I Was Hesitant to Go From a Ram 2500 to a GMC Sierra EV, But Its Instant Torque, Towing Capacity, and Super Cruise Won Me Over

Every generation of truck owners have a moment that changes the game. For some, it was the arrival of fuel injection. For others, it was turbo-diesel torque. Now, it’s something far quieter but just as disruptive. Torque isn’t just measured by engine noise anymore, and power doesn’t come with a cloud of exhaust. The truck world is evolving in silence, and that silence happens to pack a punch. The idea that a battery-powered pickup could pull its weight alongside heavy-duty giants was once laughable, but stories emerging from early adopters are proving otherwise. One of those stories caught my attention while browsing the “GMC Sierra EV Group” on Facebook. It was from an everyday truck owner who put his skepticism aside and decided to see what electric torque could really do.

Here's how Terry Bird described his experience: “Y’all, these trucks are insane. Tomorrow will be a week since I’ve had my 1st Edition and today I hauled my first trailers. I was apprehensive about going back to a 1500 from my Ram 2500, but I just loved this truck and all the HP and torque that came with going electric. The biggest thing I haul is my 14,000 lb dump trailer. Yes, I know that’s too much but I never have that much in it. Today I hauled it about 50 miles to the dump (about 6000 lbs between trailer and renovation debris) and it pulled hard and the super cruise worked flawlessly. Of course the mileage decreases drastically but that’s to be expected. I rarely ever haul anything, and I just need it when I need it. After dropping off the dump trailer, I hauled my utility trailer with my zero turn on it and you couldn’t even tell the trailer was there. My previous 2 trucks both had the RamBox bed and I didn’t think I could ever get away from it. That all changed with the eTrunk, and now my stuff is more organized than ever. My only failure today was not getting a photo of the dump trailer behind my truck.”

A New Benchmark for Power and Control

Terry’s story perfectly captures what many longtime truck owners are curious about: can an electric pickup really replace a heavy-duty gas or diesel hauler? His experience shows that the GMC Sierra EV isn’t just about technology and comfort, but it has the muscle to back it up. That 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor setup make towing feel almost effortless, even when the range drops under load. What stands out most, though, is how Super Cruise flawlessly managed towing duty on a 50-mile trip, proving that GM’s hands-free tech is genuinely useful for real work.

When you compare the Sierra EV’s towing performance to that of the new 2025 Ram 1500, the results are interesting. This is especially since Ram has retired its long-running 5.7L HEMI V8. The latest Ram now relies on its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engines, available in standard and high-output versions, which can tow up to around 11,580 pounds. While it still delivers strong performance, there’s a noticeable difference in how that power is delivered. The Sierra EV 1st Edition, while rated to tow up to 10,000 pounds, delivers all its torque instantly. There’s no gear hunting or fighting to stay in the powerband as it just goes. The Ram may have more traditional muscle, but the Sierra EV’s predictable and linear torque delivery makes towing feel smoother and more composed according to owners like Terry, even under load.

Real-World Towing Range and Comfort

Of course, towing range is a different story. A Sierra EV with a 6,000-pound trailer can see its range cut nearly in half, dropping from around 440 miles to roughly 220. That sounds dramatic until you remember that gas trucks also lose range under heavy towing, though I must acknowledge that refueling is significantly quicker. The trade-off comes in comfort and performance. The Sierra EV’s instant torque and regenerative braking create a calmer experience than most gas trucks can match. For those who tow occasionally, that blend of refinement and muscle may actually make electric more appealing than traditional powertrains.

Even other Ram owners who’ve tried EV's like the Cybertruck are starting to notice these differences. Many report that while they miss the sound of the HEMI, they don’t miss the vibration, lag, or constant shifting when climbing hills with a load. As battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to evolve, it’s easy to imagine a future where 1500-class EV trucks not only match but surpass their combustion rivals in both range and reliability. For now, though, the Sierra EV’s performance shows that it’s not about replacing gas, as it’s about redefining what a truck can feel like to drive.

Smarter Storage, Community Feedback, and Real-World Insights

Interestingly, Terry also noted how the Sierra EV’s front eTrunk replaced his beloved RamBox setup. For owners transitioning from gas to electric, storage can make or break practicality. With the Sierra EV’s cavernous frunk and deep under-bed compartments, it’s not surprising that Terry said his gear is now “more organized than ever.” For a truck designed to merge work capability with modern EV innovation, that says a lot about GMC’s priorities.

In another recent story I wrote on, an owner shared that their experience with the GMC Sierra EV was overwhelmingly positive as well. It reinforces that early adopters of GM’s new electric platform are still exploring both the strengths and growing pains of these trucks. For Terry, the performance outweighed any early concerns.

Not everyone’s experience has been seamless, though. One owner previously mentioned they lost all trust in their GMC Sierra EV after GM denied their buyback under Arizona’s lemon law, showing how quickly things can change if reliability issues emerge. Terry’s post, by contrast, offers a refreshing perspective and proof that not every EV ownership story ends in frustration. It’s important to capture both sides because it gives potential buyers a more complete picture of what ownership looks like across different experiences.

Owner Reactions and Winter Driving Tips

Under Terry’s post, other GMC Sierra EV owners chimed in with their experiences. William Tull commented, “Nice. I traded in my Ram 1500 for the Sierra Max. It’s an unbelievable truck!” 

His comment echoes Terry’s sentiment. Drivers who have lived with traditional gas-powered pickups are finding something new and equally capable in GMC’s electric lineup. This kind of feedback is exactly what builds confidence among truck owners still on the fence about making the switch.

Another owner, Chris Galvan, added a practical tip: “Piece of advice for those that drive in winter: Remember to turn off rear wheel steering or it gets a little slippery. I’m in Colorado and we've had quite the storms and this big beast doesn't like ice or it gets slippery. I found turning off the rear wheel steering helps a lot.” 

That’s valuable real-world insight for readers in colder climates. It also highlights that while technology like four-wheel steering improves agility, it can behave differently depending on conditions.

Transitioning from Gas to Electric

For readers still unfamiliar with the Sierra EV, some have test-driven the GMC Sierra EV after years of driving gas trucks and discovered how different yet natural the electric transition felt. That perspective aligns perfectly with Terry’s experience. You might expect hesitation, but instead, drivers often end up impressed with the smoothness and quiet confidence these trucks deliver.

That's why I think Terry’s story captures something bigger than just a good towing experience. It shows how electric trucks are slowly bridging the gap between power and practicality, which is a space that diesel and gas once dominated (and still dominate for the most part honestly). But what stands out to me is that the Sierra EV doesn’t try to imitate a gas truck; it redefines what a capable truck can be. That combination of Super Cruise, instant torque, and real-world towing ability gives it an identity all its own. It makes me wonder if the next generation of truck owners will see electric torque the same way past generations saw big-block power, as a symbol of confidence and control.

Key Takeaways

• EV trucks can tow impressively well, even when pulling thousands of pounds, though range loss is still part of the equation.
• Super Cruise shines during real work, making long trips safer and more relaxing.
• The eTrunk and storage features are redefining how owners organize tools, gear, and personal items.
• Community feedback matters, as hearing from other Sierra EV owners helps demystify the real-world ownership experience.

What Do You Think?

What are your thoughts on the GMC Sierra EV? Is it as capable as owners are describing? Or are there some nuances that I have missed? 

And have you ever towed a heavy trailer with an electric truck? How does it compare to your experience with gas or diesel pickups? 

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts below, as your experience might just help someone decide if they’re ready to make the switch to electric.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “GMC Sierra EV Group” public Facebook group.