GMC Sierra 1500 vs Ford F-150

While horsepower is important, torque becomes more critical when you want to tow (more about this later). The Sierra 1500’s best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb-ft far exceeds the 400 lb-ft in the F-150.

Plus, only the Sierra 1500 offers a turbo-diesel engine that combines plenty of power while yielding greater efficiency, allowing you to travel up to 35% farther in between fuel-ups. The F-150 doesn’t offer a diesel option.

A benefit of driving a truck like the Sierra 1500 or the F-150 is roaming without limitation. You can wander off the asphalt and take the less-traveled road (or non-road). So, it’s advantageous to have some performance features ready to handle whatever you encounter.

Traction Select System in the Sierra 1500 allow you to switch among available settings to match conditions and ensure optimal performance. The GMC modes include, among others:

Tour
• Sport
• Terrain
• Tow/Haul
• Off-Road

The F-150 offers several similar selectable drive modes.

When it comes to transporting lumber, home and garden supplies, or moving boxes in the bed of your truck, size matters. Speaking of (cargo) boxes, the Sierra 1500’s available GMC CarbonPro™ Composite Bed offers a best-in-class short bed cargo volume of 63.9 cubic feet, more than 10 extra cubic feet than the F-150’s 52.8 cubic feet.

When comparing the maximum cargo volume of their long beds, the GMC continues to dominate:

• Sierra 1500 Max Cargo Volume: 89.1 cubic feet
• F-150 Max Cargo Volume: 77.4 cubic feet

To monitor your truck, cargo, and surroundings, the F-150 has an optional 360-degree camera with a split-view display. Once again, the GMC outperforms the Ford by providing that and so much more, with up to 14 available camera views. As a result, you’ll more easily maneuver your pickup—even with a trailer in tow—through narrow streets or tight parking lots with increased peace of mind.

Of course, loading, unloading, and accessing the cargo in your pickup’s bed is equally important. For the latest model year, Ford offers the new Pro Access Tailgate for the F-150. While impressive, it falls short of the Sierra 1500 and the world’s first 6-function MultiPro™ Tailgate.

This workhorse feature enables you to tackle job duties by day and then turn into a party animal by converting the job site into a tailgate event once the workday is done. The available integrated MultiPro Audio System by KICKER® will supply the jams. Sadly, the F-150 has no similar enhancement.

You may travel many miles and navigate over rough terrain in your pickup, so you must remain comfortable behind the wheel. The Sierra 1500 ensures that by providing best-in-class front headroom and legroom in its Crew Cab.

To up the ante in the comfort department, you can outfit either model’s cabin with premium materials, including available leather, real wood trim, and heated/ventilated seats.

In-vehicle technology is a requirement for today’s drivers, and these pickups are ready to deliver in a big way—although one a bit bigger than the other. In addition to similar connectivity, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and a Wi-Fi® hotspot, they provide a central touchscreen to access apps, maps, music, and more.

Still, you can view your infotainment, navigation, and speed and driving information more easily in the GMC. The Sierra 1500 provides over 40 inches of available combined digital displays:

• 13.4-inch center touchscreen with Google built-in
• 12.3-inch customizable Driver Information Center
• 15-inch Head-Up Display

That’s the most display real estate in its class—are you sensing a trend here?