2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, setting it apart from its more rugged competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of its six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-colour bumpers. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, exuded a sophisticated presence. Inside, the RAM 2500 offered a luxurious experience, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior was adorned with soft-grained, perforated leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a high-end vehicle. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob, and the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a modern touch to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its styling and the upscale Denali trim level, which was often compared to owning a Mercedes in truck circles. The Sierra AT4 test truck, priced at $78,938 Canadian, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a factory-installed suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, and skid plates. The truck's aggressive mud-terrain tires and unique design details like red front recovery hooks emphasized its rugged nature. Inside, the Sierra's cabin was dominated by black plastic, with some caramel seat trim and metallic accents. While the seats were large and supportive, the interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point. The Sierra's cabin design was more industrial-themed, and the storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two engine options: a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six diesel engine with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The diesel variant could tow up to 8,972 kg and haul up to 1,388 kg of payload. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 was unexpectedly quick on highways, though its steering was loose and the ride was stiff. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing effective braking without using the brakes, which was crucial for towing. The RAM 2500 averaged a fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 800 kilometres.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra's powertrain was smooth and efficient, averaging 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Sierra's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck maintained impressive traction in various weather conditions. The Sierra's towing capacity was up to 4,173 kg, with a payload capacity of 962 kg. The truck's all-terrain tires were well-suited for off-roading, though they weren't ideal for twisty roads.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths, with the Crew Cab providing ample space for passengers. The Mega Cab option allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a luxurious experience. The RAM 2500's interior was spacious, with features like power running boards and a retractable tailgate step enhancing accessibility. The truck's bed could be equipped with a spray-in bed liner and LED lighting, and the rear air suspension allowed for easy trailer hitch adjustments. The RAM 2500 also offered dual alternators for power-hungry equipment and a countdown timer for diesel models on cold starts.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's interior featured large, supportive seats with power adjustments and heated and cooled cushions. The rear seats offered heated outboard positions and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed, increasing payload capacity and improving durability. The Sierra's bed was spacious, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs, but the cab's storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and rear bumper steps made accessing the cargo bed easier.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was recommended for its high-resolution display and user-friendly interface. The optional 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, customizable interface with features like 360-degree cameras and trailer settings. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was considered one of the best in its class, with a large display in the instrument cluster duplicating many features from the main display.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package included a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with the latter offering physical menu shortcut buttons and excellent voice recognition technology. The Sierra's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Most driver assists were optional, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. The RAM 1500's strong crash test performance contributed to a high safety rating.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The Sierra's adaptive cruise control worked smoothly, but the truck's crash-test ratings were less impressive. The NHTSA gave the Sierra a four-star overall rating, while the IIHS rated its front passenger protection as "Marginal" and its headlights as "Poor." The Sierra's LATCH anchors also received a "Marginal" rating for accessibility.