Heavy Duty Pickups are man’s best friend when it comes to handling tough jobs. Recently, these titans of towing have seen something of a shift in focus lately, with their ultimate power figures being complimented now with an increasingly modern and ritzier interior. In this Ram 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500 towing, performance, and ruggedness review, we’ll compare two premier models in the class, giving you the power to decide which of the two HD Pickups is best suited for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Ram is given a needed refresh, keeping the HD pickup relevant and classy in a segment with serious competition.
- The GMC Sierra doesn’t slow down its steady stream of refinements, with those coming in this year making for a model thats hard to turn down.
- A new, powerful inline six is introduced, giving the Ram some serious horsepower.
Will the 2025 Ram 1500 be redesigned?
For 2025, the Ram 1500 gets a smart and refined update that balances performance, technology, and luxury. The big headline is the retirement of the legendary Hemi V-8, replaced by a new twin-turbocharged inline-six that pumps out either 420 or 540 horsepower, depending on how you spec it. On the outside, the changes are more about finesse than flash: redesigned lighting elements, new wheel designs, and fresh paint options keep the Ram's look sharp and current without altering its rugged DNA.
Inside, the tech upgrade is substantial. A 12.0-inch touchscreen is now standard, and those who want more can opt for a sprawling 14.5-inch main display, complemented by a 10.3-inch passenger-side screen. At the top of the lineup sits the new Tungsten trim, which goes full luxury: quilted leather, massaging seats, and a stunning 23-speaker Klipsch audio system set a new benchmark for what a high-end truck can be.
- Tradesman - $42,370
- HFE - $43,155
- Big Horn - $47,030
- Warlock - $56,355
- Laramie - $62,125
- Rebel - $66,290
- Limited - $77,250
- Longhorn - $77,745
- Tungsten - $89,170
Ram has fancied up the 2025 1500 with a new top-end Tungsten trim that features quilted-leather upholstery, 24-way adjustable seats with massage, and a suede headliner. Sounds nice, right? Well, it's nearly $90,000, so it ought to be. The best buy of the lineup is either the Laramie or Rebel trim, the latter of which offers off-road add-ons to help you take the 1500 beyond the beaten path.
Will the 2025 Sierra be redesigned?
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 continues to refine its winning formula with a series of thoughtful updates that enhance both everyday usability and premium appeal. While the all-electric Sierra EV grabs headlines, the gas-powered Sierra remains a staple, now offering standard cruise control across all trims. Rear-wheel-drive versions of the SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims gain a standard trailer brake controller, making them more capable for towing right out of the box. The Denali Ultimate trim now comes equipped with GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, reinforcing its luxury-oriented mission. A new Universal Vehicle Module control box is introduced for easier integration of aftermarket accessories like lights and winches, offering added flexibility for personalization and off-road gear.
Additionally, the Pro Crew Cab 4WD is now the only Sierra variant offering FlexFuel compatibility. The versatile MultiPro Tailgate, previously reserved for higher trims, is now an optional feature on the SLE RWD and Elevation models. These updates aren’t radical, but they sharpen the Sierra 1500’s strengths, whether you’re seeking a rugged workhorse, a tech-forward off-roader, or a luxury pickup with serious capability.
Summary
The best deal is the Ram here, with its impressive power and towing stats, as well as its extremely luxurious interior making for a pickup that can do it all while keeping you cool as a cucumber on the inside. With a Ram 1500, you can handle all of the toughest jobs your job site has to offer while feeling like you never left your couch.