2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 RAM 1500

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

Overview

MSRP

$35,800

MSRP

$29,490

Average price

$53,300

Average price

$36,528

Listings

501

Listings

6559
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Reviews 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?

2021 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

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.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Drive Train

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

MPG City

17

MPG Highway

MPG Highway

25
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

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 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
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
Look and feel
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
7/10
2021 RAM 1500
7/10

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.

Performance
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2021 RAM 1500
9/10

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.

Form and function
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
10/10
2021 RAM 1500
8/10

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.

Technology
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2021 RAM 1500
8/10

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.

Safety
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
8/10
2021 RAM 1500
9/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
6/10
2021 RAM 1500
6/10
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