2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 RAM 1500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth, prioritizing function over form. Whether in a base trim or the luxurious Denali, it was ready for serious work. The massive grille fed multiple radiators, supporting the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome 8-lug wheels. Offered in premium exterior colors, the Onyx Black was particularly popular. Despite its flashy touches, the Denali was preferred over most versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500, which faced near-universal criticism for their design.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD started with the Base, known as the “Sierra,” and included the SLE, SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and a power-release tailgate. The Denali featured a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the Denali's cabin was criticized for its fit-and-finish and material quality, especially when compared to the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a gas and a diesel. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 delivered 445 hp and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided a lively feel and could chirp the tires at low speeds. The gas engine used a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD had a poor turning radius, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

When properly equipped, the Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. For even more capability, the Sierra 3500HD offered higher towing and payload capacities. The truck featured helpful trailering apps and the ability to mount a camera on the trailer for better visibility. Although fuel economy estimates were not required, the trip computer showed an average of 16.5 miles per gallon during a week of combined city and highway driving.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The base V6, paired with a ZF 8-speed transmission, produced 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The V8 delivered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with an optional eTorque mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy and performance. The EcoDiesel V6 provided 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, although it suffered from turbo lag and limited highway merging power.

The V6 engine, with its eTorque system, offered impressive fuel economy, returning up to 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. The V8, also available with the eTorque system, had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. The EcoDiesel V6, despite its torque, had a maximum towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. Over nearly 150 miles of mixed driving, the EcoDiesel averaged 15.4 mpg.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali was offered only with the crew cab and a choice of standard or long bed. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and steps ahead of the rear wheel well, accommodating larger work boots. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate and the MultiPro tailgate, with six different configurations, provided easy access to the truck bed.

Inside, the Sierra 2500HD offered plenty of room and numerous storage options, including cubbies, cupholders, and bins. SLT-and-up trims featured a storage area below the rear seats, which folded up for easier stowing of larger items.

The 2020 RAM 1500 boasted class-leading torque, over 12,000 pounds of towing capacity, and a comfortable interior. The spacious interior provided ample room for adults, front and back, with rear coil springs ensuring a smooth ride. The truck offered over 151 liters (5 cubic feet) of interior storage, including a giant center console, hidden pockets, and storage beneath the rear floor. Higher trims featured reclining rear seats, and even tall adults could sit comfortably in the back.

However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required precise configuration, limiting some functionality. Additionally, the dials around the cabin were loosely calibrated, making adjustments challenging.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims offered an 8-inch infotainment screen with available navigation. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, although modest compared to the Ram 2500 Limited's massive screen.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in technology with its 12-inch, tablet-style touchscreen and the Uconnect system, which was bright, beautiful, and easy to use. The 8.4-inch screen was also impressive and more than adequate. The engine tech, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was noteworthy. All trims featured push-button start, numerous USB and USB-C inputs, and other convenient features.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's massive size presented safety concerns, but the Denali trim addressed these with cameras on all four sides and two-tier trailering mirrors. Standard safety features included front and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size, body-on-frame pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, when equipped with the Crew Cab, active safety equipment, and optional LED lights. Most safety features were available across the board, with parking sensors and forward-collision and lane-departure mitigation reserved for Laramie and above trims. The Ram 1500's hood design improved visibility, and braking performance was consistent, although stopping distances were average for the class.