2025 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 Review

Picture of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500

2025 GMC
Sierra 1500

MSRP*: $38,300 to $84,200
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Picture of the 2025 GMC Sierra 3500

2025 GMC
Sierra 3500

MSRP*: $47,500 to $96,400
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MPG - City 14 - 21 MPG Info not available
MPG - Hwy 16 - 24 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 2 - 6 seats 2 - 5 seats
Cargo Space 62.9 - 89.1 ft3 69.5 - 83.5 ft3
Engine
  • 305-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
  • 310-hp, 2.7-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 420-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 470-hp, 6.6-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive
Horsepower 305 - 420 hp 401 - 470 hp
Towing Capacity 8,800 - 13,200 lbs 20,000 lbs
Exterior Length 211.0 - 242.5 in 236.6 - 266.8 in
Exterior Width 81.2 - 81.2 in 81.8 - 81.9 in
Leg Room Front 44.5 in
Rear 35.2 - 43.4 in
Front 44.5 in
Rear 35.2 - 43.4 in
Head Room Front 43.0 - 43.1 in
Rear 39.9 - 40.1 in
Front 43.0 - 43.1 in
Rear 39.9 - 40.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers passengers in its extended cab about the same head- and legroom as the GMC Sierra 3500. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the GMC Sierra 3500.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the GMC Sierra 1500 will have less of an impact on your bank account than the GMC Sierra 3500.

Dimensions
The GMC Sierra 1500 is about the same width as the GMC Sierra 3500. If you go with the GMC Sierra 1500, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the GMC Sierra 3500.

Handling
The GMC Sierra 1500 has a significantly smaller turning radius than the GMC Sierra 3500, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the GMC Sierra 3500 is clearly the choice over the GMC Sierra 1500 for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the GMC Sierra 1500 is clearly outclassed by the GMC Sierra 3500.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the GMC Sierra 1500 doesn't do as good a job transmitting horsepower to its wheels as the GMC Sierra 3500.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit the same number of people in the GMC Sierra 1500 as you will the GMC Sierra 3500. The GMC Sierra 3500 has a lot more cargo capacity for hauling lumber or gardening supplies than the GMC Sierra 1500.