The GMC and Dodge RAM are both reputable for offering excellent pickup trucks. If you’d ever use a RAM truck, you would definitely fall in love with its big-rig and styling. The trucks are rugged and very reliable for all terrains; it is certainly made for the road. Also, RAM offers luxurious trims with plenty of chrome and bare-bones models, too, plus a line of Fiat-sourced commercial vans. If you are a fan of a diesel pickup truck, the 2020 GMC Sierra is the one for you. The new GMC truck is fully diesel-powered, with an efficient engine and a couple of updates here and there.
However, when it comes to selecting the best pickup truck that can suit well with your needs for power, reliability, and capability, it could be quite an overwhelming task choosing from these two top pickup brands. Our side by side comparison of the 2019 to 2020 RAM and 2020 GMC Sierra will let you in on all you need to know before deciding on which new full-size truck is right for you.
Interior
The interior of the new RAM is well-built and uses nice materials throughout, added by lots of clever touches throughout the cabin that shows Ram is paying attention to the interior. It features distressed wood, Western-style filigree metal, and perforated leather seats. All these are arranged in a mix to create a sense of luxury and comfort. The interior of the new Sierra falls below expectations, making it one of the huge low point in the truck. It features hard and unappealing plastic. Although Sierra’s interior can be said to be perfectly serviceable, that’s all about it. Aside from the luxurious appeal of the RAM 1500 interior, it also highlights it with a classic infotainment technology.
Engine And Performance
There’s little information available for the engine of the 2020 RAM; however, it is expected to come with a couple of engineering changes. The engine is likely to be the third generation 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6, having the same size as the preceding engine, but almost entirely different from the 3.0 L V-6 diesel in the older Classic model. The 3.0L diesel low noise engine also generates more torque (which is necessary for towing) than most close rivals. The RAM’s Black Edition, a limited model, offers three different drivetrains; two gas options and a diesel. The base gasoline that produces a 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet is FCA’s already iconic 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. The engine’s eTorque makes it more of a mild hybrid.
The 2020 Sierra comes with a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel available as an option. Also, a 5.3-liter V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic is available. Relative to the 2019 RAM, the 2020 Sierra’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 191 pounds-feet more torque than the Ram 1500’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid (460 against 269). Also, it produces more torque than the RAM.
The available ten-speed automatic on the GMC Sierra makes for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Also, the higher torque in the GMC Sierra 1500 does a much better job of transmitting the horsepower of the engine to the wheels than the RAM 1500.
Towing
The new diesel engine in the latest RAM is designed to be lighter, longer, and stiffer than before. The diesel has a maximum towing rating of 12, 560 pounds. It also permits a payload of up to 2,300 pounds in its cab and bed, in addition to its towing capacity. Compared to its close competitors, the RAM has a close to the best towing capacity. The current Sierra, with the engine under its hood, permits a maximum towing rating of 9,100 pounds. It also can haul up to 1,830 pounds of payload. The diesel-powered engine version in the 2020 Dodge RAM can out-tow the 2020 GMC Sierra by been able to pull 12, 560 pounds.
Fuel Economy
On the EPA test cycle, the Sierra engine gets a fuel mileage of 15 to 20 mpg city and 20 to 24 highway while the RAM V6 engine gives a 19 to 20 mpg city and 24 to 26 mpg highway. The RAM will cause you to always make a stop at the gas station than the Sierra all due to its fuel economy and tank size.
Passenger Space
With a passenger seating capacity of 3 to 6, the latest Sierra 1500 offers passengers in its extended cab about the same head- and legroom as the RAM 1500. The new RAM, however, has a 5 to 6 passenger seating capacity. The GMC Sierra is the best bet for tall drivers and their passengers since it has a much greater head- and legroom than the RAM 1500.
Safety features
The Dodge and the GMC seem to have always paid much attention to details when it comes to safety. Both the 2020 Sierra and the 2020 Ram 1500 is fully fitted with standard driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, blind-spot warning systems, daytime running lights, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, traction control, lane departure warning systems, and rear cross-path warning. Besides, the new Sierra offers an optional bed-view and trailer cameras to the lineup and adaptive cruise control in its other trims.
Dimension
Dodge RAM, in its 2020 model year, gets a wheelbase of 144.6 inches, length of 232.9 inches, a width of 82.1 inches, and a height of 77.6 inches. In a tight parking spot, you can always count on the new GMC Sierra 1500 to get in and out of your car easier as they come with a slightly narrower dimension. However, in overall length, the new GMC Sierra can stand its ground firmly against the RAM.
Handling
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 and the RAM 1500 both offer a similar turning radius. They can be maneuvered in and out of tight spots with much ease. However, the new Sierra offers a driver-adjustable suspension system. This system permits drivers to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads.
Pricing
The cost of the new RAM 1500 and the GMC Sierra is relatively the same. The 2020 GMC Sierra costs $29,600 at MSRP. The 2020 RAM 1500 goes for $32,145 at MSRP. However, in consideration of the delivery price, the GMC Sierra 1500 costs less than the RAM 1500.
