If you are in the market for a new pickup truck you are probably somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of options and selection available. The best way to find the right truck for you is to consider what your needs and wants are. A few of the main considerations you should think of include towing capabilities, cargo room, entertainment system, interior space, fuel efficiency and engine specifications. When shopping for a new pickup truck you will also want to consider total price, leasing terms and offers.
Once you have narrowed down what type of truck you would like, you will need to start to do a little deeper research. Fortunately, if you are in the market for a General Motors’ full-size pickup, we have compared two of their siblings, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra. These trucks are very similar- sharing the same dimensions, platform, curb weight and drivetrains. They also have some key differences that potential buyers will want to be aware of before committing to a purchase.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado
Source: chevrolet.com
2017 GMC Sierra
Source: gmc.com
Performance
The Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra both come equipped with a 285-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. If you are looking for greater horsepower for increased performance and towing capabilities you can also choose from two V8 engines, including a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter and a 420-horsepower 6.20 liter. You can also choose from an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both pick-ups will provide you with a comfortable ride and terrific handling for a large vehicle. They feature responsive steering and consistent brakes.
Winner: Tie. It’s a tie here because both trucks deliver the same offerings and performance.
Towing
The Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra can both tow a maximum of 9,800 pounds. If the trucks are properly equipped they can both tow up to 12,500 pounds.
Winner: Tie. It’s a tie for towing capabilities.
Cargo Space
The Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra offer three bed sizes. You can choose from the 6-foot-6-inch bed which can be had with any cab. If you need more space you can also choose a standard cab with an 8-foot bed. If you opt for the crew cab model you can also choose a 5-foot-8-inch bed.
Winner: Tie. Both pickups have the same offerings for cargo space and bed sizes.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado
Source: chevrolet.com
2017 GMC Sierra
Source: gmc.com
Technology
The Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra both offer great infotainment systems and available upgrades. They each have a standard 4.2-inch display- with the upgrade option of a 7-inch touch screen complete with Apple Carplay and Android Audio. You can also opt for an 8-inch touchscreen complete with navigation. Both pickups offer a variety of entertainment options including Bluetooth, wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, Bose sound systems, rear-seat entertainment options and Wi-Fi.
Winner: Tie. The Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra offer the same infotainment systems and options.
Interior
You can choose from a variety of different configurations in both the Silverado and the Sierra including Regular Cab, Double Cab and Crew Cab. The interior of both pickups features cup holders, storage areas and a large center console. The Silverado has an edge on the Sierra because it features high-end materials and is very luxurious- especially for upper trims.
Winner: 2017 GMC Sierra. The Sierra’s interior offers more luxury and is quieter than the Silverado.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado
Source: Dong liu / Shutterstock.com
2017 GMC Sierra
Source: Sergey Kohl / Shutterstock.com
Safety
The Silverado and the Sierra have both earned five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both pickups have many safety options available including rearview camera, parking sensors, lane keep assist, automatic forward breaking and more.
Winner: Tie. The Sierra and the Silverado received the same scores in many safety tests and offer the same safety options.
Pricing
The Silverado base Regular Cab model starts at $27,585. A Sierra base Regular Cab model starts at $28,205. When fully equipped, both pickups can cost well over $55,000.
Winner: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado provides you with slightly more luxury than the Sierra at matching price points.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado
Source: Chiradech Chotchuang / Shutterstock.com
The Winner: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The Chevy Silverado provides you with greater reliability and offerings for slightly less money than the Sierra.
