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Large light-duty pickup trucks are the highest-selling vehicle segment in the United States. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the battle for pickup truck supremacy is very heated between the various models. This includes the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2022 Ram 1500. In our head-to-head battle between the two trucks, the Sierra 1500 scores on the Ram 1500, but the 1500 don’t play that. The battle begins.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2022 Ram 1500

Black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate parked in front of a house
Black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate | GMC

For our 2022 GMC Sierra vs. 2022 Ram 1500 comparison, we analyzed several different factors. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, safety, interior features and technologies, reliability, and price.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Performance and efficiency

Orange-red 2022 Ram 1500 driving up a pile of rocks
Orange-red 2022 Ram 1500 | Ram

Both trucks offer a wide range of engine options with differing outputs. For the GMC Sierra 1500, the maximum horsepower output for its engines is 420 hp, while the maximum torque is 460 lb-ft. In comparison, the maximum horsepower output for the engines in the Ram 1500 is 702 hp, while the maximum torque is 650 lb-ft. 

The Ram 1500 has a slight edge for efficiency, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 23 city/33 highway mpg. In comparison, the Sierra 1500 has a fuel economy of up to 23 city/30 highway mpg.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Towing and payload

On the towing front, the Sierra 1500 has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds, while the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds. For hauling a load in the pickup bed, the Sierra 1500 has a standard payload capacity of 1,570 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,280 pounds. In comparison, the payload capacities of the Ram 1500 range from 1,242 pounds to 2,322 pounds. 

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Off-road capabilities

While both trucks offer a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system, the Ram 1500 is the better choice for wilderness excursions, especially with the off-road-enhanced Ram 1500 TRX model. It’s ready to head far off the beaten path with features like beefy 37-inch all-terrain tires, wide fenders, and Bilstein Black Hawk shock absorbers. The Sierra 1500 offers an AT4X off-road model, but it doesn’t match the off-road prowess of the Ram 1500 TRX.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Safety

The Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500 offer a wide array of safety and driving assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist. However, across the trim lineup, more safety features are standard for the Sierra 1500. For example, daytime running lights are standard for the base-level Sierra 1500 but not for the base-level Ram 1500.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, the Sierra 1500 has the advantage. For one, it has a more upscale cab, especially for the ultra-luxurious Denali Ultimate trim. Also, the Sierra 1500 benefits from new technologies, including Google built-in compatibility, a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment system touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Reliability

Which truck is more reliable: the Sierra 1500 or Ram 1500? The Ram 1500 has better warranty coverage. It has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Sierra 1500 has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, the Ram 1500 has a higher predicted reliability rating than the Sierra 1500, with a score of 2/5 from Consumer Reports, compared to 1/5 for the Sierra 1500.

Sierra 1500 vs. Ram 1500: Price

Which truck costs more: the 2022 Sierra 1500 or the 2022 Ram 1500? The starting price for the 2022 Sierra 1500 ranges from $32,495 MSRP for the Pro trim up to $80,395 MSRP for the Denali Ultimate trim. In comparison, the starting price for the 2022 Ram 1500 ranges from $35,760 MSRP for the Tradesman trim up to $72,390 MSRP for the TRX trim.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2022 Ram 1500: Which truck is better?

With our 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2022 Ram 1500 comparison, each truck has advantages for different areas. For the Sierra 1500, advantages include towing, safety, and interior features and technologies. For the Ram 1500, advantages include performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, and reliability.