2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, available in both quad cab and larger crew cab configurations, came with different bed sizes, such as the 6-foot, 4-inch bed and the 5-foot, 7-inch bed. In our review model, we drove the crew cab with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. We tested the Limited trim, which was near the top of the trim hierarchy that included the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX.

Opting for the $4145 Night Edition package gave the RAM a more aggressive, stealthy look. This addition included a blacked-out grille, black badging, black headlamp bezels, black mirror caps, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels. For those averse to shiny chrome, this package provided an attractive alternative.

Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited exuded luxury, with leather everywhere, elegant contrasting stitching, and embossed Limited logos on the center storage console. The fancy wood and leather trim on the steering wheel added to its upscale look. The interior stood out thanks to a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen and chunky volume controls, which were both functional and stylistically unique. The dashboard showcased a Ram logo overlooking a convenient storage area, reminding drivers of the premium nature of their vehicle.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 maintained the bold styling trend characteristic of modern pickups. Despite the minimal changes from previous years, the Sierra’s lineup continued to offer an impressive array of trims, from the fleet-focused Pro to the luxury-oriented Denali Ultimate. Our Denali Ultimate test truck featured a massive chrome grille, available 22-inch wheels, and power running boards for easier ingress and egress.

While the Sierra Pro had a black grille and basic 17-inch wheels, higher trims like Denali and Denali Ultimate sported a large chrome grille, consistently associated with GMC’s premium models. The AT4 and AT4X off-road models emphasized ruggedness without overly flashy visuals.

The Sierra’s interior was more functional than impressive. Despite premium touches in the Denali Ultimate, like wood trim, the design felt uninspired. However, comfort and convenience were priorities, with heated steering, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control making up for aesthetic shortcomings.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered drivers the choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). A standard 3.6-liter V6 with the eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system powered lower trims, while a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque was optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims. A 3.0-liter diesel engine was available across most trims, except the top TRX, which thrived on a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, packing 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of the engine, all RAM 1500 models boasted an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The V8’s 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, combined with the eTorque system, provided exceptional power and smooth operation. EPA ratings for the V8 4WD eTorque model stood at 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. During testing, the truck managed to achieve 18 mpg overall. The RAM 1500’s superior ride comfort stemmed from its coilover rear suspension, further enhanced by the optional air suspension, which excelled at smoothing out road imperfections.

Notably, the RAM 1500’s towing capacity peaked at 12,750 pounds with certain configurations, though our tester was rated slightly lower. Hauling capacity depended on engine and configuration choices, with the best towing ratings seen in RWD models with the 5.7-liter V8 and the highest payload achieved with the 3.6-liter V6.

On the other side, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered versatile powertrain options. Base models featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. V8 choices included a 5.3-liter engine offering 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter engine generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.

The Sierra also offered a Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine, providing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, available on the AT4 and AT4X off-road models. During testing, the diesel engine in the Denali Ultimate proved smooth and powerful, paired effectively with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the body-on-frame design, the Sierra maintained a respectable ride quality, though it couldn’t rival a luxury car or SUV. Off-road enthusiasts had the AT4, AT4X, and AT4X AEV Edition models to consider, with enhancements like lift kits, sophisticated shocks, and durable bodywork.

The 2023 RAM 1500’s cabin was a treasure trove of storage options, featuring numerous cubbies and a particularly notable two-tiered center console. The upper level with cupholders and a storage bin slid to reveal a lower tier, large enough for a laptop or even a big box of Cheez-Its. Heating and cooling were standard for the front seats, with eight-way adjustments for both. The rear seats in the crew cab reclined up to eight degrees and boasted an impressive 45.2 inches of legroom. The multifunction tailgate offered flexibility, opening traditionally or like a 60/40 split door. The optional air suspension reduced the open tailgate’s height to just 32.8 inches from the ground, enhancing usability. The RamBox storage system, integrated into the rear quarter panel, offered secure, lockable storage space for tools and other essential items.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, available in various cab and bed configurations, provided ample space but fell slightly short on comfort. The regular cab came with either a 6.6-foot standard bed or an 8.1-foot long bed. The double cab featured a standard bed, while the crew cab offered additional rear-seat space. The crew cab paired with a 5.7-foot short bed to keep overall length manageable. While the Sierra generally provided more headroom and legroom upfront compared to rivals, the flat and hard rear seats left something to be desired for long trips.

GMC’s Multi-Pro tailgate, offered on SLE trims and above, redefined versatility, allowing six configurations, including a bed step and a center-section opening for securing longer items. The CarbonPro composite bed, exclusive to higher trims, further bolstered durability and usability. Towing capacity ranged from 9,200 to 13,200 pounds, depending on engine and drive configuration, with payload maxing out at 2,240 pounds.

The 2023 RAM 1500 introduced a reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster for 2023, although our tester did not include this feature. Standard lower trims included a 5-inch infotainment screen, mid trims got an 8.4-inch touch screen, and upper trims boasted an impressive 12-inch portrait-oriented screen. This system allowed dual-function display, Bluetooth for two phones, and a user-friendly interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but experienced occasional lag during use. The optional Equipment Group 1 added advanced features like a head-up display, digital rearview mirror with a wide-angle lens, and a surround-view camera system.

For the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, the base Pro models featured a basic 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, starting from SLE, were equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-In. The touch interface facilitated easy navigation with large icons and minimal taps required for adjustments. Analog controls supplemented the digital interface, maintaining ease of use for essential functions like volume and climate control.

The 2023 RAM 1500 fell short on standard driver-assist systems, lacking universal standard features such as automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Notably, blind-spot monitoring could cover the truck's entire length plus any attached trailer. Despite these limitations, the RAM 1500 crew cab earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and received Good grades from IIHS, except for some Marginal ratings for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 demonstrated varying results in safety tests. The IIHS awarded the Sierra Crew Cab top marks in the driver-side small overlap test but gave a Marginal score for the passenger side. The NHTSA rated it five stars overall, with high marks in side-crash protection but four stars in rollover and frontal crash tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder. Optional safety features comprised adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and GM’s Safety Alert driver’s seat. Higher trims could also feature Super Cruise, GM’s advanced hands-free driver-assistance system, though its active lane-change feature could be overly enthusiastic at times.