GMC Sierra EV vs. Sierra 1500

Pricing and specs at a glance

The widest price gap in this segment

Over $26,000 separates the base Sierra EV from the base gas Sierra 1500, the largest gap among the full-size comparisons we've run. Part of that is positioning: the Sierra EV leans into GMC's premium branding (Denali trims especially), while the base gas Sierra 1500 undercuts on price to compete broadly across the segment.

Towing is close, and the top gas engine actually wins

Unlike the Silverado comparison, this is one of the few EV-vs-gas truck matchups where a properly-equipped gas model (Duramax diesel or 6.2L V8) slightly out-tows the electric option: 13,300 lbs vs. up to 12,500 lbs. For buyers whose primary use case is maximum towing capacity, the top gas Sierra configurations remain genuinely competitive with (or ahead of) the EV.

Running costs and efficiency

The gas Sierra's engine lineup spans a wide MPG range (15-23 city depending on engine), with the Duramax diesel the clear efficiency leader among gas/diesel options. Even against the diesel, the Sierra EV's 64-68 MPGe typically works out to a lower cost per mile at a normal home electricity rate, though the gap is smaller here than in comparisons against a thirstier base gas engine. Run the actual trims and your mileage through our EV vs. gas cost calculator rather than assuming a generic answer applies.

Bottom line

This is the truck comparison where the "EV is obviously cheaper to run" story gets the most nuanced by a genuinely efficient diesel option and a competitive top-end tow rating. The Sierra EV still wins on running cost and acceleration for most buyers, but the gap to the best gas/diesel configuration is narrower here than in the Silverado or F-150 comparisons.