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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie CarHead-to-Head: 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500
We’ve compiled the facts on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs the Ram 1500. Find out what we think in our article here.
Short-bed Showdown
The GMC Sierra and the Ram 1500 are arguably two of the best trucks on the market when it comes to light-duty trucks. After all, they are part of the highest-selling vehicle segment in the USA: the large light-duty pickup segment.
These trucks are designed for drivers who need towing capability and power. They are perfect daily work trucks and can stand up to abuse. They’re rugged and ready to work without any aftermarket modifications.
Let’s be real: these are anything but “light-duty”.
In 2023, drivers get a load of engine options and configurations with both trucks. Notable changes to the Ram 1500 include a redesigned 12-inch instrument panel and a new, luxury-themed Limited Elite Edition trim level. The Ram 1500 starts at $37,410 MSRP for the Tradesman trim and up to $84,555 MSRP for the TRX trim.
GMC made their Sierra Safety Plus package standard on the AT4 trim level and added the new AT4X AEV Edition with enhanced off-road capabilities. Otherwise, it has not really been updated when compared to the 2022 models. The Sierra starts at $37,200 MSRP for the Pro Trim and goes up to $82,000 for the Denali Ultimate.
Let’s get down to it! Here are the facts that will make your decision easier when it comes to the GMC Sierra vs Ram 1500.
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500 Specs
The 2023 Ram 1500 has four engine options: the 3.6L V6 (305 horsepower/269 lbs.-ft of torque), the 3.0L EcoDiesel turbo V6 (260 horsepower, 480 lbs.-ft of torque), the 5.7L Hemi V8 (400 horsepower, 410 lbs.-ft of torque), and the 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 (702 horsepower, 650 lbs.-ft of torque). These are mated with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 GMC Sierra also has four engine options: the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder (310 horsepower, 430 lbs.-ft of torque), the 5.3L V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lbs.-ft of torque), the 6.2L V8 (420 horsepower, 460 lbs.-ft of torque), and the 3.0L Duramax turbocharged diesel six-cylinder (305 horsepower, 495 lbs.-ft of torque. The base engine uses an eight-speed automatic transmission while the rest of the lineup uses a ten-speed automatic.
In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Sierra is rated at 14-22 MPG city and 17-27 MPG highway. The Ram 1500 is rated at 10-23 MPG city and 14-33 MPG highway. This all depends on which powertrain option you go with.
We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the luxury trims of both models. The GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate is a completely decked-out luxury truck in every sense. The Ram 1500 Limited is certainly luxurious as well but falls just a little short of the GMC in terms of overall luxury appointments.
Driving and Performance
The Ram 1500 offers steady steering capability and exceptional braking. The handling is secure in comparison to the GMC Sierra’s boxy feel in turns. In fact, the GMC Sierra feels downright top-heavy. The Ram 1500 also rides smoother than any truck in its class.
From a performance standpoint, the Ram 1500’s monstrous 702-horsepower 6.2L supercharged Hemi will throw you back in your seat with an incredible 4.5-second dash from 0 to 60 MPH. If you’re looking for speed and power, this is the truck to go with. The GMC Sierra’s 6.2L reached 60 MPH in 6.2 seconds.
Now for the fun stuff: towing capacity. A truck isn’t a truck unless it can tow, right?
Either model provides competitive towing capabilities when properly equipped. The GMC Sierra can tow up to an amazing 13,000 lbs. while the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs. While those numbers are very close, it is important to note that the GMC Sierra offers more towing assist technology than the Ram 1500, thus making it the top choice if you’re looking to tow heavy loads.
When it comes to overall ride quality, however, the Ram 1500 wins out. It simply provides a smoother and quieter ride than the GMC Sierra and offers more up-front visibility.
Comfort and Interior
The interior of the 2023 Ram 1500 is incredibly roomy with plenty of useable cubby spaces. On the higher trim levels, higher-quality materials (such as leather and cushy plastics) are used to create a vehicle that feels more like a luxury vehicle than a truck. It makes long trips comfortable with plenty of room for all passengers to enjoy.
The 2023 GMC Sierra offers plenty of interior room as well. The layout of the controls is also very comfortable. However, the large columns and massive hood make visibility in the GMC Sierra very limited. While it does an excellent job compensating for this lack of visibility with cameras, we would still like to be able to see more out of the windows.
When you get into the higher trims, the GMC Sierra becomes luxurious in every way – perhaps surpassing for those who are picky. Either way, either truck will be more than adequate when long trips are necessary.
The GMC Sierra wins in the technology department with its 13.4-inch touchscreen and towing assist technology. The Super Cruise automated driving mode really pushes it to the top of the list. does not offer any automated driving capabilities to the Ram 1500 for 2023. There are parking sensors and collision mitigation on the Laramie trim only.
The cargo space on the GMC Sierra tops out at 89.1 cubic feet. The Ram 1500 only offers up to 61.5 cubic feet. This huge difference puts the GMC Sierra on top for useable cargo space – something critical in a pickup truck.
Trims and Features
The GMC Sierra comes in eight different trim models: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The Pro is the base model, and it is a practical work truck with some modern appointments The SLE adds a lot more features including a 13.4-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel.
The Elevation trim doesn’t add much to the SLE other than 20-inch wheels, increased towing capacity, and a single-speed transfer case on 4×4 models. The SLT adds a few luxury appointments, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated, power-folding seats…
The AT4 and AT4X add serious off-roading capabilities including a two-speed transfer case, upgraded suspension, and adjustable traction control. Safety features such as front and rear parking sensors and a virtual rearview mirror camera are also included.
The Denali and Denali Ultimate are the luxury packages of the lineup and include features such as a Bose audio system, adaptive suspension, and side steps. The Denali Ultimate includes 22-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber composite bed, and Super Cruise semi-automatic driving standard.
The Ram 1500 comes in seven trims: Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. The Tradesman is the basic work truck of the lineup while the Big Horn adds such luxuries as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
The Rebel is the tough guy of the lineup offering more aggressive styling, upgraded off-road suspension, and a few safety features such as forward collision mitigation. The Laramie is more like the Big Horn when it comes to style but adds features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an 8.4-inch infotainment system.
Stepping up the Limited Longhorn gives drivers added tech features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation, and front and rear parking sensors. The Limited trim steps up the luxury appointments with four-corner air suspension, premium leather bucket seats, and blind-spot warning indicators.
The TRX is the dedicated off-road trim. Features such as 35-inch all-terrain tires, electronic locking differential, and trailer reverse steering round out this luxury off-road machine.
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500: The Verdict
When it comes to these two “light-weights”, the choice can be hard. The Ram 1500 offers more comfort features as well as a more dedicated off-road trim with the TRX. The GMC Sierra, however, comes loaded with more technology features – especially on the upper trim levels.
When it comes to the question of Denali vs Limited, the Denali wins in terms of luxury appointments. It just has the technological edge over the Ram. Overall, the GMC Sierra lineup stands out as the big dog in this fight. While the Ram may seem like a better value, we would have loved to have seen some more of the standard features that the GMC offers.
The Ram 1500 only wins in two categories: off-road capability and drivability. These just aren’t enough to push it ahead of the GMC Sierra’s driver-friendly appointments.
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