Starting at
Starting at
464-910 | Torque (lb-ft) | 429-850 |
83.5 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 74.7 |
3,715 | Diesel Payload (lbs) | 3,160 |
When you have serious work to get done, sometimes a light-duty truck just won't cut it. Heavy-duty pickups can tow more and haul more, giving you the power you need to get down to business. Today, we're going to take a look at two heavy hitters in this class that offer plenty of fine features inside and out: the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs 2023 Ram 2500. Ram is known for building tough trucks, and GMC has a reputation for well-constructed, versatile vehicles that have plenty of power under the hood and provide plenty of style and refinement inside and out.
Here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, we want to give you all the information you need to shop with confidence. That's why we go out of our way to let you know about quality heavy-duty trucks and how these two models stack up against each other. Whether you're looking for an affordable work truck, a high-end trim with plenty of luxury features, or even a high-powered off-road model, there are plenty of factors to consider when buying your next HD pickup.
One of the most important aspects of any pickup truck is its cargo bed. A truck's bed can be used to carry furniture across town, get work done at a construction site, or even kick back and have fun at a tailgate party, which means that a well-designed bed is ready for just about any situation. That's a pretty tall order, but these trucks have been around for a while now, and the automakers that produce them have had time to evolve their designs and learn a few tricks of the trade.
The 2023 Ram 2500 definitely has a few features that can come in handy. For instance, its available RamBox cargo management system gives you two sealed storage bins that you can use to store items that you want to protect from both sticky fingers and the effects of the elements. A bed outlet is also available, giving you a 115-volt power source that lets you have electricity on the go. Speaking of electricity, available LED integrated bed lights make it easier to see what you're doing while loading or unloading at night. Other available features include a kick-out bed step to help you easily access the cargo box and a dampened tailgate that uses a strut to make opening and closing smoother.
With the 2023 Sierra 2500 HD, you also have the option to enjoy LED lighting and a built-in 120-volt outlet. There are moveable tie-downs available, making it easy to arrange your cargo exactly how you need it for optimal access and security. You can get built-in steps on both sides of the bed plus each corner of the rear bumper, making it easy to access your cargo (or your tailgate seating area) from either side of the truck.
GMC's Multi-Pro Tailgate gives you even more options for using the bed. The primary gate can be used like a normal tailgate, or you can fold up a load stop to keep longer cargo in place. An inner gate can be folded down to make it easier to access cargo while the tailgate is open. This inner gate can also fold out into a large step that can be used to climb up into the bed. It's plenty strong and able to support up to 375 lbs. While the primary gate is closed, the inner gate can be used as a work surface or a load stop for cargo.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD's entry-level Pro trim is the most basic option in the lineup. However, it still comes standard with plenty of great features, including a powerful 6.6L V8 engine that provides 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. Vertical recovery hooks can be a lifesaver in a pinch, and a capless fuel fill system means you never have to worry about scratching your paint with a tethered fuel cap (or forgetting a non-tethered fuel cap at a gas station). Finally, shiny chrome bumpers in the front and rear give it a stylish exterior.
On the other hand, the 2023 Ram 2500's base trim, the Tradesman, has a smaller 6.4L V8 that provides a tiny bit more horsepower but significantly less torque. While Ram's upper-level trims, like the Limited Longhorn and Big Horn, feature standard chrome bumpers, the Tradesman comes with flat black bumpers that blend into the black grille up front and make for a cheap look that doesn't match its higher price tag.
Go up to the most luxurious trim for each truck, and you'll find that they offer pretty similar comfort and convenience features. Both the Sierra 2500 HD Denali and the Ram 2500 Limited come standard with heated and ventilated front seats to keep you feeling comfortable all year long, dual-zone climate control that lets each front passenger choose their own individual settings, and genuine leather seats and trim. They also come standard with four-wheel drive, so you'll have the traction you need to drive with confidence, even when the weather gets rough.
One thing that does separate these trucks, both the luxury trims and the basic ones, is price. The 2023 Sierra 2500 HD Pro is more affordable than the 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman, and the 2023 Sierra 2500 HD Denali has a lower price than the 2023 Ram 2500 Limited. Since the base trims are designed to give drivers an entry-level option at a more affordable price, that's an especially big deal. But since the Denali offers an interior that's every bit as lush and inviting as the Limited's but at a lower price, it means that GMC drivers across the board are getting comparable features for less money.
When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, bigger tends to be better. Larger dimensions mean you can fit more cargo, bring along more crewmates, and get more comfortable in the cabin. When it comes to both exterior and interior dimensions, the Sierra 2500 HD is larger than the Ram 2500 from pretty much every angle. The Chevy's wheelbase is three inches longer, its overall length from tip to tail is almost half a foot longer, and it's wider and taller to boot. That translates to more headroom, shoulder room, and all-important legroom in the Sierra 2500 HD. On top of that, the Sierra has more ground clearance, letting you ride smoothly over obstacles like rocks, branches, or debris.
Size doesn't just matter in the cabin, though; it's also important to have a cargo bed with a good capacity. The Ram 2500's standard bed is 76.3 inches long, 66.4 inches wide, and 20.2 inches deep. Meanwhile, the Sierra 2500 HD's standard bed is 82.2 inches long, 71.4 inches wide, and 21 inches deep. All of those extra inches add up when you compare overall cargo volume. The Ram can hold 57.5 cu.ft., while the Chevy boasts a volume of 69.5 cu.ft. That's a difference of 12 cu.ft., so you just about get a whole extra sedan trunk's worth of space for your cargo.
When it comes to the long bed options, both trucks offer a bed length of 98.3 inches. However, the Sierra 2500 HD takes the lead in other dimensions, with a 71.4-inch width and 21-inch depth, compared to the Ram's 66.4-inch width and 20.2-inch depth. That gives the Chevy significantly more volume once again, offering 83.5 cu.ft. instead of the 74.7 cu.ft. the Ram provides. No matter which configuration you choose, the Sierra 2500 HD simply offers more space.
The 2023 Sierra 2500 HD comes with a fuel tank that can fit thirty-six gallons, while the Ram 2500's tank can hold four gallons less, at only thirty-two gallons. This means the Sierra HD can be filled up with more fuel at once, allowing you to travel longer distances without stopping to refuel. That can make a big difference if you're driving off to a remote campsite or a worksite that's in a rural area where gas stations are few and far between.