Starting at
Starting at
305-420 | Horsepower (hp) | 260-395 |
89.1 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 61.5 |
13.4 | Screen Size (in) | 12 |
Many popular pickup truck brands have really embraced the off-road culture in recent years, and the GMC Sierra 1500 is no exception to that rule. While the 2023 Ram 1500 has made small adjustments to its available features, the 2023 Sierra 1500 has embraced the luxury off-road lifestyle with some major upgrades. The clash of these two titans makes for an interesting comparison as we look at key features that help define the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Ram 1500 and see which option may be the light-duty, half-ton pickup truck that appeals most to you.
New for 2023, the Ram 1500 receives the Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition, which comes with various features designed to improve your time on the road, from a jeweled rotary shifter to a multifunction tailgate. The (RAM)RED Edition also returns with special (RED) badging and a commitment to fight against global health emergencies. You can get the 2023 Ram 1500 in seven different trims, which include the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited.
New for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is the AT4X AEV Edition, a specialized luxury off-road trim made in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles. This off-road luxury truck features heavy-duty performance upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the competition. The AT4X AEV Edition joins a litany of other options for the GMC Sierra 1500 as part of an impressive lineup of trims, including the Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and the supreme Denali Ultimate.
Ram is known for its unbridled power and performance on the road in the realm of light-duty pickup trucks. But in recent years, Ram's supremacy in the power game has been challenged by its peers, including the GMC Sierra 1500. While both trucks come with multiple powertrains, the 2023 Ram 1500 actually has fewer options than the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, as well as less overall power and torque than GMC's luxury-oriented half-ton.
The 2023 Ram 1500 features three powertrains. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, which makes 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It's attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission, as are the rest of the powertrains. The Pentastar manages a max towing capacity of 7,730 lbs. The available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. With the HEMI, you can achieve a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 lbs. Finally, there is the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6, which produces 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and has a maximum towing capacity of 9,600 lbs.
While the 2023 Ram 1500's three powertrain options are impressive, they all come up short in some capacity compared to the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500's options. Four engines are available for the Sierra 1500 spread across its trim lineup. The base engine is a 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output, which makes 310 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter is attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission and can achieve a max tow rating of 9,400 lbs.
A 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is next in line and manages 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 is matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and has a maximum towing capacity of 11,200 lbs. Next is a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, which manages 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs. Finally, there is a 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel, which is also paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax delivers 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque and has a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs.
Basically, you get more torque and horsepower with the GMC Duramax compared to the Ram EcoDiesel. Not only that, the GMC 6.2-liter V8 offers more horsepower and torque than the Ram HEMI V8. The same applies to the base 2.7-liter Turbo for the Sierra compared to the base Pentastar on the Ram. Overall you just get more power, more torque, and higher tow ratings with the Sierra 1500.
Half-ton pickups may be known for towing and hauling, but they're more than just tools used to carry out a function; they're also expected to deliver comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers alike. When it comes to comfort and convenience, there is a stark gap in quality between the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Ram 1500. It all starts with the cabin.
Seating arrangements are very important, and the Ram 1500 definitely offers a fantastic array of interior features and spacious cabins for up to six occupants. Reclining heated and ventilated seats with available Natura Plus or Bristol Leather upholstery help elevate the Ram 1500's luxury standing. Accent stitching, a 10 sq.ft. panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio System further separate the Ram 1500 from some competitors on the market. Lots of interior cargo storage, along with the Uconnect 5 infotainment suite powering a 12-inch HD touchscreen and driver-side HUD, adds to the truck's value. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth wireless connectivity and tow-specific apps help round out the interior convenience and comfort features.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 would have a tall order comparing itself to the 2023 Ram 1500...assuming the Sierra 1500 was just any other half-ton pickup. The GMC Sierra 1500, however, is not just any other half-ton pickup. The Denali and Denali Ultimate are class-leading icons in the full-size truck segment when it comes to unparalleled luxury-oriented cabin convenience and quality comfort features. This all starts with the available 16-way power driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar support and massage technology.
The GMC Sierra 1500 comes with an available Bose Premium Series Centerpoint Surround Sound system, an available CarbonPro composite truck bed, and authentic open-pore Paldao Wood with Alpine Umber full-grain leather heated and ventilated seats. The GMC Sierra 1500 matches the Ram 1500's infotainment display and raises with a 13.4-inch HD touchscreen, which is part of a GMC infotainment suite featuring more than 40 inches of digital real estate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android support are matched with driver-side HUD and the incomparable semi-autonomous driving suite called SuperCruise, allowing you to venture hands-free across more than 400,000 miles of North American roads. By comparison, the GMC Sierra 1500 is simply a league above the Ram 1500 in this category.
2023 is an interesting model year for half-ton pickups, especially the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2023 Ram 1500. Both are headlined by special editions for the year, with the 2023 Ram 1500 focusing on the (RAM)RED Edition. The defining special edition for the GMC Sierra 1500 is the new AT4X AEV Edition. However, those aren't the only special editions available for the year.
The Ram 1500 also has the Limited Elite Edition, which features four adjustable cargo tie-down hooks, premium leather bucket seats, a bright pedal kit, and a jeweled rotary shifter. A deployable bed step, heated and ventilated 12-way power adjustable seats, and suede headliner help round out the Limited Elite Edition. The Ram also has the BigHorn Backcountry Edition featuring 18-inch wheels and off-road all-terrain tires. Reinforced suspension and skid plates with a tri-fold tonneau cover help add luster to the Backcountry Edition.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has several special editions available for the year. For instance, the new Sierra Graphite Edition adds a new level of style to the base Pro trim. It comes with a special body-colored front and rear bumper, remote start, 20-inch seven-spoke high-gloss black aluminum wheels, all-season tires, recovery hooks, and everything from the Connectivity and Entertainment Package. For off-roading, you can also get the X31 Off-Road Edition, which features off-road suspension, skid plates, X31 badging, integrated dual exhaust, a locking differential, and hill descent control.
Of course, there's also the new AT4X AEV Edition to really set the GMC Sierra 1500 apart from the Ram 1500. The AT4X AEV builds on the incredibly capable AT4X with special AEV bumpers, rocker protection, and mud-terrain tires with a unique grille and AEV badging inside and out. It's the ultimate combination of off-road ruggedness and functional luxury. You have access to many unique features with the special editions for the Sierra, and the high-end features, including exclusive off-road content, give it quite the edge in the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Ram 1500 showdown.