2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

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The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado are the two most difficult vehicles you will ever have to compare. This is because they are practically brothers made from separate companies that work closely together. With similar prices, power, and even dimensions, when placed side by side it will never be an easy choice.

That all being said, a choice must be made. Nine times out of ten, the choice will come down to which company you are a fan of, but loyalty can only go so far. The power output will leave you at a dead tie, but the appearance can always be a factor considering both have their own style. In addition they also both have their own list of trims and features that can fight for your attention. Simply put though, if you want something more powerful in appearance then the 2018 GMC Sierra is the clear winner from the second you see it in front of you.


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Technology

2018 GMC Sierra 1500

The technology of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 easily makes it more than just a muscle machine. The 8-inch display with powerful audio, simple navigation, helpful driving and safety aids, as well as smartphone integration and Wi-Fi connectivity, makes it just as modern as it is powerful. Not only are all these tech features easy to navigate, but they are a blast to use.

2018 Ford F-150

The Chevrolet MyLink system is not as user-friendly as the technology on the Sierra 1500, but it is still packed with a lot of fun and useful features. The 2018 Silverado also offers smartphone connectivity so you can drive knowing your two favorite items are working together in perfect harmony. There is also some interesting voice control technology that although not perfect can still be handy. Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 may be better when it comes to integrating technology, but both are strong contenders.

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Trims

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 and the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado vary when it comes to trim options. The 2018 Sierra 1500 offers four solid trims while the 2018 Silverado offers eight, but in this case, it is safe to say quality over quantity. The 2018 Sierra 1500 offers four trims because they are confident that they are best possible, and confidence shows understanding and breeds excellence when it comes to automobiles.

2018 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2018 GMC Sierra offers four trims including the Sierra, the SLE, the SLT, and the famous Denali. The starting price for these trims can range anywhere from $29,000 to $55,000, which isn’t bad for the performance level you will receive.

The base trim which is called the Sierra comes standard with a regular cab, standard box, and two wheel-drive, but any of these can easily be upgraded to a larger cab, box, or 4 wheel drive. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V6 EcoTec3 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-foot of torque. It may be the more affordable options, but this trim can still haul 6,000 pounds of trailering weight and have StabiliTrak and Traction control to keep it steady.

The next trim is the SLE which starts at $39,310 with a standard 2WD, regular cab, and standard box. This trim may not upgrade the engine, but it does give a big boost to the interior. Introducing more useful luxury items such as a leather-wrapped wheel with cruise control and audio and an 8-inch display system. As for performance, this trim also comes with an automatic locking rear differential.

The third trim is the SLT, which starts at $45,780 and is not available with a regular cab. For the standard starting price, you will receive a double cab and standard box with 2WD. The best part of this trim level though is the engine upgrades to a 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and you can also now upgrade to an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the 6-speed. This trim also introduces some extra luxury with the euphoric and stylish heated leather front memory seating. Not to mention it brings some exterior flair by adding additional chrome fixtures.

Finally, we have the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali which has a starting MSRP of $55,755 and is only available in double and crew cab. For that price, the standard set up is a crew cab, short box, and 2WD. The engine is same as the SLT, but you can also upgrade to a 6.2-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Basically, anything the other trims lack, the Denali takes care of.

2018 Ford F-150

The trim list for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is long and can be overwhelming at first, but it does display a wide variety of options for any type of driver. The list of trims from least expensive to most expensive is the Work Truck, LS, Custom, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71, and the High Country. These trims also range within the $30,000 to $55,000 range when it comes to starting price. There are some important things to note about the 2018 Silverado’s trims. One of these factors includes the fact that the two Z71 are the same as the preceding trims, but with the Z71 off-road package. Also, the Work Truck or WT is the base trim, and the Custom trim is similar to the WT but only upgrades the exterior style with more chrome. Overall, it is important to look through each of these trims carefully to find the best fit for you and your wallet before investing in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.

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Appearance

The most substantial difference between these two brothers is their appearance. The 2018 Sierra feels more rugged and willing to take all the hits you can dish out, while the 2018 Silverado is more typical and down to earth.

2018 GMC Sierra 1500

On the outside it is easy to see the raw power of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 before you even drive it; it is bold and intimidating in all the best ways. It also, as always, still offers the mix and match of three cabs and three-bed options so that you get the body your life requires. It was made to look like exactly what it should be, a powerful truck with high capability. Moving from the outside in though, you will find that the Sierra has a more refined side.

You wouldn’t often describe a pickup truck as quiet, comfortable, and possibly even luxurious, but amazingly the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has managed to be just that. The seating arrangements are generous and accommodating, the ride quality is smooth as silk, and the viability cannot be beaten. This doesn’t even include the impressive list of features.

2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado looks more “every day” when compared to the powerful luxury design of the 2018 Sierra 1500, and while maybe that earthliness appeals to some, others may mistake it for any other pickup. That being said, personal appeal aside, the hardworking and upfront appearance of the Silverado is far from unappealing as a whole. It also offers the same cab and bed configurations as the Sierra 1500, and there are certainly no complaints about those options. The inside is just as humble as the outside depending on the trim.

However, unless you upgrade to the plush High Country trim, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado will not be leading its class in comfort, luxury, or style. Unfortunately, the boxy shape does cause some noise from wind resistance, but other than that it is fairly silent in the cabin. Overall it gives you the basic needs, and the more you upgrade, the better quality you will receive when it comes to exterior and interior appearance.

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