2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 RAM 2500

Driving the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 through diverse landscapes, from middle-class neighborhoods to rugged ranchlands, this redesigned half-ton pickup truck didn't fail to seize attention. Bigger both inside and out than its predecessor, GMC aimed to bestow the Sierra with a "more dominant presence." While the messaging might have balanced between an attempt to appeal to male ego and addressing its vulnerability, the truck’s bold styling definitely made a statement.

The Denali trim, despite its prestigious tag, was perceived as somewhat over-the-top. The oversized grille, which was a hassle to clean, the glaring silver front skid plate, and the pronounced Denali branding on the tailgate overshadowed its otherwise appealing design. Surprisingly, the standard Sierra was considered even more ostentatious.

Inside, the new Sierra presented an unrefined ambiance despite improved materials. Seams were conspicuous, and the varied topography of the dashboard's surface didn't help, giving the cabin an uneven appearance even with high-end amenities like premium leather, open-pore wood trim, and genuine aluminum accents in the Denali trim. Nevertheless, the array of buttons, knobs, and switches facilitated practical usability, even with gloves on, making the mess of a dashboard functional.

For buyers disinterested in the Denali or constrained by budget, GMC offered the Sierra in multiple cab styles, trims, and powertrains including the Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali. New introductions for 2019 included the Elevation, with a customized look based on the SLE trim, and the SLT-based AT4 for off-roading. Starting prices ranged from $29,600 for a standard regular cab with 2WD to $58,300 for a fully-equipped Denali crew cab with 4WD and a long cargo bed.

My Denali test truck, configured as a crew cab with 4WD and a standard bed, was priced at $58,000 before the $1,495 destination charge. With added features like Dark Sky Metallic paint, a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ultimate Package, Trailer Camera Package, and an upgrade to the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the total came to $68,085 with destination charges included.

Compared to the boxy Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the brick-like Ford F-250 Super Duty, the 2020 Ram 2500 stood out for its elegance. The truck’s six trim levels each boasted a unique grille, adding to its upscale design. The grille sat above a body that seemed survivable despite its size, giving it a commanding yet sophisticated presence.

Chrome dominated the bumper, though a body-color version was also available. LED headlights on the upper trims appeared sleek and proportionate to the domed hood, giving it noticeable family resemblances to the smaller Ram 1500, yet with stretched proportions fitting the Ram 2500’s larger frame. This was further complemented by optional clearance lights and extended side mirrors, enhancing its semi-truck mimicry. Rounded edges and smoother body panels lent the Ram 2500 a car-like demeanor, distancing it from its brutish competitors.

The Limited trim I tested came adorned with 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, consistently causing wow reactions from new passengers. Inside, high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited, were on par with luxury vehicles. The interior was designed with care, featuring soft-grained, perforated leather adorned with intricate stitch patterns, light wood trim with inlaid lines, aluminum speaker covers, and a striking beige-and-navy-blue color scheme. Components like grab handles and shifter knobs received similar intricate attention, and practical elements like large switches and an optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen further highlighted the Ram 2500’s class-leading status.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali I tested featured the most powerful of the truck’s six drivetrain options, delivering an impressive performance. Under the hood, it housed a 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse drove all four wheels through a newly introduced 10-speed automatic transmission and an Autotrac 4WD system. Acceleration was quick, and the transmission performed flawlessly with no noticeable issues along the test route. However, I did not have the opportunity to tow a trailer or haul a payload, which are vital activities for many truck owners.

In terms of hauling capabilities, the Sierra could tow up to 12,200 pounds and handle a payload of 2,240 pounds. Though these figures were modest compared to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, most half-ton buyers reportedly utilized only half of these capacities, if at all, according to industry insights.

A new feature in the 2019 model was the Dynamic Fuel Management system, boasting 17 deactivation combinations for optimal performance and efficiency. While the EPA estimated 17 mpg in combined driving, my test results were slightly lower, averaging 15.4 mpg initially and improving to 16.3 mpg over nearly 350 miles. With a 26-gallon gas tank, fuel stops would be frequent approximately every 400 miles.

The 2019 Sierra introduced a new Traction Select system with modes for various weather and terrain conditions. Paired with the Autotrac 4WD system, the Denali was versatile enough for almost any scenario.

While driving, the high and wide hood presented challenges in judging distances despite the presence of front parking sensors and a forward-view camera, both of which activated later than ideal. The brakes, featuring long-life pads, worked well but required acclimatization to the pedal’s calibration for precise stops. The Adaptive Ride Control suspension exclusive to the Denali provided a commendable ride and handling experience, though the 22-inch wheels on my test truck diminished some benefits of the adaptive suspension by relaying sharper bumps into the cabin. Despite this, noise levels remained reasonable, even with the large P275/50R22 tires.

The 2020 Ram 2500 allowed buyers to choose between two engine-transmission pairs in RWD or 4WD configurations. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8, producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, offered optimal performance and was the go-to choice for high payloads, capable of hauling up to 4,380 pounds in RWD regular cab models. Towing capacities peaked at 17,350 pounds for RWD models with the regular cab.

I tested the diesel option—a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbocharged engine producing 370 horsepower and a phenomenal 850 lb-ft of torque. This diesel beast could tow up to 19,780 pounds and manage a payload of 3,060 pounds. Despite the heavier Mega Cab trimming towing capabilities, it transformed the Ram 2500 into a luxurious cruise liner.

Acceleration was predictably sluggish but surprisingly quick on highway merges. The engine generated significant noise under load and caused noticeable vibrations upon ignition and shutdown. Steering felt loose, ride quality was decent but stiffer compared to the Ram 1500, and the controls lacked precision. High tire pressures attuned the truck for daily hauls, reflecting its workhorse nature.

However, the Ram’s diesel exhaust brake, akin to electric brake regeneration in EVs, was exemplary. A switch on the console and a gear limiter on the steering allowed substantial deceleration without manual braking, significantly aiding in towing and extending brake life. During regular driving, the Ram 2500 proved quiet and comfortable, ideal for long journeys. Fuel economy averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 miles, remarkable for such a heavy-duty vehicle.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali's Ultimate Package included power side steps, facilitating easier entry and exit. The interior provided wide, supportive seating that remained comfortable for extended periods. Denali's trim enhanced this comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Storage space abounded, further improved by adding three extra inches of backseat legroom in crew cab models. Combined with rear air vents and USB ports, this added both space and comfort for rear passengers. Importantly, the increased cab space did not compromise bed volume; the new bed was deeper and wider than before. The bed’s roll-formed, high-strength steel floor was 50% stronger, making loading and unloading more convenient.

GMC's MultiPro Tailgate, with six configurations ranging from a work surface to a bed entry step, added versatility. The enlarged rear Corner Step bumper, 12 cargo tie-downs, and a factory spray-in bedliner were notable practical improvements.

In contrast, the 2020 Ram 2500 offered greater configurational flexibility with three cab options and two bed choices. Single cabs provided maximum payload, seating three with a fold-down center console or two with a fixed one. They paired with 8-foot or 6-foot-4-inch beds in the Tradesman and Big Horn trims. All other trims came as a four-door Crew Cab with either bed, a noteworthy feature absent in the Ram 1500.

The Mega Cab option allowed rear passengers unparalleled luxury with reclining seats and complete privacy afforded by the thick C-pillar. Only a Rolls-Royce Phantom offered similar rear-seating opulence. The Power Wagon variant came exclusively with a Crew Cab and short bed.

Power running boards and retractable tailgate steps were advisable for easier access, given the vehicle's size. Crew Cabs offered ample space, with adjustable convex mirrors and a power retractable tailgate. Options like the RamBox, a unique storage solution, and pre-drilled fifth-wheel hitch holes added functionality, especially for heavy-duty use. Adjustable trailer hitch height through rear air suspension, a 220-amp standard alternator, and options for dual high-output alternators further supported the truck’s work capabilities. Diesel models featured glow plug countdown timers and Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) gauges, aiding cold starts and emissions monitoring.

Comparatively, the Sierra 1500 excelled in innovative cargo solutions, while the Ram 2500 emphasized heavy-duty capacity and luxury.

GMC’s 2019 Sierra 1500 introduced advanced in-cabin technology with next-gen infotainment systems featuring faster response times and enhanced graphics. Standard equipment included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services via OnStar and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, only a one-month trial was offered for subscription services and hotspot, a rather short evaluation period.

My Denali's tech suite featured an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose premium sound system, and a pioneering head-up display (HUD), a first in light-duty pickups, which helped maintain speed and situational awareness. A Rear Camera Mirror provided a live rearview video feed, a unique feature that could be toggled to a standard mirror view.

Multiple cameras enhanced maneuverability and towing, including an HD Surround Vision camera for a 360-degree view and a Trailer Camera Package offering side-mirror views. The ProGrade Advanced Trailer Package added Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and a Trailering App for easier towing preparation and monitoring.

The 2020 Ram 2500, while offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen, significantly benefitted from the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade, known for its user-friendly and high-resolution interface. Minor drawbacks included hidden climate controls, but customizable shortcuts and selective app installations compensated for this.

The pièce de résistance was the optional 12-inch display, redefining usability in a large vehicle. With a split-screen feature for simultaneous maps and information, enhanced camera views, trailer hook-up assistance, and detailed truck sideviews, this system was both intuitive and extensive. A supplementary display in the instrument cluster mimicked many primary screen features, underscoring the system’s convenience.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 offered varying levels of safety equipment depending on the trim, all featuring the Driver Alert Package 1 with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The SLT, AT4, and Denali added Driver Alert Package 2, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

However, it lacked features like adaptive cruise control, full-speed automatic braking, and lane-centering assist. Standard across all trims was Teen Driver monitoring and report card technology and Rear Seat Reminder in crew cabs. Unfortunately, neither federal nor IIHS crash ratings were available for the 2019 Sierra at the time.

The 2020 Ram 2500 wasn’t rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the related 2020 Ram 1500 earned prestigious Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with only a 4-star exception for front passenger protection in frontal collisions. The 2500 offered optional driver assists similar to its lighter sibling, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, and forward emergency braking. Ram assured that emergency braking functioned even with a trailer.