2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a truck that appealed to those who valued style and luxury, particularly with its upscale Denali trim. The Denali was often compared to a Mercedes in truck circles, offering a sense of prestige. For those who preferred a less flashy option, the Sierra could still be customized to reach a similar price point. The Sierra AT4, priced at $78,938 Canadian, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a 5 cm suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Sierra's interior was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and lack of luxury, especially given its high price tag.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 was available in various configurations, including Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, with multiple trim levels ranging from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The 2022 model introduced the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system and new special editions. Our test truck, a Limited trim, featured a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and a host of luxury features, including quilted leather upholstery and a premium sound system. The RAM 1500's design was praised for its clean and contemporary look, with chrome accents that complemented the overall aesthetic. Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited exuded luxury, with high-quality materials and a two-tone colour scheme that impressed. The cabin was noted for its quietness and comfort, making it a standout in the full-size truck segment.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, which was considered a bargain at $1,995 Canadian. It produced 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivering maximum thrust quickly. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra's powertrain was praised for its smooth operation and impressive fuel economy, averaging 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The AT4's off-road suspension handled tough terrain with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 4,173 kg (9,200 pounds) with a payload of 962 kg (2,120 pounds).

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the TRX model. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAM 1500's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kg (12,560 pounds), with our test truck capable of towing 4,354 kg (9,600 pounds) and carrying a payload of 807 kg (1,780 pounds). The RAM's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 9.5 L/100 km during testing. The truck's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and heated and cooled cushions. The rear seats were spacious, with heated outboard seats and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's CarbonPro Edition added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed, increasing payload capacity. The bed held between 1,781 and 2,523 litres of cargo, with 12 cargo tie-downs. However, the Sierra's interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards and a spacious, comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats. The cabin offered practical storage solutions, including a centre console with trays and bins, rear armrest storage, and under-floor Ram Bins. The multi-function tailgate provided versatility, supporting up to 900 kg (2,000 pounds) and offering easy access to the bed. The RAM 1500's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, making it a standout in the segment.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Bose premium sound system was considered adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster performance and a range of features. The test truck featured a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system's complexity posed some challenges, but it represented an improvement over previous versions. Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and trailer-specific technologies, enhancing the RAM 1500's appeal.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it a safer choice in the segment.