2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market with a design rooted in its international version, offering a larger and more sophisticated truck than its predecessor. Its styling diverged from the typical American truck trend, presenting a clean and somewhat aggressive appearance that emphasized its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear and tear. The trim levels ranged from the basic XL to the upscale Lariat, each offering varying degrees of features and comfort, with the XLT trim being recommended for its balance of content and price.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its styling and the upscale Denali trim, which was akin to a luxury badge in the truck world. The Sierra AT4, an off-road-ready version, featured a factory-installed suspension lift and unique design elements. Its interior, while durable, lacked a sense of luxury, with a predominance of black plastic and industrial-themed design. The Sierra offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating, especially in the rear, and practical features like high-clearance side rails and a versatile tailgate. However, the interior storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing, and when properly equipped, the Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds. It also offered a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab with a 4x2 drivetrain. The Ranger's ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps, but it excelled in off-road capabilities with the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages, which included features like Trail Control and the Terrain Management System.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine as a cost-effective option, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an automatic 4WD system, providing smooth gear transitions and impressive traction in various conditions. The Sierra's AT4 suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck achieved a fuel economy of 21.1 mpg during testing. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing to tow and haul.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, with the SuperCab offering a 2+2 seating layout and the SuperCrew providing seating for five. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight and more suitable for children, while the SuperCrew offered more adult-friendly seating. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including deep in-door pockets and a center console bin. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with large, supportive front seats and ample rear seating space. The test truck featured durable leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling functions. The Sierra's cargo bed, enhanced by the CarbonPro Edition package, offered improved durability and a weight-saving design. The bed's capacity ranged from 62.9 to 89.1 cubic feet, with multiple cargo tie-downs for added utility. While the Sierra's interior storage was less innovative compared to other full-size pickups, it still offered practical features like rear seatback cubbies.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, offering remote access features and WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim added a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's 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. The AT4's Bose premium sound system provided adequate audio quality, though it fell short compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ranger received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as options, with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning included on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for certain tests. The Sierra's safety features were expected to improve with the introduction of GM's Super Cruise technology in the 2022 model.