2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra

RAM 1500 vs GMC Sierra Power and Performance

Perhaps the most important reason to own a truck is to have a capable work vehicle. Whether you need to haul a load or pack the bed with equipment, the right truck will make a major difference. Like most full-size pickups, the RAM 1500 and the GMC Sierra have multiple options for engines, depending on your performance needs.

When comparing the various engines, the RAM 1500 V6 engine provides 305 horsepower, compared to 285 horsepower in the V6 engine in the Sierra. In addition, the V8 RAM 1500 engine that gets 395 horsepower is superior to the 355 horsepower found in the Sierra.

It’s a similar story with each truck’s torque. The maximum engine torque of the RAM 1500, with its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, is 480 lb-ft of torque, while the max of the Sierra is only 460 lb-ft of torque, with a V8 diesel engine.

The ability to haul equipment is also important when you consider a full-size pickup. The RAM 1500, with a 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, has a max capacity of 12,750 pounds, compared to Sierra’s max configuration that enables you to haul 11,800 pounds, both when properly equipped.

At the height of its power, the RAM 1500 offers a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine that produces a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, which no engine in the Sierra can match.

So, if you want to get the most out of engine performance, it’s clear you should go with the RAM 1500.

2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra Cargo Space

Dual and extended cabs are commonplace with full-size trucks in order to maximize the number of passengers and the amount of cargo that you can handle. Each truck has a similar seating capacity, with room for up to six passengers. Both attempt to be conscious of passenger comfort.

The RAM 1500 Crew Cab is known to be quite spacious. Heated and ventilated seats are available on multiple trims.

When you look at the cargo capacity of both trucks, the beds are also similar in size. The RAM 1500 offers a 5-foot, 7-inch bed and a 6-foot, 4-inch bed. The GMC Sierra has an additional 8-foot bed available.

One of the outstanding new features of the 2021 RAM 1500 is the unique available multifunction tailgate. You can fold the tailgate down, like a normal truck tailgate. It can also split and open like two barn doors—an amazingly versatile feature that’s not available on the Sierra.

MPG in the 2021 RAM 1500 and the 2021 GMC Sierra

In the past, pickup trucks were not always known for their fuel efficiency. However, they’ve made great strides toward becoming just that.

The RAM 1500 and the GMC Sierra are no exception. Both vehicles get similar city mileage at up to 20 MPG each. However, the RAM 1500 gets better highway mileage at 25 MPG to the 23 highway MPG the Sierra gets.

When equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, the RAM 1500 can achieve up to a best-in-class 33 highway MPG, making it a champion in highway fuel efficiency.

Your mileage will largely depend on what and how much cargo you’re towing and/or hauling at one time.

RAM vs GMC Technology Advances

The infotainment screen is a modern necessity for the rearview camera, media options, and clear and easy navigation. The standard touchscreen on the Sierra is seven inches compared to the standard 8.4-inch screen of the RAM 1500. The Sierra lets you upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen, while the RAM offers the option of a massive 12-inch touchscreen.

Both vehicles offer available features, such as a head-up display and automatic rearview mirrors. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities are also standard in these trucks, allowing you to access your music, texts, maps, and more on the infotainment screen.

They also offer noise cancelling technology, which reduces ambient sounds from the engine and your surroundings to make for a more relaxing drive.

What’s music without a great sound system? Both vehicles provide amazing available sound systems by leading audio manufacturers.

In the GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll have an available 7-speaker Premium Sound System by BOSE®. If you want a concert-like experience, though, the RAM 1500 offers an unmatched, best-in-class available19-speaker system by Harman Kardon®. This system, paired with the noise cancelling technology in the truck, will make your audio clearer than ever before.

Overall, the RAM 1500 is known for offering more luxurious cabin features.

Learn more about the RAM 1500 through our library of reviews and comparisons!

RAM 1500 & GMC Sierra Safety Features

You want to feel comfortable, knowing that your truck can act as a second set of eyes when you’re on the road. It’s good to know that it can help completely avoid or mitigate the impact of a dangerous situation when you can’t react quick enough.

The RAM 1500 and the GMC Sierra have amazing safety features that can do just that.

Both offer available guided parking features. However, the feature in the RAM 1500 is a bit more intuitive. The feature in the RAM 1500 will instruct you to engage the gear position, brake, and accelerator, while the truck steers itself into a spot.

In the GMC Sierra, you can be alerted when you’re approaching an object in the front or rear that will usurp your ability to park.

Each vehicle offers other amazing available safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection and Lane Departure Warning. They also offer trailering features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and more. Each vehicle offers available smart braking technology with Forward Collision Alert, which will apply the brakes in the event that a collision may be imminent.

The RAM 1500 has the edge in safety overall. It has been an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK three years in a row, which includes 2021, thanks to newer features, like available Pedestrian Emergency Braking.