Compare the2024 Ram 1500 ClassicVS 2024 GMC Sierra 1500

Both the Ram 1500 Classic 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, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive and front and rear parking sensors.

The Ram 1500 Classic’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 Classic’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ram 1500 Classic’s reliability 14 points higher than the Sierra 1500.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ram vehicles are better in initial quality than GMC vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ram second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, GMC is ranked 6th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Ram vehicles are more reliable than GMC vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ram 9 places higher in reliability than GMC.

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

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ram 1500 Classic uses regular unleaded gasoline (mid-grade octane recommended with the 5.7 V8 engine for maximum performance). The Sierra 1500 with the 6.2 V8 engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 31.4 cents more per gallon.

The Ram 1500 Classic’s standard fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel’s standard fuel tank (26 vs. 22 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Ram 1500 Classic’s standard fuel tank has 2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500’s standard fuel tank (26 vs. 24 gallons). The Ram 1500 Classic’s optional fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 4x4’s standard fuel tank (32 vs. 28 gallons).

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

For better traction, the Ram 1500 Classic has larger standard tires than the Sierra 1500 (265/70R17 vs. 255/70R17).

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

The front and rear suspension of the Ram 1500 Classic 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 Ram 1500 Classic’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the Ram 1500 Classic’s turning circle is tighter than the Sierra 1500’s:

The Ram 1500 Classic is shorter than the Sierra 1500, making the Ram 1500 Classic easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:

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

The front grille of the Ram 1500 Classic uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab has 2 inches more front hip room, 2.7 inches more rear hip room and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sierra 1500 Double Cab.

The Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab has 2 inches more front hip room, 3 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab.

The Ram 1500 Classic has a standard tailgate assist feature, 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. Tailgate assist costs extra on the GMC Sierra 1500.

The Ram 1500 Classic has stake post holes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer stake post holes.

Standard Trailer Sway Damping on the Ram 1500 Classic 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 Ram 1500 Classic offers an optional under hood light to help in making nighttime maintenance checks, adding fluids, etc. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer an under hood light.

On extremely cold winter days, the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock’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.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ram 1500 Classic, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Ram 1500 Classic second among large light duty pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Sierra 1500 was rated third.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 5 more times in the last 6 years. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the 1500 as their 2019 Truck of the Year. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the 1500 as the 2019 North American Truck of the Year. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen.

The Ram Pickup outsold the GMC Sierra by 50% during 2023.