2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 5.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ram 1500 is the clear choice for consumers seeking a high-performance, technologically advanced, and safe full-size pickup truck.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
- You value cutting-edge technology and connectivity in your vehicle.
- Off-road performance and capability are top priorities.
- Safety features and ratings are important factors in your purchase decision.
6890 results
See all
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
- You prefer a truck with distinctive styling and the prestige of the Denali trim.
- An affordable diesel engine option is a critical consideration.
- You prioritize unique features like the MultiPro tailgate and CarbonPro cargo bed.
3334 results
See all
Overview | |
MSRP$29,490 | MSRP$30,100 |
Average price$36,979 | Average price$41,489 |
Listings6874 | Listings3340 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
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. | |
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 Weight4693 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 Payload1910 lbs | Maximum Payload2250 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10610 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity9900 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4720 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity7800 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ram 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 5.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ram 1500 is the clear choice for consumers seeking a high-performance, technologically advanced, and safe full-size pickup truck.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You value cutting-edge technology and connectivity in your vehicle.
- Off-road performance and capability are top priorities.
- Safety features and ratings are important factors in your purchase decision.
6890 results
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a truck with distinctive styling and the prestige of the Denali trim.
- An affordable diesel engine option is a critical consideration.
- You prioritize unique features like the MultiPro tailgate and CarbonPro cargo bed.
3334 results
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,490 | $30,100 |
Average price | $36,979 | $41,489 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.9 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 5.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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. | 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 | 4693 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 | 1910 lbs | 2250 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10610 lbs | 9900 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4720 lbs | 7800 lbs |
Look and feel
2021 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
7/10
The 2021 Ram 1500, often seen as the perennial runner-up in truck sales, boldly asserts itself in the competitive arena of high-performance off-road vehicles. With the introduction of its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim, the Ram 1500 aims not just to climb the sales charts but to redefine the segment's standards. It combines luxury, technology, and raw power in a package that's hard to overlook, especially for those who desire a blend of performance and sophistication.
On the other side, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 carries the "professional grade" banner with a mix of style and functionality that distinguishes it from its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While it shares many features with the Silverado, the Sierra 1500 sets itself apart with unique offerings like the optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed and the upscale Denali trim. Despite its premium positioning, the Sierra 1500 requires refinement and attention to detail to truly stand out in the full-size pickup truck market.
Performance
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
9/10
Both the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 score highly in performance, with CarGurus experts rating them both at 9 out of 10. The Ram 1500 TRX sets a high bar with its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, delivering an exhilarating 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Its remarkable acceleration and off-road capabilities, supported by multiple drive modes including a Baja mode, underscore its position as a top-tier off-road performance truck.
The Sierra 1500, equipped with its DuRamax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, offers a balance of power and efficiency. Producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, it provides strong performance along with better fuel economy compared to traditional gasoline engines. The AT4's suspension and 4WD system demonstrate GMC's commitment to delivering a truck that's both capable and comfortable, whether on or off the road.
Form and function
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
6/10
When evaluating the utility and practicality of the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, the Ram secures a more favorable assessment with an 8 out of 10 rating, compared to the Sierra's 6 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The Ram 1500 TRX, beyond its muscular performance, extends its prowess to functionality, sporting full-length rock rails for added body protection and ease of entry, complemented by a full-size spare tire for unforeseen off-road challenges. The vehicle illuminates the path ahead with standard LED headlights, ensuring clear visibility in all conditions. Inside, the cabin of the Ram TRX mirrors the vehicle's substantial exterior dimensions, offering ample room for passengers and cargo alike, with a multitude of storage solutions for personal items. The front seats, especially in the TRX Level 2 package, strike a balance between support and comfort, enhancing the driving experience during long journeys. The Ram 1500's towing capacity stands out as well, capable of handling up to 8,100 pounds, making it a robust choice for hauling duties.
In contrast, the GMC Sierra 1500, particularly in its AT4 trim, blends rugged aesthetics with functional features like the innovative MultiPro tailgate and the durable CarbonPro cargo bed, which not only reduces the truck's overall weight but also contributes to a slight increase in payload capacity. High-clearance side rails and integrated steps in the bumper facilitate easier access to the truck, whether entering the cabin or loading the bed. The Sierra's towing and payload capabilities, particularly with the DuRamax diesel engine, are commendable, allowing for up to 9,300 pounds of towing and a payload rating of up to 2,150 pounds, depending on the configuration. However, the Sierra's internal storage and overall cabin refinement do not fully align with its exterior promise, particularly in the context of its luxury ambitions and premium pricing strategy.
While both trucks offer impressive form and function, the Ram 1500's blend of luxury, utility, and innovative features, coupled with its formidable towing and payload capacities, positions it ahead of the GMC Sierra 1500, which, despite its strengths, falls short in maximizing its potential for both work and play.
Technology
2021 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
7/10
The Ram 1500 outperforms the Sierra 1500 in technology, with a rating of 8 out of 10 versus 7 out of 10. The Ram's 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system sets a high standard with its customizable display and comprehensive connectivity options. Features like Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages, combined with a full-color head-up display, place the Ram 1500 at the forefront of technological integration in trucks.
The Sierra 1500's technology offerings, including camera-based visibility enhancements and a robust infotainment system, offer practicality and convenience. However, its smaller screens and audio system do not match
the Ram 1500's offerings in terms of size or quality. The Sierra compensates with excellent voice recognition and connectivity features, but overall, it lacks the technological sophistication of its Ram counterpart.
Safety
2021 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
4/10
Safety ratings reveal a significant disparity between the two trucks, with the Ram 1500 scoring a 9 out of 10 and the Sierra 1500 only a 4 out of 10. The Ram 1500's comprehensive suite of safety and security features, including advanced driver-assistance systems, positions it as a leader in safety within the segment. Its array of available safety technologies is indicative of a strong commitment to driver and passenger protection.
Conversely, the GMC Sierra 1500's safety features, while available, are often optional, and its crash-test ratings are underwhelming. The forthcoming addition of GM's Super Cruise technology may enhance its standing, but current offerings and performance in safety tests suggest room for improvement, especially for a truck marketed with a premium image.
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.