2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Overview | |
MSRP$28,200 | MSRP$30,100 |
Average price$31,266 | Average price$39,589 |
Listings3641 | Listings3212 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryA full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | |
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews SummaryGMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City17 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway21 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine Name4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City17 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway21 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.3 in | Bed Length98.2 in |
Curb Weight4697 lbs | Curb Weight4520 lbs |
Height74.4 in | Height75.6 in |
Length231.0 in | Length229.6 in |
Width79.4 in | Width81.2 in |
Wheelbase140.5 in | Wheelbase139.6 in |
Maximum Payload1900 lbs | Maximum Payload2250 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10680 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity9900 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4750 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity7800 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,200 | $30,100 |
Average price | $31,266 | $39,589 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 5.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | GMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 17 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 21 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 21 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.3 in | 98.2 in |
Curb Weight | 4697 lbs | 4520 lbs |
Height | 74.4 in | 75.6 in |
Length | 231.0 in | 229.6 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 81.2 in |
Wheelbase | 140.5 in | 139.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1900 lbs | 2250 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10680 lbs | 9900 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4750 lbs | 7800 lbs |
Look and feel
The 2020 Ram 1500 emerged from a significant redesign in 2019, introducing advanced technology and the much-anticipated EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. This improvement marked a significant leap forward, making the Ram 1500 a strong contender in the half-ton diesel pickup segment, especially after overcoming past emissions certification issues. The Ram engineers' dedication to updating the EcoDiesel engine paid off, offering a powertrain that promises enhanced power, efficiency, and performance, demonstrating Ram's commitment to overturning perceptions about diesel engines in America.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, under the "professional grade" banner of GMC, shares much of its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 but distinguishes itself with unique styling and features such as an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. Despite its shared platform, the Sierra 1500 stands out with its design and a few key updates, maintaining its appeal in a competitive segment that demands attention to detail.
Performance
The performance ratings from CarGurus experts present a twist: the 2020 Ram 1500 scores a 7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 takes a lead with a 9 out of 10. The Ram 1500 offers a range of engine options, including a V6 with eTorque and a powerful V8, alongside the EcoDiesel, which boasts class-leading torque. Despite its capabilities, the EcoDiesel's performance in real-world conditions and fuel efficiency may not live up to all expectations.
The Sierra 1500's DuRamax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine impresses with its power and efficiency, priced competitively at $995. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, boasting impressive fuel economy even in challenging conditions. The AT4 trim adds an off-road suspension that enhances the truck's capability without compromising comfort.
Form and function
In terms of form and function, the 2020 Ram 1500 rates at 8 out of 10, excelling with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and leading storage solutions. However, achieving its maximum towing capacity requires specific configurations, which may limit its versatility for some buyers.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores a 6 out of 10, with its standout features being the CarbonPro cargo bed and the MultiPro tailgate, enhancing its utility and durability. While the Sierra offers ample cargo space and innovative exterior features, its interior storage solutions and cabin quality do not match up to the competition, especially considering its price point.
Technology
Both the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 score a 7 out of 10 in technology. The Ram 1500 shines with its Uconnect system, available 12-inch touchscreen, and comprehensive engine technology. It provides an array of connectivity and charging options, catering to modern needs without compromise.
The Sierra 1500, equipped with a range of camera-based technologies and a robust infotainment system, offers a competent technological package. However, its sound system and some interior features do not quite reach the benchmark set by competitors, despite its efforts to provide a connected and convenient driving experience.
Safety
Safety ratings diverge significantly, with the 2020 Ram 1500 scoring a 9 out of 10, thanks to its top safety picks from both NHTSA and IIHS, especially with the Crew Cab model equipped with active safety features and LED lights. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores a 4 out of 10, with critical feedback on its lack of standard safety features across trim levels and underwhelming crash-test ratings, suggesting significant room for improvement.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ram 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 5.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Ram 1500 is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of style, performance, technology, safety, and value.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
- You value a combination of luxury and utility, with a wide range of trims and options.
- Advanced safety features and top safety ratings are priorities for you.
- Cost-effectiveness is key, with the ability to
3635 results
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Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
- Styling and unique features like the CarbonPro bed and MultiPro tailgate are top priorities.
- You're looking for a truck with a strong off-road capability, especially in the AT4 trim.
- The diesel engine's combination of power and efficiency is a critical factor in your decision.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ram 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 5.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Ram 1500 is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of style, performance, technology, safety, and value.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You value a combination of luxury and utility, with a wide range of trims and options.
- Advanced safety features and top safety ratings are priorities for you.
- Cost-effectiveness is key, with the ability to
3635 results
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- Styling and unique features like the CarbonPro bed and MultiPro tailgate are top priorities.
- You're looking for a truck with a strong off-road capability, especially in the AT4 trim.
- The diesel engine's combination of power and efficiency is a critical factor in your decision.
3215 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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