CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 VS GMC SIERRA 1500
GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: What's the Difference Between These Two GM Trucks?
You already knew that the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500 were both built by General Motors. But did you realize that they both share four engine options, three cab sizes, three bed lengths, and a similar platform? Despite these similarities, there are some notable differences that Lancaster drivers should consider when trying to decide between the two. Faulkner Buick GMC West Chester has developed the following comparison to help with your choice.
Performance
Engine/Acceleration
It's a cinch to keep up with traffic on I-76 in Philadelphia with the new GMC Sierra 1500. It comes standard with a turbocharged 310-horsepower four-cylinder engine, but three other motors are available, including:
- 305-horsepower turbodiesel motor
- 355-horsepower V8 engine
- 420-horsepower V8 engine
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 also comes with a turbocharged 310-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Its optional powertrains are also identical, including:
- 305-horsepower turbodiesel motor
- 355-horsepower V8 engine
- 420-horsepower V8 engine
Towing Capability
When equipped with the turbodiesel engine, Double Cab, rear-wheel drive, and the Max Trailering package, the new GMC Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,200 pounds. King of Prussia drivers will appreciate that even Sierra 1500 models with the base four-cylinder motor can tow at least 8,800 pounds.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 has a tow rating of 13,300 pounds. Achieving this capacity requires the Max Trailering package and either the turbodiesel engine or the 420-horsepower V8. Silverado 1500 models with the base turbocharged engine can tow at least 8,900 pounds.
Payload Capacity
The new GMC Sierra 1500 can haul up to 2,240 pounds when equipped with the base engine, a Regular cab, rear-wheel drive, and an 8-foot bed. Even with a 6-foot, 6-inch cargo box, the Sierra 1500 can carry a payload of up to 2,230 pounds.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 can haul a max payload of 2,260 pounds. To reach that capacity, you must have the Regular Cab and either an 8-foot or a 6-foot-6-inch bed. Short bed models have a 2,170-pound payload capacity.
Off-Road Proficiency
If you enjoy driving on backwoods trails near Downingtown, the new GMC Sierra 1500 offers two off-road focused models and an off-road oriented special edition in its lineup. The GMC Sierra AT4 trim comes with four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, an upgraded suspension, a heavy-duty air filter, hill descent control, a 2-inch lift, and skid plates. AT4X models gain locking front and rear differentials, off-road dampers, and all-terrain tires. The AT4X AEV Edition adds steel bumpers with heavy-duty tow points and a winch, along with five skid plates and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires. The AT4 and AT4X provide a maximum ground clearance of 11.1 inches, and the AEV Edition boosts it to 11.2 inches.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 also has a couple of off-road specialty trims and an off-road focused ZR2 Bison package. The Silverado 1500 Trail Boss comes with four-wheel drive, a 2-inch suspension lift, Z71 shock absorbers, skid plates, mud-terrain tires, and a two-speed transfer case. The Silverado 1500 ZR2 gains locking differentials, multiple skid plates, 11.2 inches of ground clearance, and high-performance suspension components. Adding the ZR2 Bison package gives it 18-inch gloss black wheels, stamped steel bumpers, and improved approach and departure angles.
Fuel Economy
West Chester, PA drivers who want better fuel economy should go with a GMC Sierra 1500 truck that has a turbodiesel engine. With this powertrain and rear-wheel drive, the Sierra 1500 returns 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Models with the base four-cylinder gas engine get 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 earns 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway when equipped with the turbodiesel engine and rear-wheel drive. With the base four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, the Silverado 1500 delivers 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Ride and Handling
The new GMC Sierra 1500 stays composed around turns thanks to its responsive steering and stout brakes. It also rides gently on its well-tuned independent suspension.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 is easy to maneuver around turns, but there's not much steering feeling or athleticism. It also feels a little harsher over bumps in the road than the Sierra 1500.
Interior
Cab Styles/Passenger Space
The new GMC Sierra 1500 is available in Regular, Double, and Crew Cab body styles with seating for three to six people. Optional captain's chairs reduce the capacity to five in Double and Crew Cab versions. Taller passengers in Lancaster will like the 43.4 inches of backseat legroom in the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 comes in Regular, Double, and Crew Cab as well, and it also seats three to six people. The front bucket seats are comfortable and afford good outward visibility, but rear-seat legroom in the Silverado 1500 Double Cab is merely mediocre.
Bed Sizes
The new GMC Sierra 1500 is offered with a long, standard, or short bed. The long bed is 8 feet long, the standard bed is 6 feet, 6 inches long, and the short bed is 5 feet 8 inches. Philadelphia drivers will appreciate the Sierra 1500's available MultiPro Tailgate, which combines six convenient functions that help improve loading, unloading, and accessing the cargo bed.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 also offers a choice of long, standard, or short bed configurations. They also range from 5-feet-8 inches to 8 feet long, with a standard bed that's 6 feet, 6 inches long.
Cabin Materials/Luxury
Even the base GMC Sierra 1500 models have an upscale look with a wide touchscreen and toggle-style switches for audio and secondary functions. The range-topping Denali and Denali Ultimate trims have leather, wood, and suede materials that rival what you'd find in a luxury car.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500's lower trims have too many hard plastics and a dull overall design. Higher trims are fancier, with more quality touches and a fresher design, but they don't come close to the luxury-level accommodations of the GMC Sierra 1500.
Technology
Infotainment Systems
Both the new GMC Sierra 1500 and the new Chevy Silverado 1500 have basic standard infotainment systems with 7-inch touch screens. They both offer an optional 13.4-inch touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. People in King of Prussia, PA will want the GMC Sierra 1500's available 12-speaker Bose Premium stereo system with Centerpoint® surround sound.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500's finest available audio system is a 7-speaker stereo.
Optional Amenities
The new GMC Sierra offers a wide array of gratifying optional features that Downingtown drivers will like, including a bed-mounted stereo, a console-mounted safe, a universal garage door opener, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a household-style power outlet.
The new Chevy Silverado 1500 offers dual-zone automatic climate control, but a bed-mounted stereo, a console-mounted safe, a universal garage door opener, and a household-style power outlet are not available in this Chevy.
Test Drive the New GMC Sierra 1500 at Faulkner Buick GMC West Chester
Both the new GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500 are high-quality General Motors trucks, but the Sierra 1500 offers a few nicer features and plusher cabin materials than its Chevy counterpart. Visit Faulkner Buick GMC West Chester and experience the difference firsthand.
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