VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
540hp
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
521lb-ft
Towing
9600lbs
9150lbs
Engine
—
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Sierra 1500 delivers 310hp @ 5600 while the Ram 1500 produces 540hp. Pricing starts at $38,300 for the Sierra 1500 and $88,800 for the 1500. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
540hp
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
521lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
15mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
21mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
28gal
33gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
229.73in
232.9in
Width (in)
81.15in
82.1in
Height (in)
75.6in
77.6in
Wheelbase (in)
139.56in
144.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
5930lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
89.1cu ft
40.6cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
9600lbs
9150lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
—
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GMC Sierra 1500
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1500
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sierra 1500
Practicality
Sierra 1500
Pros & Cons
GMC Sierra 1500
Lower starting price ($38,300)
Higher towing capacity (9600lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Ram 1500
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sierra 1500 or 1500?
The Sierra 1500 produces 310hp @ 5600 and 430lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the 1500 delivers 540hp and 521lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sierra 1500 and 1500?
The Sierra 1500 starts from $38,300 and the 1500 from $88,800. The Sierra 1500 is cheaper by $50,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sierra 1500 or 1500?
The Sierra 1500 has a braked towing capacity of 9600lbs and the 1500 can tow 9150lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sierra 1500 or the 1500?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.