Not all that long ago, trucks were used for work exclusively and didn’t have much else besides a bed and functional elements. However, in 2024, people expect EVERYTHING from their truck, including even extreme amounts of luxury that would surprise a Mercedes. And that’s where these two trucks come in: the 2025 RAM 1500 vs 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. So in the luxury truck arms race, which one of these two is now on top? That’s what we’re here to find out today!
Pricing and Equipment
Now before we really start to dig in, let’s talk pricing. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, and as such, both these trucks will certainly have a luxury price tag.
Starting with the RAM Tungsten, this new trim slots in even above the already luxurious Limited trim. It starts at a price of $87,320 and once you add in options and destination it rings in a touch over $91 grand.
MSRP (Tungsten 4X4): $87,320 | Options: $2,230 | Destination: $1,995 | Total: $91,300
The Denali Ultimate Sierra also carries a large price tag, starting at $82,500 for 2024. Once you add in a few options, your grand total comes in at $87,190.
MSRP (Denali Ultimate 4×4): $82,500 | Options: $2,695 | Destination: $1,995 | Total: $87,190
By the way, if you want to get the best price from local dealerships and access to invoice pricing info for these two models or any vehicle, we have a tool on our website to do just that. Click here for more information!
Exterior Design
So even though others can’t see the huge price tags, they will easily be able to see how expensive they are via the luxurious design touches. These two have basically nothing in common with the more basic work versions, with plenty of bling to let others know you spent big bucks. The front of the Sierra has a darkened Vader Chrome, and meanwhile, the RAM Tungsten maximizes the brightwork, with a unique fully-chrome grille, and more importantly, it does not have a separated bumper like most trucks.
That gives it a more premium and integrated design and as far as lighting, both have advanced LED headlights and foglamps with entry and exit animations. Only the RAM has dynamic turn signals.
Moving to the side, both are only available in crew cab, short bed configurations for the top trims, and both also come equipped with elaborate and distinct looking 22-inch alloy wheels.
As far as the rear looks, again you have premium designs and elements like full LED taillights, exposed dual exhaust outlets, and premium tailgates.
Additional Features
And that’s where we will start as we move into the individual features. They are trucks after all, so both brands spent a lot of time developing innovative methods to get the job done. In the GMC, we have the multi-pro gate. It has 6 different modes, including a step with assist handle, which isn’t found on the RAM but our Tungsten includes a fully power tailgate instead of the split option.
While both have steps to get into the bed, the Sierra has a step built into the bumper plus a backwards moving power running board for side access. Speaking of the side, only the RAM has the innovative feature of RAM boxes which provide a good amount of space on both sides of the truck to store tools.
Once inside, the beds are lined, we have LED lighting, and power outlets. A neat feature the Denali includes is a kicker audio system built into the tailgate for ultimate tailgating.
Moving past that, both models have fully loaded mirrors with heating, power-folding, auto-dimming and blind spot monitoring.
And as far as all the other safety features, both of their high trims include all the active ones as standard equipment. In addition, a new feature for the 2025 RAM is a hands-free level 2 highway driving function which is something the GMC has offered for a few years with the Super Cruise option.
GMC: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi
RAM: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi
Finally, towing is still important even for luxury trucks, and the GMC can handle about 12% more at 13,000 pounds as a maximum.
Ram (3.0L Twin-Turbo HO I-6): 7,820 lbs
GMC (6.2L V-8): 8,900 lbs
Anyway, that’s the end of the exterior comparison, but now let’s see which interior will blow your mind more.
Interior Design
So, walking up the vehicles, both are obviously going to have smart entry systems with integrated remote start, and they have power running boards for extra convenience.
But open those doors and you’ll begin to see why they cost $90 grand. They are elaborately appointed spaces, starting with the seats themselves. In the RAM, we have a lovely Natura plus real leather finished in a blue and white color combo. In the GMC, we have Alpine Umber Brown leather with stitching, piping, and badging. Both seats are heated, ventilated, and are massaging for both driver and passenger. However, the RAM takes the cake when it comes to adjustability with 24-way power adjustment compared to 16, and even a power headrest.
But let’s get inside and evaluate the overall materials. It’s hard to convey just how nicely these cabins are executed, so the best way is just for you to watch all the commonly touched areas, which are smothered in real leather, real open-pore wood, and aluminum. Additionally, both have elaborate stitching details, branded elements, and suede headliners. It’s a hard decision to choose between the two of them, so we’re going to have to say this is a tie.
Now after startup, let’s move into the features, where both trucks have a 12.3-inch full digital gauge clusters and large head up displays.
Of course, it pretty much goes without saying that both steering wheels are heated, and leather wrapped, but the RAM’s is still not power adjusting for 2025. Oppositely, it’s only the RAM that has leather covered airbag cover and power adjusting pedals.
Storage and Technology
Now the next area to evaluate is interior storage, where both are enormous, however, the RAM is positively gigantic. Since its shifter is not on the center console, that allows the entire area to be a multi-functional storage area.
Now speaking of the shifters, both are electronic setups, and when in reverse, both give you 360-degree camera systems. These have all the angles you would need to line up a trailer, and speaking of that, they also have trailer backup assist functions.
Alrighty, that brings us to the audio systems. The RAM already had the best truck audio system, and for the 2025 Tungsten it gets an even better 23-speaker Klipsch audio system. The Sierra’s Bose system is nothing to sleep on, but the Ram’s system is elite tier.
RAM: 1,228-watt, 23-speaker, Klipsch Reference Premiere audio
GMC: 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system
Now let’s go ahead and check out the mega screens. The RAM’s gets even bigger this year with a 14.5-inch display, while the GMC has a 13.4-inch display. Even though they’re oriented in opposite ways, that’s about 7% more screen real-estate.
Software wise, they both have the latest versions which include things such as wireless AA and ACP, and built-in navigation. Beyond that, though, the refreshed RAM is now also including a 10.25-inch passenger screen. This allows the passenger to make audio and navigation adjustments in addition to watching shows on long road trips.
Finally, ending the front areas, the luxury trucks have rear camera mirrors, but the Sierra is still not available with a panoramic moonroof.
Rear Seats and Cargo
But the luxury does not stop in the front, and to be honest, in many ways, the back seats are the place to be. They both offer enormous accommodations, with limo-like head and legroom dimensions that are less than 5% apart.
RAM: Legroom: 44.8-inches | Headroom: 39.9 inches
GMC: Legroom: 43.4-inches | Headroom: 40.1 inches
Materials from the front follow through to the back, and they are loaded with amenities such as rear vents, USB ports and heated rear seats. However, the RAM has several advantages since its back seats are also ventilated, can recline, and it also has a household power outlet.
As far as storage cubbies are concerned, both have hidden options with the GMC’s in the seatbacks and the RAM in the floor.
But there are some big differences when it comes to the powertrains, so let’s dive into that next!
Powertrains
These two have been quite different so far and it’s only going to continue that trend when it comes to what’s powering them. For 2025, RAM gets a big change in the powertrain since what was previously a HEMI V8 is now replaced with a high-output 3.0L Twin-Turbo inline 6-cylinder making a whopping 540 horsepower. Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra keeps that traditional V-8 experience with a 6.2L V-8 making 420 horsepower. While you may still like the sound of the V8 better, that means the RAM will be substantially faster to 60 than the Sierra.
Sierra: 6.2L V-8: 420 hp | 460 lb.ft
RAM: 3.0L Hurricane Twn-Turbo I-6 (High Output) | 540 hp | 521 lb.ft
As far as the transmissions are concerned, both are very smooth and well-calibrated 8-and-10 speed automatics.
Test Drive and Fuel Economy
But perhaps more important than the power, is ride quality. Now make no mistake, the Denali Ultimate still rides very nicely, but it is no match for the RAM’s class-exclusive air suspension. Its ride quality is on more on par with luxury SUV’s than a typical truck, plus it also helps with increased clearance off-road and less clearance when entering the cabin or hooking up a trailer.
And as far as sound isolation, we expect both to be extremely quiet, but due to the media drive location in Texas we cannot officially score this point. For your reference, the GMC comes in at 55.6 dB and the RAM on a louder road surface 59 dB.
RAM: 59.0 dB @ 55 MPH
GMC: 55.6 dB @ 55 MPH
Finally, when it comes to fuel economy, the RAM hasn’t been EPA tested yet but we do expect a higher rating than the GMC’s 17 MPG combined.
RAM HO I-6: – MPG
Sierra 6.2L 4×4: 15/19/17 mpg
2025 RAM 1500 vs. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 winner!
Well, that’s it for another comparison! These two luxury trucks truly bring their A-game when it comes to luxury and utility, but let’s see who YOUR winner should be!
Sierra:
- Classic V8 noise
- Multi-pro tailgate with side entry step
- Higher towing capacity
RAM:
- Most luxurious (factoring in tech, audio system, seating)
- Faster 0-60 MPH
- Interior storage
- Extra rear seat amenities
What do you guys think? Let us know below!
Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!
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