Ram 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500

Southwest Motors wants to provide you with a powerful, capable pickup truck for your daily work and weekend hobbies in Pueblo, Colorado. We sell many great used truck models — including the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. While not as popular as the F-150 or Silverado 1500 in the same class, these other full-size pickups are definitely worth considering.

Different engine options

Both trucks offer an array of options under the hood. A gas-powered V6 engine tends to be the standard motor for the Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500 in most recent model years, but each truck offers some alternatives, too.

The Sierra 1500 has a unique turbo-charged, high-output four-cylinder engine alongside an EcoTec V8 and a Duramax® turbo-diesel V6. The Ram 1500 takes a different approach by utilizing eTorque mild-hybrid electric support to bolster its V6 and V8 engines, though you can get an EcoDiesel V6 or non-hybrid HEMI® V8 instead.

Varying levels of performance

While the capabilities of the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vary across configurations and model years, the Sierra is largely the more powerful truck. Its capabilities outshine the best that the Ram 1500 can muster. For example, the Sierra can hitch up heavier trailers and handle a heavier payload capacity. The towing capacity of the Ram 1500 maxes out at around 7,500 pounds, while the Sierra 1500 can reach nearly 10,000 pounds with its strongest configuration.

The Sierra’s weakest engine still exceeds the power output and capabilities of the weakest Ram 1500 engine. Plus, the Sierra offers a 10-speed automatic transmission with more gears than any transmission on the Ram 1500.

Fuel consumption

Thanks to its mild-hybrid enhancement, the Ram 1500 tends to have better fuel economy, though the I-4 engine on the Sierra can reach comparable mpg rates. With its larger fuel tank, the Ram 1500 definitely has a further traveling range. It tends to do better in stop-and-go traffic too, depending on your driving habits.

Differences in dimensions

The exact dimensions of each truck vary from year to year, but generally, the Sierra 1500 is longer and narrower than the Ram 1500, while the Ram truck is taller and has a tad more ground clearance. The wheelbase on the Sierra is much longer, having less overhang.

When it comes to bed sizes, the GMC Sierra definitely outdoes the Ram 1500. The smallest box on the GMC Sierra is a few inches taller, wider, and longer than the smallest Ram box, which results in nearly 10 cubic feet more volume. The Ram 1500 has no bed option that compares to the 98-inch-long Sierra 1500 Long Box, one of the biggest boxes in its class.

Passenger space in the cab

Both models offer two-row Crew Cab models that accommodate up to six passengers if you have family members riding along. Of the two trucks, the Ram 1500 provides more generous hip room: people in the front row get 2 additional inches and those in the rear row get 3 more inches. As for legroom, the Sierra prioritizes the front row (3.5 more inches), while the Ram 1500 adds 2 inches to the second row.

So, between the two, the Sierra 1500 is preferred if you only drive the truck by yourself most of the time, while the Ram 1500 is better if you frequently ride with your whole family. Other cab sizes include the Regular and Double on the Sierra and the Quad cab on the Ram 1500.

Comparing luxury and cost

By reputation, you’d think that the premium GMC-brand Sierra is the more luxurious truck, especially with its opulent Denali trim level. But, the Ram 1500 gives the Sierra a run for its money and is no slouch in the luxury department. Its Limited trim level is just as lavish — and just as expensive.

The Ram 1500 used to cost far less than the GMC Sierra, but since its redesign, the Ram has stepped up its game in terms of luxury and technology to give the Sierra a run for its money. You may actually find some used Ram 1500 trucks that cost more than a comparable used Sierra 1500 truck. So, the cost of each truck depends on the model year, trim level, and condition.