Compare the2023 GMC Sierra 1500VS 2023 Ram 1500 TRX

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Sierra 1500 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

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 1500 TRX.

Both the Sierra 1500 and the 1500 TRX 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 1500 TRX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

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

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.

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

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Sierra 1500 V8’s fuel efficiency. The 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Sierra 1500’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 1500 TRX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the GMC Sierra 1500 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 6.2 V8 engine for maximum performance). The 1500 TRX requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

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 TRX (1). This means the Sierra 1500 produces up to 45.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 1500 TRX 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 1500 TRX.

The Sierra 1500’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 1500 TRX’s 65 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Sierra 1500 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The 1500 TRX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the 1500 TRX (147.4 inches vs. 145.1 inches). The Sierra 1500 Standard Box Crew Cab’s wheelbase is 11.9 inches longer than on the 1500 TRX (157 inches vs. 145.1 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the 1500 TRX’s (46.3 feet vs. 48.3 feet).

The GMC Sierra 1500 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 2000 pounds less than the Ram 1500 TRX.

The Sierra 1500 Standard Box Regular Cab is 1 foot, 9.9 inches shorter than the 1500 TRX, making the Sierra 1500 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sierra 1500 is 6.8 inches narrower on average than the 1500 TRX, making the Sierra 1500 easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the 1500 TRX shortbed (62.9 vs. 53.9 cubic feet).

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

The GMC Sierra 1500 offers an optional EZ Lift-and-Lower Tailgate, which prevents the heavy tailgate from falling with a crash and causing injury. It allows adults and children to easily open and close the tailgate with one hand to better facilitate loading and unloading. The Ram 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a tailgate assist.

The GMC Sierra 1500 has a standard CornerStep, which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. The Ram 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a rear cargo step.

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 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

The Sierra 1500’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the 1500 TRX’s (8800 vs. 8100 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ram 1500 TRX is only 8100 pounds. The Sierra 1500 Double Cab offers up to a 13200 lbs. towing capacity.

The Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab 4x4 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the 1500 TRX (1980 vs. 1310 lbs.).

The Sierra 1500 has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the 1500 TRX (2240 vs. 1310 lbs.).

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 1500 TRX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

The Sierra 1500’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 1500 TRX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

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 1500 TRX.

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

The Sierra 1500 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The 1500 TRX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the Sierra 1500 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Sierra 1500 will cost $2010 less than the 1500 TRX 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 $35045 less than for the Ram 1500 TRX.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sierra 1500 third among large light duty pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 1500 TRX isn’t in the top three.