Starting at
Starting at
310 - 420 HP | Horsepower | 260 - 395 HP |
305 - 460 LB. FT. | Torque | 269 - 480 LB. FT. |
6 Passengers | Seating | 6 Passengers |
As we move closer to the end of 2019, it's time to take a closer look at what 2020 has in store for those looking at purchasing a new pickup truck. There are lots of options out there to choose from, but both GMC and Ram are two venerable brands that drivers think of. Both manufacturers provide vehicles that are tough, durable, dependable, and offer the cargo and technology features that today's pickup drivers demand. GMC's Sierra and Ram's 1500 are the go-to models for many people. We will take a closer look at the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Ram 1500 to explore the similarities and differences, and why the Sierra is the better choice for drivers seeking performance, durability, and reliability in a pickup truck.
Competition between the two brands (and other truck manufacturers), is fierce and passionate. Drivers are devoted to one brand or another, and every truck is marketed towards buyers as being the best in their class. Both the Sierra and Ram are outstanding trucks, and buyers can't go wrong with either one, but when you compare them on specific features, the Sierra comes out on top. For example, the Sierra boasts a number of premium interior and technology features that best those found in the Ram, along with engine options that provide more horsepower and better torque. In regards to safety, both trucks are, of course, very safe, but a few features not found on the Ram give the Sierra an edge.
Starting with the Ram, is has four engines to choose from, but two are so similar it's more like the choice boils down to three. The base engine is a 3.6L V6, which offers good basic performance for a truck in this class, the second option is a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine. Also available is a 5.7L V8 for drivers looking for more power and load-hauling performance.
On the flip side, GMC's Sierra offers a wide array of five different engines, although two are quite similar. Starting things off is a 4.3L EcoTech V6 and then an available 2.7L turbocharged powerhouse, which pumps out more overall performance. Stepping up are two versions of the 5.3L EcoTech3 V8 engine, followed by the top of the line 6.2L EcoTech3 V8 that delivers the utmost in power and performance for the most demanding of needs. With its wider selection of engines, the Sierra provides more choice for buyers.
What else do these engine choices provide? The Ram's V6 offers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, but moving up to the 5.7L V8 boost that performance up to 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft, respectively. The third engine, the EcoDiesel, offers drivers 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. For a choice of only three engines, this is pretty good.
In comparison, the Sierra's more varied options present more choice. The starter 4.3L V6 provides 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, and from there, it moves up to the 2.7L turbo with 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque then tops out with the 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. These are all powerful options but don't quite touch the Ram's Hemi. However, the Sierra still has one more weapon in its arsenal, the 6.2L V8, which pumps out a massive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, besting the Ram's best gas-powered engine by a significant margin.
The huge bed of the Sierra is both useful and convenient for carrying lots of small items or several large ones. A plethora of tie-downs keep your cargo safe and secure and easy bed steps make loading and unloading a breeze. The Sierra also has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations, a feature no other truck in this class has. Higher trim levels come with a brake controller, trailer camera to assist in hitching, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Inside the cabin, there is also lots of room to store small items in various pockets and cup holders.
The Ram is no slouch when it comes to cargo, and in some areas, it beats the Sierra. The Ram also comes with standard cargo lighting and tie-downs, and optional locking bins are available, which are built directly into the bed. These are perfect for storing tools or other small items. Interior space is good, with center console storage, which is also configurable.
The advanced technology features on both trucks are fairly evenly matched, but if you take a closer look, you'll see that the Sierra edges out the Ram in a few key areas.
Ram's offering features an infotainment system with an 8-inch color screen and available nine-speaker sound system, navigation, and HD radio. There are also numerous USB ports available for charging, and a wireless charger is optional. The driver and passenger can drive in comfort in 8-way adjustable power seats as well.
The Sierra also features an infotainment system with an 8-inch screen and available seven-speaker Bose audio system and HD radio. USB ports are standard, and a wireless charging pad is also available. Folks upfront also get adjustable power seating, but those in the Sierra offers ten ways of adjustment vs the Ram's 8, offering more comfort options for both driver and passenger. An in-vehicle trailering app for towing is also available.
Interior seating in the Sierra is plush with plenty of support for longer rides. For a large truck, the overall ride is smooth and small bumps are absorbed well. Driving on roads with a lot of bumps and dips can introduce some bounciness, however. Yet, engine noise is fairly well muted no matter the driving conditions. The climate control system easily heats and cools the spacious cabin, so everyone stays comfortable at their own level. A feature exclusive to the Sierra is split-heated front seats, which offer different settings for both the seat back and seat cushion.
Even with the rumbling V8, the Ram is relatively quiet on the road, although noise is appreciable at higher speeds. It rides smoothly over most road conditions, and its front seats provide basic comfort and support for long-distance rides. For passengers in the back, the bench seat also provides good support. The Ram also features an effective climate control system to keep everyone comfortable.
Both the Sierra and Ram offer pretty similar safety features, but the Sierra brings a few additional items to the table which are missing from the Ram. Both trucks offer electronic stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive and sophisticated airbag system. The Sierra also adds in a hitch guidance feature with a rear hitch view to assist when towing a trailer, an HD rear vision camera, and parking assist in both the front and rear. An available safety feature on the Sierra is the safety alert seat, which provides tactile feedback via vibrations as another form of warning signal. A teen driver system also allows parents to use certain settings to encourage safe behavior for new drivers.