a rear camera mirror, and a head-up display. A safety alert seat that vibrates to alert you of hazards is also available. Its ProGrade Trailering system along with the new Jackknife alert will add more security.

Sierra’s infotainment system is easy to use and responds quickly to inputs. Controls are within easy reach of the driver and the menu layout makes it simple to adjust settings. Standard - a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, a USB port and a six-speaker audio system (two speakers in Regular Cab models). Available in all but the base trim: wireless device charging, an 8-inch touch screen, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, additional USB ports, voice recognition, and navigation. Other available features include a sunroof, keyless entry, automatic climate control, remote start, and two 120-volt household-style power outlets.

The Ram comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker stereo. Available options in higher trims include an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Navigation, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad are also available. A trailer sway damping that adjusts vehicle brakes comes with the entry-level Tradesman; and an electronic locking rear axle, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring are available. An Advanced Safety Group option package features adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera system, and lane keeping assist.

Performance

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing

The Sierra is full of power, towing capability, and offers improved fuel economy and ample low-down torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available. The base Sierra comes with a 4.3-liter V6 and 285 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque is available in Sierra, SLE, and Denali. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque is available in SLE, Elevation, SLT, and Denali. A 5.3-liter V8 with 366 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission is available in Sierra, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. A 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft or torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission is available in SLT, AT4, and Denali. It estimates 16/21 mpg in the city and on the highway with its base V6 engine. The Sierra can tow up to 11,800 pounds and haul up to 2,250.

The Ram 1500 has four available engines – a 3.6-liter engine with 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft of torque, a 5.7-liter V8 with 395hp and 410 lb.-ft of torque, a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 260 hp and 480 lb.-ft of torque, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 702 hp and 650 lb.-ft of torque and only comes with the new high performance TRX. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional. Its towing power ranges from 6,250 to a maximum of 12,750 when properly equipped.

Overall

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is a solid full-size pickup truck, with powerful engines, including a fuel-efficient diesel, quality interior, and an off-road trim for all your adventures. The Ram 1500 delivers a great performance and style with its supercharged V8 in its all new TRX trim and high-class interior. This will come at a higher price tag for the Ram.

Pricing was accurate at the time of article writing. All pricing is subject to change. See the manufacturer and/or Dealer for up-to-date pricing.