If you’re comparing stats between different models while shopping for a truck, you might find some similarities when looking at a Chevy Silverado for sale next to a GMC Sierra 1500. It’s more than just a coincidence: the two trucks are built on the same platform. That means there’s a long list of similarities between the two. They have the same lineup of engine options, the same bed sizes to choose from, and even the same screen sizes in their infotainment setups. But just because they have a lot in common doesn’t mean there aren’t some significant differences between the two. Today, we’re going to take a look at just a few of those differences and explore how they can help you choose a truck that’s right for your needs.
Broadly speaking, the Silverado and Sierra are aimed at different audiences. The Chevy Silverado is a work truck that prioritizes capability and utility. The GMC Sierra, on the other hand, puts more of an emphasis on luxury and style. Of course, this isn’t a simple black-and-white division. The Silverado has plenty of luxurious trims and is a stylish truck across the board, and the Sierra is a tough truck that’s capable of taking care of some serious business. But generally, many of the more specific differences between the two trucks can be traced back to this distinction between a work truck and a more luxurious option.
Towing & Payload Capacities
As we mentioned, the 2024 Sierra 1500 and 2024 Silverado 1500 have the same lineup of engine options. That means there shouldn't be any performance differences, right? It would be fair to assume so, but the engine isn’t the only factor in determining towing and hauling figures. We won’t get into the weeds of the reasons why (we know you don’t come here for math)—the important thing to know is that the Silverado and Sierra do not have the same maximum towing and payload figures, even if they have the same engines.
With the base 2.7L TurboMax engine, the 2024 Sierra 1500 can tow up to 9,400 lbs and carry up to 2,240 lbs of cargo. The 2024 Silverado 1500, by contrast, can tow up to 9,500 lbs and haul up to 2,260 lbs of payload. If you upgrade to the available 5.3L V8 engine, the Silverado’s 11,300 lb towing capacity and 2,180 lb maximum payload are 100 lbs and 30 lbs higher than the equivalent figures for the Sierra. The gap between the two gets even wider if you opt for the more powerful 6.2L V8: at 13,300 lbs, the Silverado can tow 300 lbs more than the Sierra, and its payload capacity of 1,980 lbs is 160 lbs higher than the Sierra.
Since the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel I-6 raises the towing figure for the Sierra but not the Silverado, trucks with that powertrain are more evenly matched: the Sierra’s 13,200 lb towing capacity is only 100 lbs lower than the Silverado’s and its 1,890 lb payload capacity is just 80 lbs lower than the Silverado’s.
Comparing Prices
Since the Sierra 1500 is aimed at more of a luxury demographic, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that it’s more expensive than the Silverado 1500 across the board. The MSRP of the 2024 Sierra’s base trim is nearly $10k more than its Silverado equivalent, with the Sierra 1500 Pro starting at $46,700 while the Silverado WT starts at $36,800.[a] That difference holds steady for the most capable off-road trims of the trucks as well—the 2024 Silverado 1500 ZR2 starts at $69,900, and the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X starts at $79,200.[a]
When it comes to the most luxurious trim, the gap doubles to $20k. While the 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country can be had for $62,700, the 2024 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate starts at a whopping $82,500.[a] Of course, the Denali Ultimate trim does have a larger array of luxury features and special touches that make it comfortable, stylish, and high-tech. But even so, that’s a big enough price difference to keep the top-tier Sierra out of the budget for many drivers who can afford to enjoy the Silverado High Country.
Available Tech Features
Since the Sierra is the more luxurious truck, you might expect it to have a lot of exclusive tech features that can’t be found on the Silverado. But, largely, that’s not the case. Most of the advanced tech features on the Sierra can be had on the Silverado as well. The difference is that they’re usually standard on more trims of the Sierra. This will probably be easier to understand if we look at a few specific examples.
HD Surround Vision lets you look at multiple camera views, including a composite 360-degree birds-eye view of the area around your truck to help you park in tight spaces. Other views help you “see through” a trailer or look for low-lying objects that are in front of you but out of sight. On the Sierra 1500, this feature is available on all trims except for the base Pro and is standard on AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims. On the Silverado 1500, this feature can’t be had on the three lowest trims (WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss). However, it is available on the LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss trims and comes standard on the top-tier LTZ, High Country, and ZR2 trims.
So, while HD Surround Vision is more available on the Sierra, it’s optional or standard on a fair few Silverado trims, too. There are similar differences between the two trucks when it comes to Super Cruise, a hands-free cruise control feature that isn’t standard on any trim of either truck but is available on two Sierra trims and only one Silverado trim. The six-function tailgate, on the other hand, has a starker difference. For the Sierra 1500, the MultiPro Tailgate is available on the base trim and standard on the SLE and above. For the Silverado 1500, the same feature is called the Multi-Flex Tailgate and is optional on every trim. But remember, since the Sierra costs more across the board, it can be more affordable to add an optional feature you want to the Silverado.
More Bang for Your Buck
Now, we’d be lying if we said that the Silverado can be had with every single feature offered on the Sierra. You can’t get a 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a massage function, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, or a CarbonPro Composite Bed on the 2024 Silverado 1500. But, at the end of the day, the Silverado has enough features, even luxury features, to satisfy most truck drivers. The Chevy can be had with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, and a drop-in bedliner, for instance. And while it can’t quite match the Sierra when it comes to luxury, it has its own rugged sense of style and outdoes the Sierra in terms of towing capacity, something that’s a higher priority for many truck drivers. Overall, the Silverado provides more bang for your buck and is a strong, capable pickup that will serve you well mile after mile.