The electric pickup truck market has expanded, adding the GMC Sierra EV to the mix. While it shares similarities with the Silverado EV, it boasts unique features, a fresh design, and a distinct interior in the Denali trim. How does it compare to its rivals from Ford and Rivian? Let’s delve into the specifications to find out.
It’s important to note that GMC hasn’t disclosed many details about the lower-tier versions of the truck. For comparison purposes, we will focus on the top-tier Denali Edition 1, which is the most extensively described. Once details about the base model, priced at approximately $50,000, are revealed, we’ll have sufficient data to assess its competitiveness with more affordable alternatives.
2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
- Price: $108,695
- Horsepower: 754 hp
- Torque: 785 lb-ft
- Dimensions: TBD
- Max Towing: 9,500 pounds
- Max Payload: 1,300 pounds
- Battery: TBD (anticipated around 200kWh)
- Range: 400 miles (EPA-estimated range)
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
- Price: $53,769 base | $97,719 Platinum
- Horsepower: 426 hp (standard battery) | 563 hp (extended range battery)
- Torque: 775 lb-ft (both trims)
- Dimensions: 232.7″ L x 80″ W x 78.9″ H
- Max Towing: 7,700 lbs (standard battery) | 10,000 lbs (extended range battery)
- Max Payload: 2,000 lbs (standard battery) | 1,800 lbs (extended range battery)
- Battery: 98 kWh (standard battery), 131 kWh (extended range battery)
- Range: 230 miles (standard battery) | 300 miles (extended range battery)
2022 Rivian R1T
- Price: $73,000 base (excluding destination)
- Horsepower: 835 hp
- Torque: 826 lb-ft
- Dimensions: 217.1″ L x 81.8″ W x 75.7″ H
- Max Towing: 11,000 lbs
- Max Payload: 1,764 lbs
- Battery: 135 kWh
- Range: 314 miles
The new Sierra demonstrates some weaknesses in several aspects. While its towing capacity falls slightly below Ford’s top trim and significantly behind Rivian’s standard offering, it also lags in payload capacity compared to both competitors. In terms of power, it sits between Ford’s more-than-sufficient 563 hp and Rivian’s impressive 835 hp. Nevertheless, it surpasses both rivals in range, a crucial factor. The extended range allows it to drive considerably farther than Ford and Rivian when unladen and while towing. Though the towing capacity is lower, this is somewhat compensated by reduced stops during towing. Additionally, it offers the convenience of Super Cruise during towing, providing hands-free driving over long distances with a trailer—an advantage neither Ford nor Rivian can match.
However, these advantages come at a price. The Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is notably pricier than the competitors listed here. While lower-priced versions of the Sierra EV are expected to start at around $50,000, they won’t be available at launch. Alternatively, the Silverado EV may provide similar functionality to the Sierra EV at a lower price point. Therefore, if cost-saving is a priority and the aesthetics of the Chevrolet are acceptable, it may present a more viable alternative.
Chevrolet
Despite this, the Sierra remains an attractive choice due to its extensive range and towing advantages. When considering emissions-free towing with long-range capabilities and Super Cruise functionality, it presents a compelling option. Like its counterparts, it possesses both strengths and weaknesses.
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