When you need high towing or payload capabilities and strong but efficient performance, heavy-duty trucks are ideal. The 2023 Ram 2500 and the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 are two of the most well-liked vehicles in this category. Both are wise decisions for a new vehicle, but compared side by side, only one can come out on top. Let’s compare these trucks and see if the 2023 Ram 2500 or GMC Sierra 2500 has more to offer.
Interior Features
The 2023 Ram 2500’s cabin prioritizes comfort and convenience with supportive seating, versatile storage areas, and opulent extras at an affordable price. The 2023 Ram 2500 can be customized inside as well as out. The standard front bench splits into a 40/20/40 configuration, and there are additional rear seating options; front bucket seats are available too.
The 2023 GMC 2500 also receives praise for its bold interior accents, but the access to luxury interior features could be better. Forge perforated leather seating surfaces, potentially in jet black with Kalahari accents, and front perforated leather seating are just a few of the eye-catching interior options. On the base trim level, you’ll find a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with covered armrest storage, and some trims add under-seat storage compartments.
Infotainment
Inside the 2023 Ram 2500, a Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch touch screen or Uconnect 5 Nav with an 8.4-inch touch screen is standard, depending on your choice of trim level. Along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can get Amazon Alexa, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, GPS antenna input, and integrated voice commands. Four or six audio speakers are generally standard, but higher models, such as the Laramie, have a set of nine Alpine speakers with a subwoofer as standard. You can even find a 17-speaker Harman Kardon Premium sound system.
Depending on the model, the Sierra 2500 has either a 3.5-inch diagonal monochromatic driver information center or a 4.2-inch diagonal color alternative, while touch screens vary from 8 to 13.4 inches. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and other features are present, and you can make use of thorough surround-sound systems, adaptive cruise control accessible from the steering wheel, and more. While some standard features might seem a bit better, we feel you may find the best deal on an entry- or mid-level truck with the Ram.
Cabin and Bed Dimensions
The 2023 Ram 2500 can come with a 6-foot-4-inch bed and a cargo volume of 57.5 cubic feet or an 8-foot bed at 74.7 cubic feet. As for the standard two-row cabin, its front legroom is 40.9 inches, with a near-equal rear legroom of 40.2 inches. The headroom is 39.8 inches in the rear and 40.9 inches up front.
The GMC’s Sierra 2500’s cargo volume is 69.5 cubic feet from a 6-foot-9-inch standard bed or up to 83.5 cubic feet with the 8-foot bed. The standard two-row cabin choice has 43 inches of headroom and 44.5 inches of legroom in the front and 40.1 and 43.4 inches of rear headroom and legroom, respectively.
Engine
Customers who purchase the new Ram 2500 have an option between a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel I-6 engine or a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8. The V-8 is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the turbo diesel I-6 engine generates a staggering 850 lb-ft of torque and 370 horsepower.
The GMC Sierra 2500 HD has a six-speed automatic transmission for a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine, which generates 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, you can get 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque from the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 engine, which uses an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
Although the Sierra brings good torque levels, Ram trucks generally have slightly better fuel economy, including up to 18 highway mpg on diesel, compared to 17 with the GMC. The higher horsepower and eight-speed transmission on the Ram’s V-8 are also worth noting.
Performance and Capability
The Sierra 2500’s diesel version can sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than seven seconds and under 20 seconds when towing a trailer weighing 18,000 pounds. The maximum towing capability for diesel-engine Crew Cab trucks is 18,500 pounds, although when gooseneck trailering, the diesel two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicle in Regular Cab configuration can pull up to 18,510 pounds. The 2WD Regular Cab with the gas engine has a maximum payload capacity of 3,979 pounds.
Depending on the body type, the diesel Ram truck has a towing capability ranging from 14,670 to 15,530 pounds, and base models with the gasoline V-8 still tow up to 10,520 pounds with no additional packages. Without sacrificing efficiency, this engine provides great response and impressive torque ratings for outstanding towing performance. The new telescopic trailer tow mirrors, with rear and forward illumination available, may extend and retract to provide improved visibility when parking in confined spaces.
It doesn’t end there for the Ram 2500, though. Switch to four-wheel drive to take advantage of lower gear ratios for navigating deep sand, thick snow, or mud. For balanced torque distribution and improved traction, reduce the rear split differential’s lock setting. With a Ram, you can find the right model for you and drive your own way.
Safety Features
For the 2023 Ram 2500, you can expect electronic roll mitigation and stability control, hill-start assist, and a ParkView rear backup camera. You’ll also get a tire-fill alert, traction control, and trailer sway damping. Ram trucks also make use of advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, and other developments to protect every occupant. A LATCH-ready child-seat anchor system is also included.
The GMC Sierra 2500 also brings a similar range of standard and optional features, including StabiliTrak with traction control and Teen Driver mode as standard. You can watch your trailer from 15 different camera angles, depending on your choice of multiple trailer and surround-view camera packages. With multiple, increasingly pricey options, however, drivers around New Prague, Minnesota, may find the Ram 2500 with Trailer 360 Surround View more convenient.
2023 Ram 2500 vs. GMC 2500
Overall, while these two heavy-duty trucks have similarities, and the GMC brings a bit more towing capability at times, the price makes it a hard sell compared to a 2023 Ram 2500. Browse our new CDJR vehicle inventory and check out what Ram, Jeep, and Dodge trucks are on sale at Jeff Belzer CDJR New Prague.
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