2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 RAM 2500
When drivers are looking to purchase a heavy-duty pickup truck they will most definitely be comparing the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs. 2018 RAM 2500. Both of these pickups carry a strong presence and hold their own in categories that define what a tough, rugged, yet stylish truck needs to be in 2018. The Sierra 2500HD is built tough and looks great whether its covered in mud or shined up, making it the perfect pick-up for any occasion, be it work or play. The exterior of the Sierra received a few updates, most notably on the Denali trim and standard models now come with a 7-inch touchscreen for its main control panel. The 2018 RAM 2500 also holds its own in the looks and performance department for those in the market for a new heavy-duty truck.
Overall, the Sierra 2500HD comes in with a slightly higher MSRP than the RAM 2500. However, the slightly higher entry price on the base model of the Sierra is well worth it because it has many features as standard whereas drivers will have to upgrade their trim in order to get close to these features on a RAM 2500, where many of these features are only available as optional upgrades on certain trims. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs. the 2018 RAM 2500 hold up in three major categories: performance, technology, and safety.
Safety
No matter which pickup truck you choose, drivers who are towing and hauling such serious loads need to be sure they are safely in control of their cargo. That’s why safety features, both classic and those features that use state of the art new technology, are so important on these trucks that tow such serious weight and bulk. Let’s look at the Sierra and the RAM in the ever-important area of safety.
The 2018 Sierra brings many new technological advances to its safety game. The Sierra 2500 2018 model also keeps many of its classic safety technology to round out its safety performance. Here’s a list of some of the Sierra 2500’s most popular safety features:
- Anti-lock Brakes and Stability Control – Both of these classic safety features give drivers stopping protection and control over their vehicles in any kind of conditions. For heavy-duty pickup trucks in 2018, this is a key feature all drivers should look out for.
- Comprehensive Airbag Systems – The airbag system in the Sierra 2500HD includes front and side impact airbags along with overhead airbags. Additional protection is provided in this system via seatbelt pre-tensioners onboard the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD.
- Back-Up Camera – The backup camera, which is a new addition for the 2018 Sierra 2500 HD, provides much needed rear and side view control in the area of visibility for drivers when they are reversing and parking. As any pickup driver will tell you, control and visibility are the epitome of safety when it comes to driving and hauling heavy loads – whether it is for work or for play.
- Tire Pressure Alert – This tire pressure and fill alert helps drivers keep their tires filled to the correct level on their 2018 Sierra 2500 HD. Proper air tire pressure is crucial to your control and maneuverability when driving any vehicle, especially a larger one and one that is hauling weight and bulk.
While the features onboard the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD are extremely impressive, the 2018 RAM 2500 has a lot to offer drivers as well. Now let’s take a look at the safety features onboard the 2018 RAM 2500:
- Anti Lock Brakes and Stability Control – Like the 2018 Sierra 2500 HD, the RAM 2500 HD also features the useful anti-lock brake system as well as stability control that allows drivers the extra security that these features offer.
- Airbag Offerings – Front, side, and overhead airbags are part of the suite of airbag protection included in the RAM 2500 2018 model. These carefully placed airbags protect drivers and passengers by padding well-researched areas within the vehicles. Seatbelt pre-tensioners place passengers and driver in the safest seating position in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
Basic safety features are available on the RAM 2500, however, safety is another area where drivers may find themselves wanting more. If they do, they will need to once again dish out extra cash for a trim upgrade in order to get the available safety features, especially those that are heavy in the technology department. Overall, it is safe to say that the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the better choice when it comes to advanced safety technologies, among its other impressive features.
Technology
Speaking of technology, this may be the area where these big name trucks differ the most. While the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 has led the way with technological advances, the 2018 RAM 2500 has not really brought it’s “A” game when it comes to modern onboard technology.
The Sierra 2500HD brings its very best to its driver awareness assistance as well as its touchscreen and central control tech. Drivers have the most up to date navigation, entertainment, and safety tech immediately at their fingertips. Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility round out the Sierra 2500’s tech and make it a pleasure to drive and ride in.
Meanwhile, the RAM does not really show much in the tech game for the year 2018. Modern drivers expect modern amenities and will be hard pressed to find many of the now standard features included on the 2018 RAM. One place where the RAM 2018 does excel is with its impressive infotainment system. The RAM 2500’s infotainment system has a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All of these infotainment features are new for the 2018 model year. While there are some nice tech features available on the RAM 2500 for 2018, most of the features are optional and are only available with trim upgrades. The available features for the 2018 RAM 2500 include:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- AUX input
- Bluetooth Auto and phone
- Mobile Wi-Fi
- Navigation features with Real-time traffic
- Real-time weather
- USB ports
- Voice recognition technology
The small 5-inch touch-screen can be upgraded as well to an 8.4-inch screen on the top level LaRAMie Longhorn Limited. The display nicely lets drivers view navigation to their favorite destinations and vehicle information that is crucial to safety on the road. While the RAM has stepped up their tech game a bit, drivers will still find the base level of the RAM to be lacking in the tech department and will have to pay extra for many available features that come standard on the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD.
Performance
Let’s start with the impressive performance of the 2018 Sierra 2500 HD. Sporting high-gloss style, this heavy-duty pickup is hard-working and reliable and can manage serious loads with the rest of them. The heavy-duty GMC Sierra 2500 HD has a unique sheet metal construction, the option of an available DuRAMax diesel, and an Allison transmission for more power for towing capacity. The DuRAMax engine makes 445 horsepower, which is among the best in its class. The 2018 Sierra 2500HD tops off its powerful capability with 910 lb-ft of torque. These powerhouse features allow the Sierra 2500HD to tow up to 23,300 pounds. While this comes in slightly lower than the RAM’s hauling maximum capacity, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD handles and rides better on the road. Overall, many drivers feel it is a more refined ride for a truck with such a great hard-working towing capability. Drivers who really want to shine in their Sierra 2500HD can choose the Denali Trim which is splashed out in chrome and has an interior that rivals any luxury vehicle. The GMC Sierra 2500 works hard, rides smooth, and looks great on the road.
Now let’s take a look at the 2018 RAM 2500 series in the same way. As we noted, the RAM 2500 has a slightly greater tow maximum than the Sierra, but many drivers don’t feel that this makes up for its sometimes clumsy performance on the road. While the RAM remains a power player in the way of its sheer force and capability, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to upgraded features, technology, handling, and other features that modern pick-up truck drivers are looking for. The RAM offers drivers leading performance in its class for torque and horsepower. With all of this power to back it up, the RAM can handle almost any job you throw at it. However, with its technology lagging behind other brands, the RAM doesn’t score quite as high in the performance department as the 2018 Sierra 2500 HD.