Starting at
Starting at
18 city / 24 highway | MPG | 18 city / 24 highway |
355 hp | Horsepower | 285 hp |
9,400 lbs | Towing Capacity | 9,300 lbs |
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado vs 2018 GMC Sierra in Cincinnati, OH is like a civil war of pickup truck comparison battles. Chevrolet and GMC have always had a close relationship to the point where many of their vehicles could be twins separated at birth. This is the case with the 2018 Silverado and 2018 Sierra.
In price, power, and even dimensions these brothers at odds are almost identical and at the top of their game, but even the smallest details matter when it comes to finding your perfect pickup. Focusing on a few key details, you will find that the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado holds just a bit more of the edge. The starting price is almost $1,000 more affordable, and the appearances speak to very different demographics. These may seem unnoticeable particulars, but a true automotive lover will take notice and have to choose the best option.
Customizability of a vehicle determines the likelihood of overall satisfaction. Everyone wants a vehicle that is made to fit right into their life and not just a cookie-cutter model. Both the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado and 2018 GMC Sierra offer the same cab and bed combination options and fair sections of trims, but the Silverado doubles the number of trims the Sierra offers.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado offers six basic trim levels and two Z71 trims which opens up a plethora of options for any driver. The basic trim, which is anything but basic, is the Work Truck trim that can also be called the “fair necessities” trim because it offers all essentials of a high-performance pickup. The next level up is the LS trim which can be considered the “step up” trim due to its slightly upgraded chrome styling and tech features. The Custom trim level is all about taking the LS trim and bringing in advanced styling which means it can be labeled the “style” trim. The next up is the LT trim which upgrades everything from before making it the most popular trim level of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. The LTZ gets you a standard engine upgrade with a beastly trailering package as well as leather heated seats and additional luxury features making it the “luxury meets power” trim. Finally, there is the “best of the best” High Luxury trim which needs no explanation because it is the best of everything.
In addition to those six trims, there is also the Z71 off-road package that is offered with the LT and LTZ trims. This package adds everything to make keeping control in any condition an effortless process. When it comes to customization, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado will not fail to satisfy.
The 2018 GMC Sierra offers four trims. The Sierra trim is the standard trim level and the cheapest option. The SLE trim upgrades the technology and brings a completely tech-savvy feel. The SLT upgrades the engine and leather appoints everything. Finally, the star of the show the Denali trim pushes everything to the max. Overall, the options are fair, but they don’t equal the same level of middle options as the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado to get as close to perfect as possible.
Judging the differences in performance between the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2018 GMC Sierra is in a way extremely difficult considering both share the three exact same engines, with each same towing capacity. Comparing trim to trim they also contain the same fuel economy, drive options, horsepower, torque, transmission, and even suspension. The only thing they don’t share is the price. Both are precise and powerful options.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado at its highest point offers the High Country Trim level which starts at $53,395. This combined with its 6.2L EcoTec V8 engine and the right cab configuration will offer you the top towing capacity of 12,500 pounds. The wheels are the same 20-inches by 9-inches as the 2018 Sierra Denali but are a stylish chrome design instead of aluminum. The High Country trim is well-priced and offers the ultimate pickup experience.
For the 2018 GMC Sierra, the top trim level is the famous Denali trim which starts at $54,294. This is practically $1,000 more than the High Country trim of the 2018 Silverado, and the only major difference is whether you get aluminum or chrome wheels. The Denali trim for the 2018 GMC Sierra is a bit more expensive but offers the same level of performance as its brother pickup.
Exterior design is probably where the largest amount of differences come between these two groundbreakers. In fact, if they are twins, they are definitely fraternal in nature. Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado gives off a more everyday hardworking lover feel, while the Sierra forces a more bold appearance that attempts to be more on the refined side for its drivers.
If you are the type that feels the pride of working hard each day and rewarding yourself each night, then you will fit perfectly behind the wheel of a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. This pickup model is never trying to be anything it’s not; it’s just a straightforward, hardworking truck that wants to get the job done and done right. What you see with the 2018 Silverado is exactly what you get, and that counts for a lot these days.
The front of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is well balanced with a two-piece separated grille, and four headlights that are evenly placed to create a simplistic harmony. It is the cleanest and most unobtrusive open front display you can find from any pickup truck on the market today. Chevrolet’s signature bowtie symbol is also never unappealing to have.
The 2018 GMC Sierra is more about attempting to present luxury than presenting honesty. This model is clearly trying to make a statement, but what that statement is can be subjective depending on the driver. The front is completely covered by the grille and headlights, to the point where you may not even notice the paint color by looking at it. Some may find this to be bold, but others can view it as simply obtrusive and a step back from the luxury look GMC was clearly hoping to display with the 2018 version of the elegant beast known by the name Sierra. In fairness, this is not a shy looking pickup and a few of the details, especially the interior, can come off as truly refined, and that definitely grants it some appearance points.
Honestly, the 2018 GMC Sierra may seem like it is overcompensating with its appearance compared to the more simple grace of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, but at the end of the day, a true GMC fan will still admire it.