2023 RAM 2500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, enhancing the already premium Denali and AT4 trims. With eight trim levels, the Sierra offered a range of options, including Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate. The Sierra's design updates, such as a wider appearance due to an updated grille, front fascia, and split-C headlights, gave it a more aggressive look compared to the Silverado. The Denali's grille featured a "tri-linear" theme with thicker chrome inserts, while the Denali Ultimate had dark-coloured "Vader bars." New 22-inch wheel designs were introduced, with bright-polished chrome for the Denali and low-gloss black for the Denali Ultimate. The interior saw significant changes, with a redesigned dash and premium materials, making the cabin feel more spacious and luxurious.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared similarities with the Power Wagon but had distinct features like an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a blacked-out look. It came with a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. The standard engine was a 6.4-litre V8, but a 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel inline-six was also available. The Rebel's base price was set at $79,195, with various trims offered, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. The interior featured quality materials, contrast stitching, and a luxurious appearance, though the gloss black plastic surrounding the infotainment system was prone to showing dust and fingerprints. The Rebel also benefited from new technology, such as a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and enhanced towing features.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four engine options, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder and a 3.8-litre Duromax turbo-diesel inline-six, both enhanced for 2022. The turbo-four produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with improved gear ratios for smoother shifts. The diesel engine delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms for 2WD models. Other engine options included a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 with 420 hp. The Sierra Denali Ultimate 4WD provided a smooth and comfortable ride, while the AT4X excelled in off-road conditions with features like Multimatic DSSV dampers and e-locking front and rear differentials.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel came with a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel inline-six was also available, offering 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. The Rebel's maximum towing capacity was 7,652 kilograms with the V8 engine. The Cummins engine provided better fuel efficiency, with a trip computer showing 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres on highway driving. The Rebel's frame was constructed of 98.5 percent high-strength steel, and it featured a five-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. Off-road capabilities included 20-inch wheels with 33-inch off-road tires, a locking rear differential, and skid plates.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted a spacious interior with best-in-class cargo capacity. Front headroom was 1,093 mm, and legroom for front-seat occupants was 1,131 mm. Rear-seat passengers in the crew cab enjoyed 1,102 mm of legroom. The cabin featured numerous storage compartments, though the gloveboxes were on the smaller side. The driver-oriented cockpit had a low centreline, with screens and controls positioned low, requiring more eye movement from the road. The AT4X had off-road controls in two different locations, adding to the complexity.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit due to its height. The interior featured a column shifter for the Cummins turbodiesel's six-speed automatic, which felt less refined. Depending on the configuration, the truck offered cloth or leather upholstery and a front bench or bucket seats. The Mega Cab back seat was roomy and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB charging ports. The truck provided ample storage space, with hidden compartments and bins throughout the cabin. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured larger display screens, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system was fast and responsive, with Google built-in and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The infotainment screen allowed for personalization and dual modes, and options included a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel with gauge and menu tile display configurations. The Rebel offered improved exterior camera systems and trailering technologies, including blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The optional 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 included GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate. The Sierra offered up to 14 camera views and trailering-specific safety features. Standard safety features included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Sierra received mostly "Good" crash safety ratings from the IIHS but had a "Marginal" grade in the front-passenger small overlap test and a "Poor" grade for headlights.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The driving aids proved effective on highways, but crash-test ratings were not available for the Ram 2500.