Ram 1500 vs. GMC Sierra 1500

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Ram 1500

$691
Average Annual
Repair Cost

GMC Sierra 1500

$727
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

3
1
2
Above Average
The Ram 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $691 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the 1500.
3
1
2
Above Average
The GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $727 which means it has average ownership costs. While repairs tend to be more severe than average, the number of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Sierra 1500.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
$691
inexpensive
expensive
$727
inexpensive
expensive
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
0.2
not often
very often
0.2
not often
very often
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
13%
not urgent
urgent
15%
not urgent
urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

5
(0)
4 (1)
3
(0)
2
(0)
1
(0)
The Ram 1500 ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
“Overall awesome truck. Hopefully the last one I'll ever own in my lifetime. I only drive it about 5K Miles a year and only 28K miles after 5 years of ownership. Multiple FCA Recalls for the U...”
“Overall awesome truck. Hopefully the last one I'll ever own in my lifetime. I only drive it...”
5 (4)
4 (22)
3 (14)
2 (2)
1 (2)
“2002 Sierra Denali. Overall great truck. Engine is has plenty of power. Love the AWD and Quadrasteer. 82K miles on it now. Avg MPG is 12.7 :( Only problems I've had is the brakes are complete crap,...”
“2002 Sierra Denali. Overall great truck. Engine is has plenty of power. Love the AWD and...”

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 are both full-size, body-on-frame, half-ton pickup trucks. Both trucks come with rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.

The GMC Sierra 1500’s standard engine has an output of 285 horsepower. The Ram 1500 comes out ahead here, with 305 horsepower. The top optional gas engine in the Sierra 1500 pulls ahead with 420 horsepower, compared to the Ram’s 395. The Ram 1500 stands alone if you want a diesel engine, since the Ram offers one and the Sierra does not.

In most other areas, these two pickup trucks have a lot in common. Both offer several different combinations of cab style and bed length. There is a great variety of trim levels, from really basic to over-the-top luxury. The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500 are both totally capable of towing, hauling and performing the toughest jobs, as well as handling all your family’s transportation needs.

So much of choosing a vehicle like a pickup truck is a matter of personal preference. Take a very close look, compare trim levels, equipment and price, then choose the one that seems like the right fit.