The Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are both excellent full-size light-duty pickups. They offer high-tech amenities, strong towing and payload ratings, and myriad configurations to suit different needs and lifestyles. As corporate cousins under the same parent company (General Motors), the Silverado and Sierra share many attributes, including their platform, engine options, and available equipment. However, there are some differences that certain drivers may find more appealing. To help you find the best fit for your Kahului commute, here's a quick look at a few of their similar and distinguishing attributes.
Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. GMC Sierra 1500: Compare Full-Size GM Pickups on Maui
GMC SIERRA VS SILVERADO 1500
Performance, Capability, and Efficiency
A high-output 2.7-liter turbo-four (310 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque) is standard in both trucks. RWD models can tow up to 9,500 pounds, while 4WD models are rated at 9,300 pounds. An available 5.3-liter V-8 (355 hp/383 lb-ft) improves towing numbers to 11,300 and 11,000 for RWD and AWD models, respectively.
Both models offer an available 6.2-liter V-8 (420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque). However, the Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,000 pounds, while the Silverado 1500 has a slight edge at 13,300 pounds.
An available 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel (305 hp, 495 lb-ft) achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined with RWD or 24 mpg combined in 4WD. Both trucks can tow a maximum of 13,000 pounds with the diesel engine and 4WD. However, the Silverado has slightly more RWD diesel towing capability - 13,300 pounds vs. 13,200 in the Sierra.
Design and Accommodations
The Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 exhibit bold exterior styling with broad stances and assertive front fascia. However, the Sierra aims for a more refined look with more pronounced character lines, larger grille options, dynamic lighting designs, and a more squared-off front end. The Sierra also has more angular wheel arches. The Denali Ultimate looks particularly upscale with its Vader Chrome accents and standard 22-inch wheels.
The interior situation is similar, with the Sierra aiming for a more refined atmosphere. The difference is perhaps most noticeable in the lower trims, where the Sierra offers smoother, less plastic-looking surfaces. Both trucks can be configured to ultra-deluxe levels. However, the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate takes premium luxury a step further, sporting a unique "Alpine Umber" interior with full-grain leather surfaces, Paldao wood trim, and laser-etched/embossed topographical maps of Mt. Denali on the seats, dashboard, and doors.
Features
Both trucks are impressively equipped across numerous trim levels: nine for the Silverado and eight for the Sierra. Each comes standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced safety technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, a Following Distance Indicator, and automatic high beams.
Both models share most of their features, including an Advanced Trailering System, Side Blind-Zone Alert with trailer coverage, and up to 14 unique views from eight available cameras. However, the Sierra 1500 offers several amenities at lower trim levels. For example, the second-tier Sierra SLE includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and an auto-locking rear differential. The Silverado makes these features standard in the fourth-tier LT.
Technology
The Sierra 1500 also upgrades a few of the shared amenities. For example, the Sierra's Bose® audio system has 12 speakers while the Silverado has seven. The Sierra offers 16-way front-seat adjustability compared to 10 in the Silverado. The Sierra also has a few options the Silverado doesn't, including front-seat massage and a Carbon Pro cargo bed.
GMC's innovative MultiPro Tailgate is optional for the Sierra 1500's base trim and standard on all higher tiers. Chevy's similar Multi-Flex Tailgate is available across the Silverado lineup but isn't standard for any trim. The GMC MultiPro Tailgate also has an available integrated sound system, which the Silverado doesn't offer yet.
Test-Drive New Chevy and GMC Trucks near Pai and Makawao
Reach out to Jim Falk Motors of Maui for more information about the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, their available configuration options, special financing offers, and reservation opportunities. If you'd like to compare their accommodations, features, and drivability for yourself, we invite you to visit our Kahului dealership for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.