2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 RAM 1500

In 2019, the GMC Sierra 1500 presented a bold, redesigned half-ton pickup truck that turned heads with its chrome-laden exterior as it cruised through neighborhoods and ranchlands. The truck was larger inside and out compared to its predecessor, aiming to establish a "more dominant presence." This phrase seemed to straddle an appeal to masculine pride while making room for its vulnerabilities. The Denali trim, in particular, was viewed as extravagant by some, featuring a massive grille that was cumbersome to clean, a shiny skid plate, noticeable running light surrounds, and oversized Denali branding on the tailgate. Despite this, the Denali trim was considered more subdued than the standard Sierra.

Inside, the Sierra maintained its lively design, despite the introduction of superior materials. However, numerous seams and varying dashboard textures lent the cabin an unrefined look. Even the top-tier Denali trim, with its premium leather, open-pore wood, and real aluminum accents, could not completely elevate the interior to match its hefty price tag. Nevertheless, the buttons, knobs, and switches were user-friendly, especially when using gloves, making the aesthetic more functional.

The 2019 Sierra was available in multiple configurations, ranging from the base model to the extravagant Denali. New additions like the Elevation and AT4 trims allowed for more personalized choices. Prices started at $29,600 and climbed to an eye-watering $68,085 for a fully-loaded Denali model with various add-ons. This flexibility in configurations meant the Sierra could cater to a broad spectrum of buyers.

Conversely, the 2019 RAM 1500 stuck to its roots while evolving its big-rig styling to strike a balance between a commanding presence and manageability. Unlike the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which seemed unnecessarily large, the Ram felt practical with headlight designs that improved sightlines. The absence of the iconic crosshair grille signified Ram's move to establish its individuality separate from Dodge.

Different trims of the Ram carried distinct grille designs. While the Tradesman, Big Horn, and Rebel flaunted larger headlights, the luxurious Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited trims featured sleek, angular headlights. The interior of the 2019 Ram 1500 progressed significantly with a contoured design separating the touchscreen, controls, and shifter on different planes. Each trim, from the workhorse Tradesman with its functional setup to the opulent Limited with its lavish appointments, offered varied appeal.

One of Ram's key differentiators was its functional rear seating, with doors that opened wide for easy loading and seats that conveniently flipped up. Additional USB ports and substantial storage bins like the Ram Bins enhanced usability. Up front, the redesigned center console featured multi-functional compartments and a thoughtfully placed power outlet, indicating Ram's priority on interior practicality.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, with its top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivered a robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system. This combination translated into exhilarating acceleration and seamless gear changes. Even without testing its towing capabilities, its 12,200-pound towing capacity and 2,240-pound payload were notable, although slightly behind competitors like the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500. The new Dynamic Fuel Management system aimed to optimize efficiency, though real-world fuel economy averaged around 16.3 mpg, which meant frequent refueling every 400 miles due to its 26-gallon tank.

The Sierra’s Traction Select system with different driving modes, along with the Autotrac 4WD system, offered versatility across various terrains and weather conditions. However, the truck's imposing hood and slightly delayed parking sensors and forward-view camera could make distance judgment challenging. Despite this, its Adaptive Ride Control suspension provided a smooth ride, although the 22-inch wheels on the test model compromised some of the suspension's benefits.

In contrast, the 2019 RAM 1500's engine lineup included the base 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque with an added 90 lb-ft due to the mild-hybrid integration. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, available with or without eTorque, generated 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with the eTorque offering an additional 130 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engines delivered smooth and linear power, making the truck feel agile despite its size. The RAM 1500’s towing capacity peaked at 12,750 pounds with the eTorque V8 and proper towing equipment.

During everyday driving, the RAM 1500 excelled with its effortless steering and tight turning radius, providing a composed ride over various road conditions. Although the Ford F-150 set a high bar for light truck driving experience, the RAM 1500 was a close contender, providing stability and handling with a substantial and refined cabin feel. Fuel economy for the conventional V8 with 4WD stood at 17 mpg combined, with real-world driving averaging 15.2 mpg.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, equipped with the Ultimate Package, featured power side steps for easy access. The spacious interior boasted wide, comfortable, and supportive seats with heating and ventilation, alongside a heated steering wheel. The 2019 redesign added 3 inches of rear legroom in the crew cab models, complemented by rear air vents and USB ports for enhanced passenger comfort.

The Sierra's cargo bed was notably deeper and wider than before, with a roll-formed, high-strength steel floor that's 50% stronger, accommodating larger loads without sacrificing cab space. The MultiPro Tailgate, standard on several models, offered six configurations for increased versatility, from providing a workstation to a step for easy bed access. Enlarged Corner Step bumper cutouts and twelve cargo tie-downs, including 500-pound rated ones in the corners, made loading hassle-free. An optional factory spray-in bedliner and an upcoming CarbonPro cargo box liner added to the bed’s durability.

The 2019 RAM 1500 excelled in practical touches, providing ample storage solutions. The Laramie model featured a power-release tailgate and dual rear USB ports, enhancing functionality. While it lacked the innovative multi-mode tailgate of the GMC, the RAM Box utility system offered unmatched in-bed storage. The RAM 1500’s rear doors opening nearly 90 degrees, combined with flip-up and reclining rear seats, enabled flexible cargo space within the cabin.

Up front, the RAM 1500’s massive center console featured a sliding mid-level tray, making organization easy. A dual glovebox, adjustable pedals, and strategically placed power outlets added convenience. Though the RAM didn’t match the Sierra’s bed versatility, its interior design offered superior functionality for both work and daily use.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted several technological advancements, starting with its next-generation infotainment system. Equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot through OnStar, the truck provided connectivity, although the trial period for subscription services was short. My Denali test truck featured an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and a head-up display (HUD), the latter being a beneficial first for light-duty pickups.

A Rear Camera Mirror provided a live video feed of what’s behind the truck, with an option to switch to a traditional mirror view. Several cameras aided maneuvering and towing, including an HD Surround Vision camera for a 360-degree view and a Trailer Camera Package with side-mirror cameras. The ProGrade Advanced Trailer Package, with Hitch Guidance and a Trailering App, simplified towing preparations.

The 2019 RAM 1500, particularly in higher trims, wowed with its massive 12-inch touchscreen in portrait layout, customizable for different controls or a large map, akin to the Tesla Model S. Our Laramie test truck featured an optional but perfectly-sized 8.4-inch screen with the fourth-generation Uconnect system. Uconnect remained a benchmark for simplicity with dock icons for easy navigation and crisp graphics. Physical buttons for frequently used controls added to the user-friendly design, ensuring the RAM 1500 delivered tech-savvy functionality without overwhelming the driver.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 came with varying levels of safety technology depending on the trim. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on most trims, included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The optional Driver Alert Package 2 for higher trims like the SLT, AT4, and Denali added features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the absence of adaptive cruise control and full-speed automatic braking might be a drawback for some. The Sierra also included GMC’s Teen Driver feature and a Rear Seat Reminder system to prevent leaving important items or pets in the cab. Crashworthiness ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2019 RAM 1500 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, an electronic parking brake, integrated trailer-sway control, traction control, hill-start assist, and a reversing camera. Higher trims could be upgraded with a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection was standard on the Limited trim. Optional features included forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, dynamic cruise control, and parking sensors, ensuring a well-rounded safety package.