2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 RAM 1500
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 RAM 1500 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, practical features, and impressive towing and payload capacities.
Choose the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD if:
- You need a truck with high towing and payload capacities.
- You prefer a simpler, more user-friendly infotainment system.
- You value practical features like the MultiPro tailgate and ample storage options.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
- You want a high-performance truck with impressive off-road capabilities.
- You appreciate advanced technology and customizable infotainment options.
- You seek a comfortable and adjustable seating position for long drives.
Overview | |
MSRP$35,800 | MSRP$29,490 |
Average price$53,300 | Average price$36,528 |
Listings501 | Listings6559 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Reviews SummaryFew automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors. Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create? | |
2021 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryAlways the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Drive Train | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower | Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City17 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name6.6L 401 hp V8 | Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Torque464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm |
Horsepower401 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City17 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.3 in | Bed Length98.3 in |
Curb Weight6105 lbs | Curb Weight4693 lbs |
Height79.9 in | Height74.4 in |
Length235.5 in | Length231.0 in |
Width81.8 in | Width79.4 in |
Wheelbase141.6 in | Wheelbase140.5 in |
Maximum Payload3857 lbs | Maximum Payload1910 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity18510 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity10610 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity14500 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity4720 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 RAM 1500 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, practical features, and impressive towing and payload capacities.
Choose the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD if:
Shop Now- You need a truck with high towing and payload capacities.
- You prefer a simpler, more user-friendly infotainment system.
- You value practical features like the MultiPro tailgate and ample storage options.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You want a high-performance truck with impressive off-road capabilities.
- You appreciate advanced technology and customizable infotainment options.
- You seek a comfortable and adjustable seating position for long drives.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $35,800 | $29,490 |
Average price | $53,300 | $36,528 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.9 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors. Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create? | Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | |
Drive Train | 4X2 | |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 6.6L 401 hp V8 | 3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Torque | 464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm |
Horsepower | 401 hp @ 5200 rpm | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.3 in | 98.3 in |
Curb Weight | 6105 lbs | 4693 lbs |
Height | 79.9 in | 74.4 in |
Length | 235.5 in | 231.0 in |
Width | 81.8 in | 79.4 in |
Wheelbase | 141.6 in | 140.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 3857 lbs | 1910 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 18510 lbs | 10610 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 14500 lbs | 4720 lbs |
The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth of a truck, prioritizing function over form. Its massive grille fed multiple radiators, readying it for serious work regardless of the trim level. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. The Denali was available in premium colors, with Onyx Black being a popular choice. Despite its flashy appearance, the Denali's cabin was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. However, the Sierra 2500HD's simplicity had its advantages, especially in terms of user-friendly controls.
The 2021 RAM 1500, particularly the TRX model, was a carryover from the 2019 redesign but introduced the all-new TRX trim. The TRX was inspired by off-road rally races and featured a commanding presence with a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. It was a crew cab-only 4x4 with a 5-foot, 7-inch box, sitting on a 145.1-inch wheelbase. The TRX's dimensions were larger than the standard Ram 1500, requiring identifier lamps due to its commercial vehicle territory size. The TRX also boasted impressive off-road capabilities, including a skid plate-equipped ground clearance of 11.8 inches and the ability to ford up to 32 inches of water. Inside, the TRX offered first-class comfort and technology, with standard black premium cloth and vinyl upholstery, a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display, and a vehicle-specific ID marker.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and a staggering 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine used a 10-speed Allison transmission. The diesel engine provided immense power, making the truck feel like it could pull anything. The Sierra 2500HD had a towing capacity of up to 18,510 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 3,979 pounds. Despite its size, the truck's reversing camera and trailering apps made towing easier. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the trip computer showed an average of 16.5 miles per gallon.
The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the TRX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 118 mph. The TRX had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined. The TRX excelled in various driving scenarios, from city commutes to off-road adventures. It featured eight drive modes, including a Baja mode for off-road performance. The TRX's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Selec-Speed Control and a front-facing camera for navigating rough terrain.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including a regular cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard or long bed, and a crew cab with a standard or long bed. The Denali trim was only available with the crew cab and a choice of bed lengths. The truck featured helpful bed corner steps and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with a remote release. The MultiPro tailgate offered six different configurations, including a step into the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD had ample storage space, with cubbies, cupholders, and bins. SLT-and-up trims included a storage area below the rear seats.
The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX's interior dimensions were identical to the standard Ram 1500, with front headroom and legroom measuring 40.9 inches and rear seats offering 39.8 and 45.2 inches, respectively. The TRX featured plenty of storage options, including a large center storage bin. The front seats in the TRX Level 2 package were comfortable, and the powered-adjustable pedals were a notable feature. The TRX's seating position offered the most adjustability compared to its rivals, making it comfortable for long drives. The interior also included functional and comfortable steering wheel controls to prevent driver fatigue.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims featured an 8-inch infotainment screen with available navigation. The Denali also had an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable icons and easy-to-use controls.
The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and navigation. The display was fully customizable, allowing owners to drag and drop frequently used controls. The screen could be configured as a single-panel or split-screen display. The Uconnect system included wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and various ports for AUX, USB-A, and USB-C connectors. The TRX also offered Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages for vehicle calculations and accessory gauges. The standard audio system was a 10-speaker Alpine system, with an available 19-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio package. The TRX also featured a new full-color head-up display, providing real-time driving information.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The truck's cameras and trailering mirrors helped manage its large size.
The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, including a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. The Advanced Safety Group package included a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. The Advanced Tech Group added a digital rear-view mirror and a brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp. Other available features included adaptive headlights, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, lane-departure warning, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking. Passive safety features included an auto-reverse feature for windows and sunroof and an enhanced accident response system.
By: CarGurus + AI
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