DARE TO COMPARE
GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs. Ram 2500
At a Glance: Sierra 2500 HD vs. Ram 2500
As the owner of a small construction business near Escondido, and San Marcos, CA, you need to assemble a reliable team, and that includes adding the right equipment. Of course, you also have an active family life, so driving a truck that can pull double duty, as you do, would be ideal. That’s why you’re considering the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500.
The North County GMC team has put together this comparison of the Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 to help you decide which of these heavy-duty pickups has what it takes to handle your workday demands and your weekend adventures with equal competence and enthusiasm. Let’s go!
MAX HORSEPOWER
470 HP | 430 HP
Sierra 2500 HD vs. Ram 2500
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
10-speed | 8-speed
Sierra 2500 HD vs. Ram 2500
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
21,870 lbs. | 20,000 lbs.
Sierra 2500 HD vs. Ram 2500
Heavy-Duty Duel: Clash of the Pickups
Select a category below to learn more about how the GMC Sierra 2500 HD compares to the Ram 2500.
CAPABILITY
Because your workday starts early, often runs late, and even extends to DIY projects at home, you need a pickup that is capable of transitioning from the worksite to the campsite—and beyond. Whether you’re hauling tools or ATVs, towing heavy equipment or an RV, the Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 are ready to work—and play.
Power Players
It all starts with brute strength, and these two pickups deliver. Both trucks, offered with 2WD or available 4WD, equip a standard V8 engine that produces at least 400 horsepower (HP). However, a closer look reveals the GMC delivers more with its base configuration:
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Engine: 464 lb-ft of torque
- Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI® V8 Engine: 429 lb-ft of torque
The extra torque in the GMC allows this truck to pull heavier trailers and reach higher speeds quicker than the Ram. Another factor that goes into power is transmission.
The Ram 2500 pairs its engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD’s 10-speed automatic transmission has closer ratios and smaller gear steps for better acceleration and smoother operation. The included Tow/Haul mode provides increased control when hauling or towing a heavy load, and its Auto Grade Braking helps slow the truck on downhill grades and reduces brake wear.
Heavy Lifting Haul of Fame
Having power is one thing; knowing what to do with it is another. The GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 earn their keep and prove their mettle with impressive capabilities. Still, with a cargo volume of 69.5 cubic feet in the Crew Cab configuration—compared to 60.7 cubic feet with the Ram— the Sierra 2500 HD offers more room for tools and other gear.
These two pickups are considered “heavy duty” for a reason, notably for their top-tier towing capabilities. Each model can tow tons of weight when properly equipped, but which offers more power?
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD Max Towing Capacity: 21,870 pounds
- Ram 2500 Max Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
In addition to towing more, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD makes towing effortless, thanks to available technology like up to 14 camera views, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailering, and more. Features like these expand your truck’s capabilities and may help grow your business beyond what you might think possible.
CUSTOMIZATION
The ability to customize your truck to your specific needs plays an active role in its adaptability. While you want a pickup that can roll with the punches, take on tough terrain, and head out into the rough, you still expect a certain level of comfort.
Tailor Your Truck, Your Way
With comparable exterior dimensions, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 look every bit the part with their bold stance and rugged styling that command attention. For ultimate versatility, you may prefer that your truck stand out from others on the road while also offering additional utility. Both models offer multiple cab choices with seating capacities from three to six. However, you may find you prefer the extra options and space offered only with the GMC Sierra 2500 HD.
GMC Sierra 2500 HD | Ram 2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cabs | 3 | 2 |
| Bed Length Range | 82.2 - 98.3 in. | 75 – 96 in. |
| Crew Cab w/ Standard Bed Headroom (Front/Rear) | 43 /40.1 in. | 40.9/39.8 in. |
| Crew Cab w/ Standard Bed Legroom (Front/Rear) | 44.5/43.4 in. | 40.9/40.2 in. |
Across the board, the GMC makes the most of its space to maximize cargo and passenger space.
Where Comfort Meets Convenience
With a long day ahead of you, comfort is everything. Passenger space is a great place to start, but the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 go beyond merely having enough space and offer available upscale features you’d expect to find only in luxury vehicles, such as:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Multi-zone climate control
GMC takes your comfort to the next level by offering an optional driver’s seat that adjusts up to 16 ways. The Ram 2500’s seat can only be adjusted a maximum of eight ways.
Not only will you be able to find the perfect driving position in the Sierra 2500 HD, but you can relax while it helps ease the tensions after a long day on the jobsite, thanks to its available massage function. The Ram goes without these extra amenities.
CONFIDENCE
Life doesn’t slow down while you’re traveling. Staying connected allows you to monitor last-minute project adjustments or respond to emails from anywhere. Knowing that your pickup has intelligent safety systems built in to help protect you and your crew allows you to drive every mile with confidence.
Your Mobile Command Center
Heading to an out-of-town jobsite? Need to call your supplier about an order? Want to enjoy your favorite road-trip playlist? With the GMC Sierra 2500 and the Ram 2500 these features, and more, are all within reach. Access your navigation, contacts, and music through touchscreens that integrate wirelessly with your smartphone through Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ in either pickup.
For maximum pleasure, each truck provides premium audio systems inside their cabs. However, only the GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers the weatherproof MultiPro™ Audio System by Kicker® in the exterior for a literal tailgate party.
Smart Tech = Safer Truck
You can have confidence whenever you’re behind the wheel of the GMC Sierra 2500 HD or the Ram 2500, even when you’re on unfamiliar roadways. Thanks to their standard safety suites, you’ll have a virtual copilot watching out for you with brand-specific versions of:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Sierra 2500 HD continues its trend of providing more, beginning with the base trim, such as Lane Departure Warning. Ram’s Lane Management System is only available as part of a special safety package.
Your Heavy Duty for the Long Haul
The GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Ram 2500 are robust pickups from brands with similar reputations for reliability. Still, the Sierra 2500 HD’s superior towing capacity, additional standard features, and cutting-edge technologies make it the better option for your daily demands near Escondido, and San Marcos, CA.
If you’d like to get behind the wheel of the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and put it to the ultimate test, contact North County GMC today. Your team’s next most value-added asset awaits.
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