Compare the2026 Ram HDVS 2026 GMC Sierra HD

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Ram HD offers optional Reverse Stop that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The Ram HD’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Ram HD and the Sierra HD have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

Ram’s powertrain warranty covers the HD 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than GMC covers the Sierra HD. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Sierra HD ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Ram HD’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Sierra HD’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 43 percent more Ram dealers than there are GMC dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the HD’s warranty.

The Ram HD 3500 has a solid front axle with a floating power axle for durability that the Sierra HD 4x4’s independent front suspension and exposed front driveshafts don’t offer.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Ram HD has larger alternators than the Sierra HD:

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ram HD offers larger standard and optional batteries than the Sierra HD:

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ram HD 3500’s reliability 12 points higher than the Sierra HD.

The Ram HD’s 6.4 V8 produces 4 more horsepower (405 vs. 401) than the Sierra HD’s 6.6 V8.

The Ram HD’s 6.7 turbo diesel produces 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (1075 vs. 975) than the Sierra HD’s 6.6 turbo V8 diesel.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Ram HD V8’s fuel efficiency. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Ram HD Gas’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Ram HD Regular Cab/Standard Bed Crew Cab’s standard fuel tank has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra HD Double Cab Short Bed Diesel’s standard fuel tank (32 vs. 29 gallons). The Ram HD Long Bed Crew Cab’s optional fuel tank has 14 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra HD Gas Engine/Crew Cab Diesel’s standard fuel tank (50 vs. 36 gallons).

For better stopping power the Ram HD’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sierra HD:

The Ram HD stops much shorter than the Sierra HD:

The Ram HD has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Ram HD flat and controlled during cornering. The Sierra HD’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Ram HD Power Wagon has an active front sway bar, which helps keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnects at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The front suspension of the Ram HD uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Sierra HD, which uses torsion bars in front. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Ram HD 3500 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Ram HD’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Ram HD is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Sierra HD.

The Ram HD 2500 Long Box Crew Cab 4x4 handles at .72 G’s, while the Sierra 2500 HD Standard Bed AT4X AEV Crew Cab pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Ram HD’s turning circle is tighter than the Sierra HD’s:

The Ram HD may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 200 pounds less than the GMC Sierra HD.

The Ram HD is shorter than the Sierra HD, making the Ram HD easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:

The front grille of the Ram HD uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Ram HD offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Ram HD Crew Cab has 1.7 inches more front hip room, 2.5 inches more rear hip room and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sierra HD Crew Cab.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Ram HD Mega Cab’s available rear seats recline. The Sierra HD’s optional rear seats don’t recline.

Maximum trailer towing in the GMC Sierra HD is limited to 36,000 pounds. The Ram HD 3500 Long Box Regular Cab 4x4 offers up to a 36710 lbs. towing capacity.

The Ram HD has a higher standard payload capacity than the Sierra HD:

The Ram HD has much higher optional payload capacities than the Sierra HD:

The Ram HD’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Sierra HD’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Ram HD offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Sierra HD doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Ram HD also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ram HD’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Sierra HD SLE/SLT/AT4/Denali.

The Ram HD stands out above the GMC Sierra HD by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and two of them provide more flexibility. Both vehicles also offer Qi charging for the rear passengers.

Motor Trend selected the Ram HD as their 2020 Truck of the Year. The Sierra HD has never been chosen.