Among the many new and used trucks that we offer here at Shaw GMC, the most popular options with our customers are undoubtedly the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. But choosing between these two models can be tough; both offer unique advantages when it comes to price, performance, towing, and features. If you find yourself at this particular crossroads, we're here to help break down some key comparisons to help you decide which truck suits needs best for Calgary living.
Key Takeaways
- The GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are top choices for truck enthusiasts, each offering unique strengths in performance, towing, and design to cater to different preferences.
- Both trucks provide a variety of powerful engine options and impressive towing capabilities, with the Sierra slightly surpassing the Silverado in maximum towing capacity.
- The GMC Sierra is known for its luxurious interior and comfort, while the Chevy Silverado emphasizes utility, making it a practical choice for work-focused drivers.
- Fuel economy is competitive in both models, with advanced features like Dynamic Fuel Management enhancing efficiency, especially in the 2.7L TurboMax and 3.0L Duramax diesel engines.
- Safety and technology features abound in both trucks, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and advanced infotainment systems, ensuring a secure and connected driving experience.
Price and Value
The price difference between the Silverado and the Sierra is only about $1,000, but the Silverado does come out as the cheaper option.
Let's cover one of the big factors first - cost. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts at around $50,000, while the GMC Sierra 1500 is priced just a touch higher at about $51,000. That extra $1000 might be a dealbreaker if you're on a budget.
There's also extras to consider - higher trim levels like the Silverado High Country and GMC Sierra Denali offer advanced features and comfort, albeit at a higher price.
Opting for a crew cab version can also further increase the overall cost of your new truck. The GMC Sierra’s crew cab with a standard bed can cost nearly $10,000 more than the base model, with the crew cab and standard bed sitting at around $61,000. If you need a work truck to get your crew around job sites in Calgary and the surrounding suburbs, this is an important factor to think about.
Exterior Design
The Denali trim of the GMC Sierra 1500 is sure to turn heads as you cruise around Calgary.
Despite sharing a lot of the same powertrain characteristics, the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado have vastly distinct exterior designs. For example, the Sierra has boxed wheel arches, while the Silverado has rounded ones, giving each truck a unique look that can appeal to different tastes.
Their aesthetics also start to diverge once you start looking at higher trims. The GMC Sierra Denali trim, for instance, stands out as the Sierra's luxury option, featuring polished 20-inch aluminum wheels, a chrome grille, and LED lighting. Likewise, the Chevrolet Silverado High Country offers body-coloured bumpers, chrome door handles, and unique daytime running lights, enhancing its premium feel for when you want to show off on the job site (though we take no responsibility for how your fellow labourers react to this flexing).
Both models allow for various customization levels, with features and prices increasing with upgrades. For those who love to personalize their vehicles, the GMC Sierra Denali offers 10 wheel options, while the Silverado High Country provides 6 color options. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the Sierra’s AT4 trim and the Silverado’s Custom Trail Boss, both of which are great options if you enjoy tearing around the mountains on the weekends.
Cab Sizes and Bed Lengths
The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 offer multiple cab configurations, including Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab, accommodating between three to six passengers depending on the setup.
Both models offer standard and long box options, with available bed sizes of 8 feet 2 inches, 6 feet 7 inches, and 5 feet 10 inches, ensuring the right amount of cargo space. Whether needing a spacious cabin for your crew cab models or a long bed for hauling, these trucks provide versatile options.
Engine Options and Performance
The Chevrolet Silverado's powerful towing capacity and performance have helped it become a mainstay for work trucks.
When it comes to performance, the both the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado offer various engine options to meet different requirements, including a 4.3L V6, a 2.7L inline-four, a 5.3L V8 (in two versions), a 3.0L Duramax diesel, and a 6.2L V8. This wide selection provides plenty of options whether you're after a basic work truck for getting around Calgary or a heavy-duty powerhouse for those towing and hauling further out.
The engines deliver impressive performance: the 4.3L V6 generates 285 hp and 305 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 6.2L V8 produces 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.0L Duramax diesel, with 277 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, is ideal for those prioritizing fuel economy.
Every engine in the lineup is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission, boosting both performance and fuel efficiency. This setup guarantees a smooth and responsive drive, whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling rugged terrain, highlighting the trucks' versatile capabilities.
Fuel Economy
With the flux of gas prices to consider, fuel economy is an important, and both the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado offer competitive ratings. The 2.7L TurboMax I-4 engine provides 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for RWD models. The 3.0L Turbodiesel engine achieves 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for RWD versions.
The Silverado’s 5.3L V-8 RWD model records 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Sierra trucks generally have slightly lower MPG ratings due to their increased curb weight.
Both trucks use V-8 engines with Dynamic Fuel Management to enhance fuel efficiency. Whether seeking power or efficiency, these trucks offer options to meet your needs.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
It should come as no surprise that the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are both highly adept at towing and hauling. The Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,200 pounds with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, while the Silverado 1500 can reach 13,000 pounds with its 6.2-liter V8 engine, providing exceptional power for towing cargo around Calgary.
When it comes to payload capacity, neither model disappoints either. Payload capacity is another key factor. The Silverado 1500 can handle up to 2,290 pounds, while the Sierra 1500 is close behind at 2,270 pounds. These capacities vary by engine and trim, but both trucks offer substantial hauling power.
For enhanced towing, the GMC Sierra can be outfitted with the Max Trailering Package. Both trucks also include an in-vehicle trailering app for safe towing and monitoring. Whether towing a trailer or heavy equipment, these trucks are up to the task.
Interior Features and Comfort
The GMC Sierra offers both high-tech amenities on its infotainment centre, as well as cushy seats for those long drives around the city.
In terms of interior comfort, the GMC Sierra generally leads with its upscale features and design philosophy. Opting for a higher trim further widens this gap, offering luxurious amenities like massaging seats, which you don't normally find in competitors. The Silverado, while plenty comfortable in its own right, tends to lean towards a more utilitarian interior with more plastic elements.
The Sierra's rear seats are similarly luxe, with heated seats being offered in higher trims. This isn't a common feature in the Silverado, and its more basic infotainment layout has less flash than the Sierra's standard 13.4inch touchscreen with user-friendly interface.
That said, when it comes to space, both trucks deliver with double glove compartments and storage areas under the rear seats. This offers plenty of room for tools or everyday cargo, ideal for running errands around the city of packing up for work.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
Safety is a top priority, and both the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado come loaded with a suite of driver assistance features. You'll find standard perks like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, and automatic emergency braking, all designed to keep you aware and minimize the risk of accidents.
These trucks also include a forward collision alert system and an HD rear vision camera to boost visibility and safety. Plus, side blind zone alerts are there to help you keep an eye on those tricky spots you can't see. With these solid safety features, the Sierra and Silverado ensure you and your passengers stay secure on the road.
Infotainment Systems and Connectivity
Both the latest GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models come equipped with exceptional infotainment features, a sleek 15.6-inch QHD touch screen that runs on Android 13. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you're always connected and entertained on the go.
These trucks also feature a Wi-Fi hotspot that can handle multiple devices, letting you stay connected while driving around Calgary. The infotainment systems are compatible with popular navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, making your drive smoother and more enjoyable.
You'll find additional perks like a multi-language OSD menu and essential functions such as OnStar, Bluetooth, and climate control settings. These advanced tech features make every journey in the Sierra or Silverado a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Storage and Cargo Space
In addition to the aforementioned interior space of both trucks, our sales team loves the substantial cargo space offered in both the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Both models offer up to 89.1 cubic feet in their long 8'2" box models, as well as multiple storage compartments. Other available bed lengths include the standard 6'6" bed and the shorter 5'10" bed.
Both trucks also feature LED bed lighting for improved visibility, great for when you're pulling a late shift on the job site, as well as a 120-volt power outlet in the bed for charging tools and equipment. Both the Sierra and Silverado also offer 12 adjustable tie-downs to secure cargo effectively.
A small feature we particularly like about both trucks is the corner bumper steps, which make it easier to access the truck bed with little effort. Whether hauling tools, gear, or supplies, these storage solutions provide the space and features you need.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Silverado's more rugged reputation is boosted by the off-road power of its Trail Boss trim.
Whether you're tackling the rough terrain of a new job site in Calgary, or looking for some weekend fun off-road, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado both offer impressive off-road capabilities. The Silverado's Trail Boss trim, for instance, features a two-speed transfer case, ideal for the sometimes-dodgy conditions of Calgary's roads, and both trucks include hill descent control for better traction on those steep descents.
The LT Trail Boss Package also includes essential elements like a suspension lift, skid plates, and off-road tires to boost performance. Likewise, the Sierra's AT4X trim is equipped with specialized off-road tires for better grip and stability. Whether you're tearing around rocky mountain paths or muddy trails, both the Sierra and the Silverado offer all the rugged power you need for a smooth ride.
Explore Truck Options at Shaw GMC
Whatever your preference, the truck of your dreams is waiting for you at Shaw GMC.
Ultimately, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado both offer impressive features and capabilities that have helped them carve out a niche amongst their contenders in the truck market. From their powerful engine options and robust towing capacities, to their advanced technology and safety features, there's a lot to love about both trucks.
In the end, choosing between the two comes down to your specific needs or preferences. If you're after luxury and comfort, the Sierra has more to offer. Conversely, if you need a no-nonsense work truck for getting around Calgary, the Silverado is a safe bet. But don't just take our word for it - contact our team at Shaw GMC today and book a test drive to see for yourself which truck speaks to your tastes more. With such a large inventory of both models - and many more - available, we're sure that Shaw GMC has the exact truck you need for your daily duties.