2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 RAM 2500
More Details
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 RAM 2500 are by far two of the best heavy-duty options on the market. The 2500 in both of their names generally is where light-duty meets heavy-duty. This number often indicates towing proficiency in a truck and is a quick indicator of how much they can handle. Both of these models also offer a 1500 light-duty options and a 3500 heavy-duty options for those who need a little less or more from their pickup.
When it comes to heavy-duty pickup trucks, it can be difficult to find one that is both powerful and refined. Just because you need some extra power in your life doesn’t mean you should have to settle for something boring or lacking in comfort. This is where the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD comes in to save the day. The heavy-duty power it produces is one of the highest in its class, while the cabin is a luxurious as a pickup can get. This is a vehicle that is truly both beast and beauty.
The 2018 RAM 2500 when not compared to the 2018 Sierra 2500 is an excellent truck, but when they are side by side, you cannot help but notice that performance wise the 2018 RAM 2500 just doesn’t have the same level of push and pull that the Sierra provides effortlessly. It also does not offer the same level of customization or design options.
Overall you can’t fault either of these trucks for doing their best, but when only one can fit in your driveway, you need to make sure it’s the one that truly has it all.
Trim
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
For body configuration, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is offered in either a regular cab, double cab, or Crew cab with either a standard or long box. The common option due to its ability to hold larger engines is the Crew Cab with four full-size doors and spacious rear seating. If you don’t need the company than the regular cab with two full-door and no rear seating will do just fine and get you the most towing potential for the least money. If you just can’t decide, the double cab is a two-full door and two half-doors option with limited rear seating that can still hold some large engines. Overall you will always be able to find a configuration that fits your needs when it comes to the Sierra 2500.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers four well-organized and easy to navigate trim options for you to choose from depending on your budget and requirements. The standard trim for the GMC Sierra comes with the 6.0L Vortec V8 engine, a 7-inch infotainment system, a rear vision camera, StabiliTrak stability control system, automatic locking differential, Hill start assist, and a corner step rear bumper. Moving up one is the SLE trim featuring everything from the base trim plus an 8-inch infotainment system, a 4.2-inch driver information center, LED cargo box lighting, remote keyless entry, digital steering assist, integrated trailer brake controller, an electronic transfer case, and with remote locking tailgate. One more step up is the SLT with everything the SLE contains plus a remote starter system, convenient and comfortable dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, a power outlet, and better-quality seating options. Last, and by far the best, is the legendary Denali trim never leaves anything to be desired with such amenities as perforated leather-appointed, heated and ventilated seating, heated wheel, digital steering assist, park assist, 20-inch wheels, the driver alert safety package, and the signature Denali grille.
2018 RAM 2500
For body configuration, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is offered in either a regular cab, double cab, or Crew cab with either a standard or long box. The common option due to its ability to hold larger engines is the Crew Cab with four full-size doors and spacious rear seating. If you don’t need the company than the regular cab with two full-door and no rear seating will do just fine and get you the most towing potential for the least money. If you just can’t decide, the double cab is a two-full door and two half-doors option with limited rear seating that can still hold some large engines. Overall you will always be able to find a configuration that fits your needs when it comes to the Sierra 2500.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers four well-organized and easy to navigate trim options for you to choose from depending on your budget and requirements. The standard trim for the GMC Sierra comes with the 6.0L Vortec V8 engine, a 7-inch infotainment system, a rear vision camera, StabiliTrak stability control system, automatic locking differential, Hill start assist, and a corner step rear bumper. Moving up one is the SLE trim featuring everything from the base trim plus an 8-inch infotainment system, a 4.2-inch driver information center, LED cargo box lighting, remote keyless entry, digital steering assist, integrated trailer brake controller, an electronic transfer case, and with remote locking tailgate. One more step up is the SLT with everything the SLE contains plus a remote starter system, convenient and comfortable dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, a power outlet, and better-quality seating options. Last, and by far the best, is the legendary Denali trim never leaves anything to be desired with such amenities as perforated leather-appointed, heated and ventilated seating, heated wheel, digital steering assist, park assist, 20-inch wheels, the driver alert safety package, and the signature Denali grille.
Performance
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD offers two brilliant engine options that any truck enthusiast would instantly approve of and admire. Engine number one is a 6.0L Vortec V8 Engine with 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque paired with a smooth and effortless 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission. This engine additionally offers variable valve timing to optimize your driving experience. There is also an identical engine that offers flexible fuel options for those who are picky about what they are feeding their truck. Engine number two is an always exciting 6.6L DuRAMax Diesel engine which delivers 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque and pairs perfectly with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. With the standard 6.0L Vortec engine the max towing proficiency is 14,800 pounds, but with the 6.6L diesel engine, the max is a massive 18,100 pounds when properly equipped. Choosing between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive you will also have the option to do some serious off-roading in a Sierra 2500 with its all-terrain capabilities. You can specially equip your Sierra 2500 with all-terrain tires, twin tube shocks, underbody shielding, and an off-road driver information center. Overall, nothing out-performs a Sierra.
2018 RAM 2500
The RAM 2500 offers three engine options that are extremely competent for this class of truck but are sadly none are capable enough to out-perform the 2018 Sierra 2500 at its best. Engine number one is the standard 5.7L Hemi V8 with 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, engine number two is a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 436 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and engine number three is a 6.7L Turbo Diesel I6 with 370 hp, 800 lb-ft of torque. With these three engines, the max towing potential of a 2018 RAM 2500 17,980 pounds if you are properly equipped, and invest in the 6.7L diesel. The 6.7L diesel also offers a best-in-class oil change interval with a max of 15,000 mile between changes. Each of these engines come with either two transmission options or a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. It may not beat the Sierra 2500, but no one can deny the passion of the 2018 RAM 2500.
Design
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The GMC Sierra 2500 measures to be 224-258 inches in length, 80-81 inches in width, and 78 inches in height with a hefty curb weight of 5,741 to 6,689 pounds. Made with only the highest strength steel, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 pushes the limits of durability by presenting itself as a fortress of the road. The exterior of the 2018 Sierra 2500 is nothing less than bold with an intense list of external features.
The scooped hood is both commanding in style and functional by design. This feature allows for the entire truck to be efficient temperature controlled to prevent freezing and overheating with automatic open and shut shutters. There is also available LED lighting, HID headlamps, large trailering mirrors, and roof marker lamps that will ensure that you have effortless visibility at all hours of the day while looking fierce. There is also the boldly-designed grille with optional chrome trimming and the shining GMC logo front and center to assure other drivers that you are a proud truck enthusiast.
2018 RAM 2500
The 2018 RAM 2500 measure to be 230-259 inches in length 79-80 inches in width, 76-81 inches high, with a curb weight 5,940 to 7,231 pounds making it even bulkier than the Sierra 2500. The 2018 RAM 2500 prides itself on durability with a 50,000-PSI hydroformed steel frame that will take on anything you can throw at it.
This model also offers thirteen production colors, as well as twenty-two low volume colors. If you go for the higher trim levels though you will get the choice between a wide selection of either monotone or two-tone exterior paint. On top of what is already offers, there are also a number of additional exterior features to be noted. The box rail caps for quick loading without worry, the power exterior mirrors for commanding visional awareness, wheel to wheel side step for easy access, and a Tonneau cover for worriless cargo security.
