The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 are both outstanding full-size pickups that each have unique strengths. The Sierra 1500 excels in terms of mechanical performance and shares the same platform as the Chevy Silverado. The Ram 1500 gets high marks for its smooth ride and upscale interior that gets compared to luxury cars. Your decision might hinge on how you prioritize power and functionality vs. comfort. Here are some other comparisons between these two excellent pickups and why we believe the GMC Sierra 1500 is the better choice. We think you’ll agree it’s well worth a test drive at Abernethy Chevrolet Buick GMC in Lincolnton, NC.
A comparison of design
The new 2024 GMC Sierra is available in a single cab, a double cab and a four -door crew cab. The exterior features that well-chiseled GMC design that makes a commanding visual statement. In the back, the GMC Sierra has a multifunction tailgate along with a carbon fiber reinforced cargo bed that's a class-exclusive. The Ram 1500 also has an attractive exterior design as well as a comfortable interior. The ride quality and the handling are both outstanding and the new Ram 1500 is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
A comparison of performance
For 2024, the GMC Sierra offers Gastonia and Hickory buyers a variety of engines that include a turbocharged four-cylinder, a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8 and a muscular Duramax® diesel. The GMC Sierra 1500 offers adaptive dampers, big wheels and off-road variations while the Ram 1500 is known for its smooth ride. Another major strength of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it has an impressive towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,270 pounds.
In the mighty Sierra 1500 AT4X trim level you'll get rugged off-road features that include electronic locking front and rear differentials, extra skid plates, beefy off-road tires and advanced spool valve dampers. If you want an even higher level of capability, the GMC Sierra 1500 has an AT4X AEV package that adds a steel front bumper with a winch, steel rock sliders and AEV 18-inch wheels.
The Ram 1500 is not without its advantages including engine options that range from a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower to a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 horsepower. Both engines are teamed up with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and both get the support of a 48-volt hybrid system although the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 can also be purchased without the electric sidekick. The ride in a Ram 1500 is enhanced with a rear suspension system that uses either standard coil springs or optional air springs. The maximum towing capacity in the Ram 1500 falls a little short of the GMC Sierra, coming in at 12,750 pounds.
A comparison of interiors
The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 both have an abundance of interior comfort and appealing features. The Sierra 1500 has controls within easy reach and materials quality increases as you move up the trim level ladder. Starting with the SEL model, you'll get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel as standard equipment. The top trim is the Denali Ultimate where you’ll get premium touches like open-pore wood trim and leather-covered surfaces. Front seats in the Denali Ultimate give you 16-way power adjustability along with massage functions.
The Ram 1500 gives you the choice of an 8.4-inch touch screen or one that measures 12.0 inches. Car and Driver reported that they ran into a number of glitches with the larger display when they conducted a 40,000-mile road test of the Ram 1500. On the positive side, the Ram 1500 does include redundant knobs and buttons that make the system easier to manage.
Test drive the winning GMC Sierra 1500 at our dealership
While both trucks have significant benefits, we believe the GMC Sierra 1500 is ultimately the better choice. If your budget doesn't currently have room for a new GMC Sierra 1500, you can find a more affordable version in our used inventory. After the sale, the experts in our service center can give your GMC truck the regular oil changes it needs to keep running reliably. We invite you to look over our new inventory to find the right GMC Sierra 1500 and contact us to arrange a test drive at Abernethy Chevrolet Buick GMC iin Lincolnton, NC.