IN THE RIGHT CORNER, WE HAVE THE HULKING STAR OF THE HIGHWAY: THE 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500HD. ON THE LEFT SIDE, WE’VE GOT THE HOUSEHOLD NAME, THE OG HEAVY-DUTY PICKUP: THE 2018 CHEVY SILVERADO 2500HD. FIGHTERS WILL MEET AT THE CENTER OF THE RING.
Okay, we may have oversold it a bit, but there’s a genuine rivalry between the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. The two vehicles have proven to be some of the most popular heavy-duty pickup trucks on the market due to their performance, technologies, and safety functions. However, which nameplate truly reigns supreme?
We attempted to take a look at the competition between the two nameplates, although it may be tough zeroing in on a winner. Continue reading to see which pickup ends up being the victor in the competition between the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD.
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE
Round 1: Performance
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
If you’re looking for power from your new pickup truck, then you won’t have to look much further than the 2018 GMC 2500 HD. The accompanying engine delivers some of the best performance specs in the class, and you’ll easily be able to overcome your fellow pickup drivers when you’re on the highway.
The Vortec 6.0-liter engine cranks out all the power you could possibly want from a pickup truck. The unit ultimately pumps out 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, numbers that aren’t usually seen in a pickup truck. Accompanied by an intuitive six-speed automatic transmission, drivers will never have an issue keeping control of their ride.
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
Chevy manages to provide customers with a pair of engine options as they’re building their 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. One of them is basically the same Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine that’s included in the GMC Sierra, pumping out 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
The alternative option is the Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, which manages to take those power specs to a whole new level. The system pumps out 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, and the accompanying Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is as intuitive as you can get.
Winner: 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
Round 2: Technology
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Trucks aren’t necessarily known for their interior amenities, but the 2018 GMC Sierra is doing a whole lot to erase that notion. The vehicle is full of modern and technological features, providing drivers with plenty of entertainment and convenience.
The brand’s eight-inch-diagonal infotainment system delivers a number of useful applications. With the simple touch of the screen, drivers will have access to radio, navigation, and a whole lot more. Plus, thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, drivers can have quick and easy access to their smartphone’s basic capabilities at all times. The wireless charging pad proves to be the cherry on top, as drivers can keep those gadgets juiced without having to deal with pesky wires.
If you’re going to be jamming out to your favorite tunes, you’ll appreciate the noise-canceling features includes in this pickup. This includes the available Bose Active Noise Cancellation system, which assures that occupants are never distracted by outside noises when they’re traveling in the truck. Finally, just to add a thoughtful touch to what is an already-impressive vehicle, the heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed seating will allow occupants to escape the outside elements.
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
We wouldn’t necessarily say that the Chevy Silverado 2500HD is full of technological amenities. In fact, we’d probably say the nameplate is actually lacking in this regard, providing customers with some of the brand’s lower-end amenities. However, these features prove to be relatively useful, so we can’t give Chevy the worst grades for these inclusions.
The Chevy MyLink system is a nice touch, as owners can access a variety of applications via the eight-inch-diagonal color touch-screen. This means drivers can easily access their favorite tunes, especially if they opt for the upgraded Bose sound system instead of the ordinary six-speaker audio system.
Customers can also opt for a Rear Entertainment System with Blu-Ray/DVD player (which, if we’re being honest, is a curious inclusion for a pickup truck). That’s about the extent of the amenities that can be included in the Silverado 2500HD, proving why the GMC Sierra is the superior option for those who value these amenities.
Winner: 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Round 3 (FINAL ROUND): Safety
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
GMC’s vehicles are generally known for their safety capabilities, and the 2018 Sierra undoubtedly delivers in that regard. The pickup includes many features that will help drivers avoid accidents from happening altogether, assuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
The Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system is an appreciated inclusion, as the system will monitor the distance between you and the car ahead. If you approach the other vehicle at too great of a speed, the system will automatically apply the brakes. Meanwhile, the Front and Rear Park Assist will make sure that you don’t accidentally hit another vehicle, while the Hill Start Assist will provide you with an extra boost when you’re traveling up an incline.
The vehicle is also intended to protect in case of an emergency. The sturdy build should absorb any of a collision’s energy, while the accompanying airbags will provide optimal cushioning. There’s even the OnStar safety system, meaning you can easily access help or assistance whenever it’s needed. The Sierra 2500HD will clearly do everything in its power to protect occupants in the case of a collision, proving why it’s been lauded for being one of the safest pickups in the class.
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
Chevy does an admirable job of filling their pickup with a number of notable safety functions. These features tend to focus on specific aspects of the vehicle, including stability, vision, and braking.
When it comes to stability, the Tow/Haul Mode is intended to help drivers when they’re hauling a large load, while the StabiliTrak system (with Trailer Sway Control) assures that the driver is always traveling on their intended path. For vision, the rear vision camera allows drivers to see everything that’s happening around their pickup, while the braking capabilities are highlighted by the diesel exhaust brake and the auto grade braking.
However, this is really the extent of the Silverado 2500HD’s safety functions. The vehicle is built to protect, but we wouldn’t necessarily say that the preventative safety functions are anything to write home about.
We’re going to pull that old TV trick and leave a bit of suspense before we reveal the winner of this competition. Both nameplates put up a solid fight, but at the end, the safety functions proved to be the difference-maker.
So, without further ado, we opted for (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE): the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD.
GMC’s pickup proved to have the superior safety functions, and the gap between the Sierra and Silverado’s safety functions proved to be greater than the slight difference in performance.
So congratulations, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD! You’re the winner of some totally made up car competition, beating out the 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD in three rounds. Make sure you put this atop your list of accolades!
