Most folks are aware of the fact that Chevrolet and GMC are basically two sides of the same coin. They’re both made by General Motors, and because of that, their flagship trucks, the Silverado and Sierra, bear a striking resemblance to one another.
Here at Ed Morse, we’re proud to sell both trucks on our lot, and one of the most common questions we get is, “Which one should I buy?”
They may be quite similar, but they also have some key differences worth considering for the 2025 model year. If you’re on the fence about it, read on.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Differences
First, let’s tackle the ways these iconic pickups are distinct from one another.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Exterior
Folks with a keen eye for detail will immediately notice that, despite having the same shape, there are some noticeable differences in how these trucks look. this is especially apparent from the front—the Silverado has a wider, almost hourglass-like fascia and horizontal headlights, while the Sierra’s grille tapers down between two vertically oriented lamps. Many say the Sierra also has a stronger “nose,” while the Silverado appears lowered like a crouched animal.
The aesthetic variations can also be seen from the side and back—the Silverado and Sierra have different bodylines, taillights, and tailgate designs. Both trucks have different available paint colors and wheel variations as well.
At the end of the day, these differences are entirely up to personal preference. But, hey, if you’re buying a brand-new truck, you want it to look how you want it to look, right?
Silverado vs. Sierra: Interior Features
This is where the differences start to get more pronounced. The Sierra is meant to provide a more upscale and luxurious experience, while the Silverado has more of a rugged vibe. This is reflected in the upholstery materials—where the Silverado generally has either cloth or perforated leather, the Sierra’s available full grain leather is a bit more high-end.
Other premium features, such as heated and ventilated seats, 120-volt outlet access, and the console-mounted safe, are available in both trucks. However, these features become standard or available at lower trim levels in the Sierra, whereas they may only be present in the higher Silverado trims.
It’s the same deal with infotainment. Both trucks have basic setups that consist of a 7.0-inch center touch screen and a 3.5-inch driver information center, and both offer upgraded 13.4-inch center touch screens with Google built-in and 12.3-inch Driver Information Centers, but the bigger screens are standard on most Sierra trims, while they show up on about two thirds of the Silverado’s. They also have different button and knob layouts, but that’s another quirk that comes down to personal taste.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Price and Trims
Because the Sierra has a slightly more upscale atmosphere and a couple more standard features, it should be no surprise that it’s a little bit more expensive than the Silverado. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | ||
| WT | $37,000 | $38,300 | Pro |
| Custom | $43,600 | $48,800 | SLE |
| LT | $48,100 | $50,500 | Elevation |
| RST | $51,500 | $54,900 | SLT |
| Custom Trail Boss | $51,800 | $65,400 | Denali |
| LTZ | $57,700 | $66,800 | AT4 |
| LT Trail Boss | $58,800 | $79,400 | AT4X |
| High Country | $62,700 | $84,200 | Denali Ultimate |
| ZR2 | $70,000 | – | |
They start out in the same ballpark, but the Sierra’s luxury truck leanings mean that its price outpaces the Silverado’s by a decent amount.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Similarities
Now that we’re on the same page about how they differ, let’s run through all the stellar features they have in common.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Engines
No matter which truck you pick, you’ll be treated to the same selection of powertrains with the same specs. There are four in total:
- TurboMax™
- 310 horsepower
- 430 pound-feet of torque
- 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8
- 355 horsepower
- 383 pound-feet of torque
- 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8
- 420 horsepower
- 460 pound-feet of torque
- 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo Diesel
- 305 horsepower
- 495 pound-feet of torque
Silverado vs. Sierra: Capability
All things considered, the Silverado and Sierra have nearly identical performance when equipped with the same engine, body style, tires, and suspension. They do differ ever so slightly—for instance, the Silverado is rated for 13,300 pounds of max towing, while the Sierra is rated for 13,200 pounds—but you’ll be unlikely to notice a difference.
Both also have incredible mudding and overlanding potential, especially with their dedicated off-road trims, the Silverado ZR2 and Sierra AT4X. These models come standard with powerful motors, upgraded suspension, higher ground clearance, and a host of other features. For even more capability, Chevy offers the Silverado ZR2 Bison, and GMC offers the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Cab and Bed Sizes
The Silverado and Sierra have three different cab sizes and three bed lengths to choose from. They can be combined in the following configurations:
- Regular Cab, Standard Bed
- Regular Cab, Long Bed
- Double Cab, Standard Bed
- Crew Cab, Short Bed
- Crew Cab, Standard Bed
Since both are built on the exact same platform, they have effectively the exact same cab and bed dimensions. They may differ by fractions of inches in certain places, but it’s unlikely you’ll ever notice.
Silverado vs. Sierra: Safety
Whether you choose the Chevy or the GMC, you can drive with confidence knowing there’s no shortage of safety and driver assistance tech. Standard features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Teen Driver
- Buckle to Drive
They also have plenty of additional available safety options, including Adaptive cruise control, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, and over a dozen available exterior camera views to aid in towing, off-roading, and more.
As a cherry on top, Super Cruise hands-free driving is available in both as well.
Silverado 1500 vs. Sierra 1500: Which is Right for You?
If you’re in Maquoketa, Davenport, or anywhere nearby, we have an excellent selection of trucks, and if you’re still not sure which one you prefer, stop by our Chevy and GMC dealer in Dewitt, IA to take a test drive and get a feel for them.
Questions about financing, leasing, or anything else? Contact us online or call us at (563) 277-7207, and don’t forget to ask our team about our special offers on new trucks near you.
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