Silverado vs Sierra EV
Two brands, one target. The Silverado from Chevrolet and the Sierra EV from GMC compete head to head for full-size pickup shoppers. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Sierra EV wins
Key Differences
-
The Sierra EV has a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen
The Silverado is clearly behind on largest touchscreen (13.4 in against 16.8 in), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Sierra EV’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
For engine & performance, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Sierra EV leads
On safety & tech, the difference is modest, and it favors the Sierra EV. The Sierra EV has the edge with a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. Bottom line for safety & tech: the Sierra EV has the edge.
Largest touchscreen
Silverado: 13.4 in Sierra EV: 16.8 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra EV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | Dual-motor electric |
| Total system output | 310 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD (dual motor) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra EV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 390 mi Longest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra EV |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra EV |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | Sierra EV |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 16.8 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-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 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,000 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sierra EV if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (16.8 in vs 13.4 in)
- you prefer staying with GMC
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Silverado or the Sierra EV?
The Silverado and the Sierra EV split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Silverado, safety & tech for the Sierra EV), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Whenever Chevrolet and GMC go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Silverado and the Sierra EV are no exception. I don’t want to sell the Sierra EV short, though: it has a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen.
I think of the Silverado as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Sierra EV as the one for safety & tech.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Silverado if the things a spec sheet can’t capture comes first for you, or the Sierra EV if safety & tech does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.