Silverado vs Sierra
The Silverado and the Sierra are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Silverado wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on engine & performance; the numbers are close throughout. The engine & performance verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on fuel economy & range. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On safety & tech, both deliver about the same. Either car will serve you equally well on safety & tech.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 13.4 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,000 Lowest price in class | $38,300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
With just $1,300 between them at launch, the Silverado and the Sierra are priced as near equals. Paying $1,300 more for the Sierra gets you some gains, but it also leaves some areas to the Silverado.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Silverado if…
- you’d rather keep $1,300 in your pocket
- you already use other Chevrolet products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Silverado or the Sierra?
The Silverado and the Sierra split the comparison (price for the Silverado, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Sierra), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Which costs less, the Silverado or the Sierra?
The Sierra launched at $1,300 more than the Silverado, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Chevrolet or GMC. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Silverado and the Sierra.
If you’d rather have strength in price, go with the Silverado. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is what you’d miss, go with the Sierra.
My pick: the Silverado if price is a daily concern, otherwise the Sierra for its the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.