2021 Ford Ranger vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

2020 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
$29,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Ford Ranger
2021 Ford Ranger
$25,070MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
$29,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Ranger
$25,070MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Ranger scored 7.0 out of 10. Both trucks offered unique strengths, but the Sierra excelled with its versatile engine options, superior towing capacity, and advanced safety and technological features. Based on these ratings, the recommendation leaned towards the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, offering a more comprehensive package for a variety of needs.

Overview

MSRP

$29,600

MSRP

$25,070

Average price

$38,492

Average price

$30,530

Listings

2098

Listings

1854
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Outdated technology

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews Summary

It’s no surprise that trucks have improved and evolved over the years. After all, think about an average sedan from the early 1980s compared with a modern 2020 vehicle. Yet because pickup trucks are largely confined to a common shape, many shoppers are still surprised to see how nice they have become. This is especially true if your memory of trucks includes a vinyl bench seat.

Modern trucks heavily incorporate utility-minded innovations. Cargo-management tools, side steps, and bed steps make for a more useful vehicle. Under the hood, turbocharging has made V6 and even 4-cylinder engines usable, delivering the power of the larger engines they aim to supplant. And finally, cabins have become nicer and more comfortable than previously imagined for a pickup.

This evolution speaks to how trucks get used as family vehicles that can also do work. There are the work trucks, but there are also trucks like the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which has many of the creature comforts of SUVs and crossovers. It says “I want a truck, but I could probably be used as a minivan.”

But somewhere in the middle sits Sierra's AT4 trim. It’s comfortable, sure, but it’s also capable. Does that make it a good fit for both the worksite and the daily commute?

2021 Ford Ranger Reviews Summary

Ford is no stranger to off-roading and has offered FX4 option packages for its pickup trucks for years. The Tremor, however, is relatively new.

Briefly used on a sport-truck version of the 2014 F-150, where the name signaled a regular cab model fortified with Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tremor name reappeared on the updated 2020 F-Series Super Duty. Since then, Ford has expanded it to both the 2021 F-150 and 2021 Ranger lineups.

Tremor now signifies a Ford truck with the credentials to tackle difficult terrain. We’re not talking the high-speed, Baja-blasting type of driving for which the F-150 Raptor is purpose-built. We’re talking about low-speed rock crawling.

For the 2021 Ford Ranger, Tremor equipment is one of a handful of changes to the midsize pickup for the model year. Other news includes a new STX Special Edition Package, a Black Package, and minor equipment changes.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

2.3L 270 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

MPG City

16

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

21

MPG Highway

26
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
$29,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Ranger
2021 Ford Ranger
$25,070MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
$29,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Ranger
$25,070MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Ranger scored 7.0 out of 10. Both trucks offered unique strengths, but the Sierra excelled with its versatile engine options, superior towing capacity, and advanced safety and technological features. Based on these ratings, the recommendation leaned towards the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, offering a more comprehensive package for a variety of needs.

Overview
MSRP
$29,600
$25,070
Average price
$38,492
$30,530
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.8
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Outdated technology
Summary

It’s no surprise that trucks have improved and evolved over the years. After all, think about an average sedan from the early 1980s compared with a modern 2020 vehicle. Yet because pickup trucks are largely confined to a common shape, many shoppers are still surprised to see how nice they have become. This is especially true if your memory of trucks includes a vinyl bench seat.

Modern trucks heavily incorporate utility-minded innovations. Cargo-management tools, side steps, and bed steps make for a more useful vehicle. Under the hood, turbocharging has made V6 and even 4-cylinder engines usable, delivering the power of the larger engines they aim to supplant. And finally, cabins have become nicer and more comfortable than previously imagined for a pickup.

This evolution speaks to how trucks get used as family vehicles that can also do work. There are the work trucks, but there are also trucks like the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which has many of the creature comforts of SUVs and crossovers. It says “I want a truck, but I could probably be used as a minivan.”

But somewhere in the middle sits Sierra's AT4 trim. It’s comfortable, sure, but it’s also capable. Does that make it a good fit for both the worksite and the daily commute?

Ford is no stranger to off-roading and has offered FX4 option packages for its pickup trucks for years. The Tremor, however, is relatively new.

Briefly used on a sport-truck version of the 2014 F-150, where the name signaled a regular cab model fortified with Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tremor name reappeared on the updated 2020 F-Series Super Duty. Since then, Ford has expanded it to both the 2021 F-150 and 2021 Ranger lineups.

Tremor now signifies a Ford truck with the credentials to tackle difficult terrain. We’re not talking the high-speed, Baja-blasting type of driving for which the F-150 Raptor is purpose-built. We’re talking about low-speed rock crawling.

For the 2021 Ford Ranger, Tremor equipment is one of a handful of changes to the midsize pickup for the model year. Other news includes a new STX Special Edition Package, a Black Package, and minor equipment changes.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
2.3L 270 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
MPG City
16
21
MPG Highway
21
26
Look and feel
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
8/10
2021 Ford Ranger
8/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, having been redesigned in 2019, carried its styling updates into the 2020 model year with minimal changes. Its design harkened back to the beloved "GMT 400" trucks of the late 1980s and '90s, characterized by straight lines and crisp angles that imparted a timeless stoicism. The interior layout remained almost identical to the 2018 model, featuring a flatter dash, which gave it a somewhat outdated look. However, it maintained functional and straightforward controls.

The Sierra was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4. The Base model was decently equipped with a V6 engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and LED headlights. Upgrading to the SLE added features like a WiFi hotspot, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and remote keyless entry. The Elevation trim offered a unique appearance with body-color accents and 20-inch wheels. The SLT trim added a more classic style with chrome touches.

The AT4 trim, which we drove, shared many features with the Denali yet toned down the chrome elements. It was off-road-oriented, featuring all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and inside, black leather seats with brown accents, giving it a rugged luxury feel. The Denali trim emphasized luxury with chrome accents, 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, navigation, and wireless charging.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger was offered in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab had a six-foot cargo bed, while the SuperCrew had a five-foot bed. The trim levels included XL, XLT, and Lariat. Each Ranger came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Our test truck was a SuperCrew Lariat equipped with the Tremor Off-Road Package, priced at $46,865.

The Ranger Tremor stood out with its unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, red grille accents, and off-road side steps, giving it a purposeful off-road look. Inside, the Lariat trim combined with the Tremor's features like simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats made it the best-equipped Ranger available. The interior design was clean and modern, with simple controls and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Though it used hard plastic materials, they did not detract from the overall aesthetic.

Performance
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
9/10
2021 Ford Ranger
7/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered five engine choices. The base 4.3-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. GMC also introduced a Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The popular 5.3-liter V8 generated 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while our AT4 test model had the largest engine, a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Power was routed through an automatic transmission to either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. The Sierra's 4WD system included a low range and had settings for 4-high, 4-low, 2WD, and an automatic mode that shifted into 4WD as needed. The 6.2-liter V8 provided commanding acceleration and impressive power at any speed, with the capability to tow up to 12,100 pounds.

The AT4 trim featured upgraded suspension components, hill-descent control, and knobby off-road tires, making it adept off-road but leading to a rougher on-road ride. Fuel economy for the 6.2-liter V8 in the AT4 was 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The most efficient version was the turbodiesel with RWD, at 23/30/26 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Ranger came exclusively with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Ranger's engine supplied swift acceleration and a refined driving experience. The 4WD system used a rotary dial to switch between 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo. The Tremor trim included a Terrain Management System with multiple settings and Trail Control, which maintained steady progress on difficult terrain.

With the Tremor Off-Road Package, the Ranger gained an off-road suspension with revised springs and Fox off-road performance shocks, offering 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,860 pounds of payload, though the Tremor's maximum payload was reduced to 1,430 pounds. Fuel economy for the Ranger Tremor was 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.5 mpg.

Form and function
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
10/10
2021 Ford Ranger
5/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered multiple configurations, including a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a full four-door crew cab with either a standard or a short bed. Our test model featured a carbon-fiber bed, which reduced weight and improved efficiency. The MultiPro tailgate, a six-way tailgate, provided versatility as a bed-extender or an easy step into the truck bed. Additionally, the Sierra had numerous cupholders, storage units, and rear seats that folded upward for extra storage space.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor had hoop-style step bars, which were not particularly user-friendly, and a SecuriCode keyless entry pad. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat were comfortable but needed more seat track travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat space was more accommodating than most midsize trucks, though it lacked rear air conditioning vents and a power-operated sliding rear window. Despite a hand-operated parking brake, the Ranger offered decent storage, though the design was somewhat inconvenient.

The Ranger's tailgate was undamped, slamming down harshly but was light and easy to lift. The SuperCrew's 43.3 cubic-foot cargo bed and the SuperCab's 51.8 cubic-foot bed were roomy but had few cargo solutions. Ford did provide a list of accessories to enhance utility.

Technology
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
9/10
2021 Ford Ranger
8/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a straightforward infotainment system with clear graphics, large icons, and a sensible menu. It included tactile controls for radio and climate, eschewing the trend of massive touchscreens seen in competitors. The AT4 trim added a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports, maintaining user-friendly controls.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, AppLink, Ford + Alexa, and FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot. It also featured navigation and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Sync 3 was being phased out for the faster Sync 4, but remained competitive. However, the voice recognition system was hit or miss, sometimes failing simple requests.

Safety
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
8/10
2021 Ford Ranger
7/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came with standard safety features including a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Our AT4 model included a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The rear camera mirror system provided a digital image in the rear-view mirror, aiding visibility and reducing obstructions.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offered the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning and trailer coverage was also available. Adaptive cruise control was standard on the Lariat trim. The Ranger included a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, wiper-activated headlights, and a wiper de-icer system. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS except for an "Acceptable" rating for front-passenger protection and a "Marginal" rating for headlights.

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By: CarGurus + AI

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