2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD showcased the insistence on function over form with its enormous scale. Whether spotting the base trim or the luxurious Denali, each version of the Sierra 2500HD was ready for serious work instantly. The massive grille was specifically designed to feed radiators for the hardworking engine and other sub-systems.

The Denali trim stood out with over-the-top chrome usage, including an expansive chrome grille that seemed the size of a football field. Purposeful 8-lug wheels, albeit still chrome, added to the style. GMC offered the Denali in several premium exterior colors, with Onyx Black often being the preferred choice, synonymous with the trim. The Denali 2500HD was one of the flashiest trucks under General Motors' umbrella and easily outshone many versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500. The aesthetic appeal favored the 2500HD Denali, particularly in comparison to the almost universally criticized Chevy truck design.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD began with the Base or "Sierra," followed by the SLE, the SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base truck came standard with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As trims progressed with the SLE and SLT, additions like 17-inch aluminum wheels, trailering mirrors, two-tier handles, upgraded infotainment screens, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more deluxe materials inside were included. The Denali took it a step further with a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, chrome adornments, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium Bose sound system.

However, the Denali's cabin fell short of luxury expectations. Compared to the RAM 2500 Limited’s extensive use of soft-touch materials, the Denali felt lackluster. Despite the simplicity sometimes being an advantage in function, the Sierra 2500HD's overall execution left room for improvement in finishing touches and material quality.

In 2020, the RAM 2500 provided a more elegant and upscale design compared to the chunky Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the builder-block-styled Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured an exclusive grille design, with extensive chrome (or body-color options), sleek LED headlights, and a rounded, stretched design that enhanced its plus-size stature. Extended side mirrors and optional clearance lights mimicked a semi-truck’s look, adding an intimidating yet refined demeanor.

The RAM 2500’s interior materials and fit and finish excelled, especially in trims like Laramie Longhorn and Limited. Trim included perforated leather with elaborate stitch patterns, light wood with inlaid lines, aluminum speaker covers, and a sophisticated color combo of beige and navy blue. Attention to detail extended to grab handles and the shifter knob, paired with large, accessible switches. The optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen offered a futuristic yet highly functional experience, unlike anything in its class.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD powered ahead with its two significant V8 options: one gas and one diesel, both displacing 6.6 liters. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 cranked out an impressive 445 hp and a colossal 910 lb-ft of torque. The dynamic diesel provided a robust low-speed surge and high-speed acceleration akin to a sports car. The gas engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel utilized a 10-speed Allison transmission, managing power seamlessly.

Despite its dynamism, the Sierra 2500HD had a poor turning radius inherent in trucks of this size. Maneuverability required foresight, making city driving challenging. Towing capacity reached up to 18,510 pounds with a 5th wheel or gooseneck connection and hauled up to 3,979 pounds of payload when properly equipped. These capacities increased significantly with the Sierra 3500HD models.

The RAM 2500 2020 model offered two engine and transmission pairs with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivered 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic. These configured easily hefted up to 4,380 pounds of payload on RWD Regular cab models and towed between 16,110 and 17,350 pounds, depending on the configuration.

Testing the diesel, featuring a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six with a giant turbocharger, showed 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. This diesel variant hauled up to 3,060 pounds and towed a maximum of 19,780 pounds. Acceleration was somewhat lazy but proved powerful on highways. Despite its bristling under load and loose, slow steering, the RAM 2500 excelled in stop power and optional exhaust brakes, making steep downhills manageable.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Sierra 2500HD averaged 16.5 miles per gallon in combined driving, whereas the RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 mostly highway miles.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered numerous bed and cab configurations. This included the regular cab with a long bed, a double cab with standard or long bed, and a crew cab with either bed size. The Denali trim, limited to the crew cab, provided options between the standard and long beds. Both bed sizes featured helpful bed corner steps and EZ lift-and-lower tailgates. The MultiPro tailgate introduced a six-way configurable tailgate offering a massive step into the truck bed.

The RAM 2500 presented three cabs and two beds. Single cabs paired with 8-foot or 6-foot-4-inch beds on lower trims. Higher trims came as a Crew Cab with either bed option, and the Mega Cab trim provided reclinable rear seats. Off-road variants like the Power Wagon featured a Crew Cab and short bed configuration. Optional power running boards eased accessibility, while bed configurations accommodated a fifth-wheel hitch, spray-in bed liner, and LED lighting.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Sierra 2500HD and RAM 2500 each offered payload and towing capacities according to their engine choices and configurations. The Sierra towed slightly less than the RAM 2500 but provided a range of user-friendly features for hauling and towing.

The Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen on GMC Infotainment 3, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. SLT and Denali trims upgraded to an 8-inch infotainment screen with navigation options. The system, while straightforward and user-friendly, appeared modest next to the RAM 2500's extensive technology.

The RAM 2500 offered a 5-inch touchscreen standard, with an 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade providing high resolution, logical design, and easy usability. The showstopper was the optional 12-inch display, which redefined in-vehicle technology for heavy-duty trucks. This well-executed system handled seamless integration for maps, dual-tile info, trailer settings, and advanced camera views, besting the Sierra’s setup significantly.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD, though massive and unwieldy, offered various safety aids. Standard features included airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver Alert Packages I and II enhanced the offering with front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

While the RAM 2500 hadn’t been rated by safety organizations, its sibling, the 2020 RAM 1500, scored highly on crash tests and safety features. Optional driver assists such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, and forward emergency braking were available. Drawing from its luxury vehicle lineage, the RAM 2500’s safety considerations were robust, especially for a vehicle of its size.