Compare the2023 GMC Sierra 1500VS 2023 Ram 1500

The Sierra 1500’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Ram 1500.

Both the Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Sierra 1500’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Ram 1500’s (6 vs. 5 years).

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Sierra 1500 has a standard 220-amp alternator. The Ram 1500’s standard 160-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sierra 1500 second among large light duty pickups in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Ram 1500 isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that GMC vehicles are better in initial quality than Ram vehicles. J.D. Power ranks GMC above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ram is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Ram With 74 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks GMC higher than Ram.

The Sierra 1500 has more powerful engines than the Ram 1500:

The Sierra 1500’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 45 more horsepower (305 vs. 260) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 480) than the Ram 1500’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel.

On the EPA test cycle the Sierra 1500 gets better mileage than the Ram 1500:

Regardless of its engine, the Sierra 1500’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Ram only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the Ram 1500 eTORQUE/Diesel.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the GMC Sierra 1500 higher (3 to 6 out of 10) than the Ram 1500 (1 to 5). This means the Sierra 1500 produces up to 45.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Ram 1500 every 15,000 miles.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the GMC Sierra 1500, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Ram 1500.

The Sierra 1500 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Ram 1500’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sierra 1500’s wheelbase is longer than on the Ram 1500:

For better maneuverability, the Sierra 1500 Standard Box Regular Cab’s turning circle is 4.1 feet tighter than the Ram 1500 standard bed Quad Cab w/20” Wheels’ (41 feet vs. 45.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Sierra 1500 Short Box AT4X Crew Cab has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Ram 1500 short bed Crew Cab Pickup w/Air Suspension (11.1 vs. 10.8 inches), allowing the Sierra 1500 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The GMC Sierra 1500 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 350 pounds less than the Ram 1500.

The Sierra 1500 Standard Box Regular Cab is 1 foot, 5.9 inches shorter than the Ram 1500 standard bed Quad Cab, making the Sierra 1500 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sierra 1500 Double Cab has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 3.6 inches more front legroom and .7 inches more rear headroom than the Ram 1500 Quad Cab.

The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 3.6 inches more front legroom and .3 inches more rear headroom than the Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup.

The Sierra 1500 Double Cab has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Quad Cab shortbed (71.7 vs. 61.5 cubic feet).

The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup shortbed (62.9 vs. 53.9 cubic feet). The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup longbed (71.7 vs. 61.5 cubic feet).

The Sierra 1500’s cargo box is larger than the Ram 1500’s in almost every dimension:

The GMC Sierra 1500 has a standard CornerStep, which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. A rear cargo step costs extra on the Ram 1500.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Sierra 1500 offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Ram 1500 doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

The Sierra 1500’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ram 1500’s (8800 vs. 6120 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ram 1500 standard bed Quad Cab is only 12750 pounds. The Sierra 1500 Double Cab offers up to a 13200 lbs. towing capacity.

The Sierra 1500 has a higher standard payload capacity than the Ram 1500:

The Sierra 1500 has higher optional payload capacities than the Ram 1500:

The Sierra 1500’s standard front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Ram 1500’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

The Sierra 1500’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Ram 1500’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Sierra 1500 AT4X/Denali Ultimate has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Ram 1500.

The GMC Sierra 1500 comes in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab bodystyles; the Ram 1500 isn’t available as a regular cab.

Insurance will cost less for the Sierra 1500 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Sierra 1500 will cost $495 to $1615 less than the Ram 1500 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the GMC Sierra 1500 will be $940 to $22356 less than for the Ram 1500.