Chevy Silverado 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500

The most potent powerplant for both trucks is a 6.2-liter V-8 (4WD models only) with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While a Sierra 1500 Crew Cab with a short bed can tow up to 13,000 pounds with this engine, the Silverado 1500 holds a slight edge with a max tow rating of 13,300 pounds.

Finally, for drivers who do a lot of towing and want to maximize their miles per gallon, the Silverado and Sierra offer a 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel (305 hp, 495 lb-ft) that achieves an EPA-estimate 26 mpg combined in RWD and 24 mpg combined in 4WD. Both trucks boast a best-in-class 4WD diesel towing capacity of 13,000 pounds. With RWD, the Silverado can tow up to 13,300 pounds, while the Sierra tops out at 13,200 pounds.

EPA-rated fuel economy ratings are similar. However, there are two slight but notable differences stemming from the Sierra's higher curb weight:

• With the 5.3-liter V-8 and RWD, the Silverado achieves an estimated 17 mpg to the Sierra's 16.
• With the 6.2-liter V-8 and RWD, the Silverado achieves an estimated 16 mpg to the Sierra's 15.

The interior is a similar story, with the Sierra striving for a more refined atmosphere. The difference is most noticeable in the more basic-equipped tiers, where the Sierra exhibits smoother, less plastic-looking surfaces. And while both models can be optioned to deluxe levels, the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate takes the luxury aesthetic to executive car heights with a unique "Alpine Umber" interior with full-grain leather surface and seat upholstery, Paldao wood accents, and laser-etched/embossed topographical maps of Mt. Denali for the seats, dashboard, and doors.

Most features are available to both trucks, including an Advanced Trailering System, Side Blind-Zone Alert with trailer coverage, and up to 14 unique viewing perspectives from eight available cameras. However, the Sierra 1500 includes several desirable amenities at lower trims than the Silverado. For example, positioned one level up from the base trim, the Sierra SLE adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power driver's seat, and an auto-locking rear differential. These features become standard in the Silverado with the fourth-tier LT.

The Sierra 1500 also upgrades a few of the amenities it shares with the Silverado-like 12 speakers for the available Bose premium sound system (Silverado has seven speakers) and 16-way power adjustment for the front seats (Silverado has 10-way power front seats). The Sierra also boasts a handful of features that the Silverado doesn't offer, including front-seat massage functionality and a Carbon Pro cargo bed.

Another significant difference is the tailgate. GMC's MultiPro Tailgate was the first of its kind, providing enhanced versatility with six functions/positions. This feature is optional for the Sierra 1500's base tier and standard on all other trims. Chevy's similar Multi-Flex Tailgate is available across the Silverado lineup but isn't standard at any level. The Sierra 1500's MultiPro Tailgate also has an available integrated KICKER audio system-increasing functionality to seven-something the Silverado doesn't offer yet.