2017 Ram 3500 vs 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Posted on July 31, 2020
When a light-duty pickup isn't quite enough for your needs, it's time to look at heavy-duty models instead. But if you're not sure which one deserves your closer attention, here we compare the 2017 Ram 3500 and 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD to see which of these two extremely capable trucks comes out on top.
Styling
Trucks like these are not really for shrinking violets, so you wouldn't expect the way they look to be too conservative or understated, and it isn't. Both of these are overtly rugged and macho, and they certainly look like they're ready to take on some serious challenges. The Ram pickup truck is perhaps a little curvier and more rounded, whereas the GMC sticks with the more conventional flat-faced, rectangular design. The GMC Sierra 3500HD is a little more premium and upscale, while the Ram 3500 is a little more "man of the people." It's really up to you which look you prefer.
Models
Manufacturers tend to offer less engine options and less trim levels of their heavy duty trucks than they do with their light-duty models, but Ram still offers more than most with the 3500 as there are currently three cabs and seven different trims of ST. SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. The GMC also offers a good amount of choice with Sierra, SLE, SLT, All-Terrain and Denali trim levels and three cabs, but that's still less than you get with the Ram 3500.
Capability
Capability is perhaps even more important with these models than it is for buyers of light-duty models. The heavy duty tag suggests a huge amount of capability, and the Ram 3500 certainly delivers with a maximum payload capacity of 3,352 kg and a maximum trailer rating of 14,157 kg. The GMC Sierra 3500HD is no slouch when it comes to capability either, with a payload rating of 3,245 kg and a trailering capacity of some 10,478 kg. That's a lot less than the Ram is capable of though, so another round slips away from the GMC.
Engines
Like most heavy-duty models, these two both offer buyers the choice of a diesel and a gas engine. In the case of the Ram the gas engine is a 6.4-litre Hemi V-8 developing 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, while the diesel is a 6.7-litre Cummings six-cylinder turbodiesel putting out 385 horsepower and an impressive 900 lb.-ft. of torque. The gas powerplant in the GMC is a 6.0-liter V-8 developing 330 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, while the diesel is a 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax turbo that puts out 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque. If you want a gas engine you get more power from the Ram, but if diesel is your thing the bigger V-8 in the GMC is the more powerful option.
Verdict
If you want a heavy duty pickup to do a job of work first and foremost, the 2017 Ram 3500 is clearly a better choice and also a more affordable option than the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD. If you want more chrome and more bling, and you're prepared to pay more and sacrifice some capability for it, the GMC is probably the one to choose. So, if we have to say which of these two is better, the greater capability, choice and affordability of the Ram makes the Ram 3500 the clear winner.
The 2017 Ram3500 is available now from North York Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, so don't hesitate to get in touch today for more information and to arrange a test drive in this sensational heavy duty pickup truck.