Ford F-150
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Towing and payload, good resale, reliability, engine lineup, fuel economy, aluminum construction on 2015 and later models
Below Average: Early Sync infotainment systems and that’s about it
Consensus: There’s a reason the F-150 is the best selling pickup in America year after year. From its best-in-class towing, payload and horsepower to its numerous trims and configurations, it simply remains the target for all others to aim.
GMC Sierra
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Reliability, numerous configurations and trims, clever features, powerful V8 engines, upscale interior
Below Average: V6 horsepower on some early models
Consensus: The twin of the Chevrolet Silverado with a more upscale look and feel, plus a more powerful Denali trim.
The GMC Sierra, along with its identical Chevy Silverado twin, is a good match to the F-150, but can’t beat it in the areas that matter most to pickup truck buyers. While the Sierra does offer the 420-horsepower Denali trim, it still can’t beat the F-150 for towing or payload, and its V6 and V8 engines are not as fuel efficient as the turbocharged EcoBoost offerings from Ford. After 2015, the F-150 comes with a lightweight aluminum body, although GM has poked some holes in the idea an aluminum bed is as durable as steel. The F-150 has kept pace with technology over the years, offering cutting-edge features to assist with towing, parking and trailer hook ups. Both trucks offer numerous trims, and both offer luxurious high-end models in the Sierra Denali and F-150 King Ranch and Platinum models. The Sierra, however, has nothing to challenge the off-road ready Raptor. Both trucks hold above average reliability and good but not great resale. On the safety front, in IIHS crash testing the Ford F-150 does a bit better than the Sierra, which earned only a Moderate score in one of the small overlap crash test.
Ford F-150 Advantages
Towing and payload, trim levels, engine choices, advanced tech, fuel economy, off-road Raptor model
GMC Sierra Advantages
Steel bed, GM MyLink infotainment, 420-horsepower Denali model
Similarities
Numerous cab and bed configurations, numerous options, powerful engines, comfortable ride, roomy cabin, high tech assists
Final Recommendation
Over most years, the F-150 wins out in the areas of towing and payload, as well as offering more engine choices, better fuel economy, a wider range of trims and tech ad-ons. The aluminum body on the 2015 and later models may be a deal breaker for some, but it does remove weight and increase towing and hauling figures. Those worried about bed strength can always opt for a spray-in or molded bed liner.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
