Compare the2023 Ram 1500 TRXVS 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the 1500 TRX. But it costs extra on the Sierra 1500.

Both the 1500 TRX and the Sierra 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 crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Ram 1500 TRX weighs 650 to 1990 pounds more than the GMC Sierra 1500. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The 1500 TRX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Sierra 1500’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 43 percent more Ram dealers than there are GMC dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 1500 TRX’s warranty.

The Ram 1500 TRX’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Sierra 1500’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 1500 TRX has a standard 250-amp alternator. The Sierra 1500’s standard 220-amp alternator and largest (V8) 170-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 1500 TRX has a 800-amp battery. The Sierra 1500 only offers a standard 730-amp battery.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Ram vehicles are more reliable than GMC vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ram 9 places higher in reliability than GMC.

The 1500 TRX’s 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 392 more horsepower (702 vs. 310) and 220 lbs.-ft. more torque (650 vs. 430) than the Sierra 1500’s standard 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder. The 1500 TRX’s 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 347 more horsepower (702 vs. 355) and 267 lbs.-ft. more torque (650 vs. 383) than the Sierra 1500’s optional 5.3 V8. The 1500 TRX’s 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 282 more horsepower (702 vs. 420) and 190 lbs.-ft. more torque (650 vs. 460) than the Sierra 1500’s optional 6.2 V8.

The 1500 TRX has 11 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel’s standard fuel tank (33 vs. 22 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 1500 TRX has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 4x4’s standard fuel tank (33 vs. 28 gallons).

The 1500 TRX’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s at 4500 in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 1500 TRX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sierra 1500:

For better traction, the 1500 TRX has larger tires than the Sierra 1500 (325/65R18 vs. 255/70R17). The 1500 TRX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sierra 1500 (325/65R18 vs. 275/65R18).

The 1500 TRX’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sierra 1500’s standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 1500 TRX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Sierra 1500.

The 1500 TRX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the 1500 TRX flat and controlled during cornering. The Sierra 1500’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The front and rear suspension of the 1500 TRX uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Sierra 1500, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The 1500 TRX has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The 1500 TRX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For greater off-road capability the 1500 TRX has a 3.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sierra 1500 Standard Box Crew Cab (11.8 vs. 8 inches), allowing the 1500 TRX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The 1500 TRX’s minimum ground clearance is .7 inch higher than on the Sierra 1500 Short Box AT4X Crew Cab (11.8 vs. 11.1 inches).

For excellent aerodynamics, the 1500 TRX has standard flush composite headlights. The Sierra 1500 has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The 1500 TRX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the 1500 TRX’s available rear seats recline. The Sierra 1500’s optional rear seats don’t recline.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the 1500 TRX uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The 1500 TRX’s front power windows open or close 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 Sierra 1500’s standard power windows’ front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

The 1500 TRX’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Sierra 1500’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 1500 TRX has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The 1500 TRX has standard power remote mirrors. The Sierra 1500 only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The 1500 TRX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. GMC charges extra for heated mirrors on the Sierra 1500.

Optional air conditioned front and rear seats keep the 1500 TRX’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

On extremely cold winter days, the 1500 TRX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 1500 TRX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sierra 1500 SLE/Elevation/SLT/AT4/Denali.

The 1500 TRX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 1500 TRX will retain 66.24% of its original price after five years, while the Sierra 1500 only retains 59.57%.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 3 years. The Sierra 1500 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” in 2019. The Sierra 1500 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

Motor Trend selected the 1500 TRX as their 2021 Truck of the Year. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 4 of the last 13 years. The Sierra 1500 has never been an “All Star.”

The Ram Pickup outsold the GMC Sierra by over two to one during the 2022 model year.