Compare the2023 GMC Sierra 1500VS 2023 Rivian R1T

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 R1T doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Sierra 1500 offers optional Rear Cross Traffic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The R1T doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Sierra 1500 and the R1T have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sierra 1500 second among large light duty pickups in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The R1T isn’t in the top three in its category.

The GMC Sierra 1500’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Rivian R1T only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Sierra 1500 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The R1T doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Sierra 1500 has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare costs extra on the R1T. Without the option you must depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sierra 1500 Standard Box Crew Cab’s wheelbase is 21.2 inches longer than on the R1T (157 inches vs. 135.8 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Sierra 1500 Standard Box Regular Cab’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the R1T’s (41 feet vs. 44.9 feet).

The GMC Sierra 1500 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1350 to 2700 pounds less than the Rivian R1T.

The Sierra 1500 Standard Box Regular Cab is 6.1 inches shorter than the R1T, making the Sierra 1500 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sierra 1500 Double Cab has standard seating for 6 passengers; the R1T can only carry 5.

The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the R1T shortbed (62.9 vs. 54.5 cubic feet).

The Sierra 1500’s cargo box is larger than the R1T’s in every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox and standard locking underseat storage drawer keeps your small valuables safer in the Sierra 1500. The R1T doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Rivian R1T is limited to 11000 pounds. The Sierra 1500 Double Cab offers up to a 13200 lbs. towing capacity.

The Sierra 1500 4x4 with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Sierra 1500 can be unhitched and driven around locally. The R1T can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab 4x4 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the R1T (1980 vs. 1764 lbs.).

The Sierra 1500 has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the R1T (2240 vs. 1764 lbs.).

The Sierra 1500 AT4/Denali offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The R1T doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Sierra 1500’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The R1T doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

When the Sierra 1500 SLT/AT4/Denali is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The R1T’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 R1T.

The GMC Sierra 1500 comes in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab bodystyles; the Rivian R1T 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 R1T doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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 R1T isn’t in the top three.

The GMC Sierra outsold the Rivian R1T by over 20 to one during 2022.