2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, contrasting sharply with the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the builder block Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the truck’s six trim levels featured a unique grille, giving it a distinct and upscale appearance. The LED headlights on the upper trims were sleek and well-proportioned to the domed hood, and the optional clearance lights and extended side mirrors added a semi-truck-like look. The Limited test truck came with 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, enhancing its carlike demeanor with rounded edges and smoother body panels.

Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with its high-quality materials and craftsmanship, especially on the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained, perforated leather with elaborate stitch patterns, light wood trim with inlaid white lines, and aluminum speaker covers. The beige-and-navy-blue color combo was stunning, and the attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob. The optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen and large switches added to the truck’s luxurious feel, making it a class of one among heavy-duty pickups.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, particularly in the Denali trim, was known for its styling and upscale features. The AT4 test truck, priced at $66,695 MSRP, was the off-road-ready version with a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, skid plates, and unique design details like red front recovery hooks and body-color trim. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition Package added a CarbonPro carbon fiber composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System for its six-position configurable tailgate.

The Sierra’s interior, while functional, lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point. The cabin was dominated by black plastic, with some caramel seat trim and metallic accents. The rubber floor mats with snap-in carpeted inserts were practical, but the overall design felt industrial and dated. Despite the high price, the Sierra’s interior didn’t match the premium feel of its competitors, and the truck’s handling and ride quality were less refined.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 trims had the highest payloads, up to 4,380 pounds, and a towing capacity of up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel variant could tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul up to 3,060 pounds of payload. The diesel engine provided strong performance, with an exhaust brake that enhanced safety and extended brake life. The RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 highway miles, a commendable figure for a heavy-duty truck.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax engine delivered impressive fuel economy, averaging 21.1 mpg during testing. The Sierra’s towing capacity was up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds. The AT4’s suspension handled tough terrain confidently, and the truck maintained good traction in various weather conditions. However, the Sierra’s handling on twisty roads was limited by its all-terrain tires, and the ride quality was less refined compared to some competitors.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. The Single Cab provided the most payload and seating for up to three, while the Crew Cab and Mega Cab offered more space and comfort. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and hide behind a thick C-pillar. The power running boards and retractable tailgate step made it easier to access the truck, and the optional RamBox provided lockable storage bins. The RAM 2500 also featured a 220-amp alternator, with options for dual alternators, and a countdown timer for the glow plugs on diesel models.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500’s crew cab offered large, supportive seats covered in durable leather. The front seats had power adjustments, heating, and cooling, while the rear seats were heated. The high-clearance side rails and Multipro tailgate made accessing the cargo bed easier. The CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, increasing the payload rating by 59 pounds. The Sierra’s bed held between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs. However, the cab’s storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade available. The 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, high-resolution screen with easy-to-use controls. The infotainment system included features like 360-degree cameras, dual rear-view cameras, and customizable shortcuts. The 12-inch screen was highly functional, making it easier to manage the truck’s features and settings.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered numerous camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with physical knobs and buttons for easy use. The Sierra also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors’ offerings.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Most driver assists were optional, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. The RAM 1500’s strong performance in crash tests suggested a high level of safety for the RAM 2500.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with additional options for lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sierra’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for front passenger protection and LATCH anchor accessibility.