2024 GMC SIERRA 1500 VS. RAM 1500: TRUCK COMPARISON

Choosing the right truck that checks all the boxes for your needs can be quite challenging. Missing a single piece of information regarding performance details, feature combinations, and other essential factors could cost you a lot of towing capacity and power. After all, challenging terrains and bumpy roads require a hefty dose of strength, and without it, your busy workday in Spruce Pine would not be as productive. By opting for the GMC Sierra 1500 or Ram 1500 as your next workhorse, you can rest assured that you’re well equipped to tackle any task. But if you want to lead the pack like a true champ, there can only be one right pick. To help you determine which of these mighty titans is your ideal fit, we’ve pitted them against each other in a head-to-head comparison broken down into categories, including performance, interior space, cargo capacity, safety, and tech goodies. Depending on the criteria you value most, one of these reliable workhorses will be the right pick. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Performance

If you’re taking the Sierra or Ram out for long hauls, the engine will be your best friend. The GMC Sierra 1500 comes standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that dishes out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is ideal for tackling long hauls, as it offers plenty of power to handle all the heavy loads you’ll encounter on the job. Conversely, the Ram 1500 base model has a 3.6-liter eTorque mild hybrid V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain churns out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for most jobs but falls short compared to the Sierra. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle more intense towing and hauling jobs, the Sierra is your best bet — the Ram can’t match it in terms of power.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

When it comes to interior cabin and cargo capacity, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offers more space than the Ram 1500. The Sierra has a passenger capacity of six and a best-in-class legroom of 44.5 inches in the front and 43.4 inches in the rear. Meanwhile, the Ram 1500 has 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 45.2 inches in the rear, with standard seating for five passengers. This makes the Sierra a better choice for passengers looking for more room. The GMC Sierra also outshines its rival when it comes to cargo space. The Sierra 1500 comes with a range of cab and bed options, including a 70-inch short box, a 79-inch standard box, and a 98-inch long box. This gives the Sierra a maximum cargo bed volume of 83.5 cubic feet, while the Ram 1500 only offers 68.5 cubic feet. Bed sizes for the Ram 1500 include a 67-inch bed and a 76-inch bed, significantly smaller than what the Sierra offers. As such, the Sierra is the ideal choice for those who need to transport more cargo.

Towing Capacity

When selecting a pickup truck, the towing capacity is often a major consideration for buyers. If you’re in the market for a half-ton pickup truck that can handle your towing and cargo needs, you might want to take a closer look at the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. This bad boy’s towing power tops out a ridiculous 13,200 pounds and supports a payload of up to 2,240 pounds when properly equipped. That’s no small feat, and it’s one of the reasons why the Sierra has been a mainstay in the truck industry for years. Sure, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,320 pounds, but there’s just something special about the Sierra’s capabilities that you won’t find in the Ram. Whether you’re hauling super-large campers or just taking the family out for a weekend camping trip, you can trust that the Sierra has your back.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Nowadays, staying connected on the go is essential for many car shoppers, and the GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 offer an array of infotainment options. The Sierra 1500 has a 13.4-inch touch screen that runs the truck’s infotainment system. This larger screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and also has built-in Google software that allows users to access an app store, maps, and a voice assistant. Other available features include a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and additional power points. Meanwhile, Ram trucks have an 8.4-inch or an optional 12.0-inch touch screen available on all but the base model, which only has a 5.0-inch display. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.0-inch tablet-style touch-screen infotainment system on the Ram 1500 is particularly impressive and a great way to stay connected while driving. However, the smaller 8.4-inch and 5.0-inch systems are less impressive in comparison. Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 offers a higher level of connectivity and convenience compared to the Ram 1500.

Safety

Key safety tech is standard on the GMC Sierra 1500, including driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and trailer sway control. In addition, GMC offers a Terrain Mode to help with one-pedal driving at low speed and a multi-camera system that gives the driver a virtual view of what’s behind them when towing. You can add GM’s Super Cruise hands-free-driving technology to the Denali trim, suitable for use on specific roads. The Ram 1500 also has robust safety tech with automatic emergency braking on all trims except the Tradesman and Bighorn. Additional options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and rear seat reminder. All this makes the Sierra and Ram two excellent options for families seeking out a safe vehicle. However, the Sierra offers a few more advanced safety tech options than the Ram, giving it an edge in this category.

Which Truck Should You Choose?

You might say we’re biased, but we think that the GMC Sierra 1500 is the clear winner here. With its superior engine and towing capacity, as well as its top-notch infotainment and safety tech, it’s the perfect truck for those who need a feature-rich yet powerful vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new truck or pre-owned model and want to experience the best of what GMC offers, visit Spruce Pine Chevrolet Buick GMC, and check out the Sierra 1500 yourself. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.