Comparing the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Ford F-150

The GMC and Ford lineups stand out in the truck segment. These two brands offer models ideal for any lifestyle. GMC and Ford created competitive lineups. They have trucks with expressive street style, pickups for heavy towing and hauling, and models ready for off-road adventures. In this article, our truck experts compare the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 and Ford F-150 to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Exterior Features

The GMC Sierra 1500 is available in eight trims. The Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT models offer a modern exterior with subtle design differences in grilles and trim. The AT4 and AT4X trims are perfect for off-road adventures thanks to enhanced four-wheel-drive capability.

The top-of-the-range Denali and Denali Ultimate trims offer luxury and sophistication. Denali models have a signature grille with a chrome header and wheel-to-wheel chrome assist steps. Denali Ultimate trims have an exclusive Denali Vader Chrome grille and Ultra-Bright seven-spoke, 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with Bright Chrome accents.

The Sierra 1500 trucks share certain standard features, such as the six-function MultiPro tailgate, and offer regular, double, and crew cab options, as well as three bed-lengths.

The F-150 is also available in eight trims. The lower XL, STX, and XLT trims feature similar exterior design elements such as LED reflector headlights, halogen taillamps, daytime running lights, and bed lighting.

The LARIAT, Platinum, and King Ranch offer chrome grille surrounds, trim-exclusive badging, and premium wheels. Ford also offers a Pro-Access Tailgate and multiple cab and bed configurations.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The GMC Sierra has four engine options depending on the trim. The standard 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder TurboMax engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque while the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for the 6.2-liter V-8 variant, which produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. GMC also offers a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The TurboMax engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines are coupled with a ten-speed automatic.

Ford offers six engine options for the F-150. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine produces 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 generates 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque while the full-hybrid V-6 delivers 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque.

You have two V-8 options: a 5.0-liter V-8 that produces 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque and a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 that generates an impressive 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Ford also offers a 3.5-liter high-output V-6 EcoBoost engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, which is available exclusively on the Raptor model.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Towing capacity varies by trim. When properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 turbo-diesel engine can tow up to 13,300 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,530 pounds. The Sierra 5.3-liter powertrain can tow up to 11,100 pounds, and the 6.2-liter V-8 engine has a towing capacity of up to 13,000 pounds.

Ford’s hybrid powertrain can tow up to 12,700 pounds, while the 5.0-liter V-8 variant is rated at 13,000 pounds. Payload capacity tops out at 2,455 pounds. The twin-turbo V-6 offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of the Sierra 1500 models equipped with the TurboMax engine is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. The turbo-diesel engine option in the AT4 trim provides an impressive 22 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. Since the Sierra AT4X features more rugged off-road equipment that adds weight, the fuel efficiency of its diesel engine decreases slightly, offering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.

The Sierra 1500 Denali comes standard with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, producing 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. The Denali Ultimate’s 6.2-liter V-8 provides 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined.

The Ford F-150’s lower trims with the 5.0-liter V-8 engine and two-wheel drive are rated at 20 mpg in the city, 17 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The middle trims with heavier equipment and four-wheel drive provide 19 mpg in the city, 17 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine returns 22 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the 3.5-liter V-6 offers 20 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 23 combined.

Interior Features and Comfort

The Sierra 1500’s lower trims feature premium cloth or durable synthetic upholstery, while higher trims offer more luxurious features, such as heated and ventilated leather seats in the top-of-the-range Denali and Denali Ultimate trims. Technology features include a 13.4-inch infotainment system, Google built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Ford F-150 models offer cloth, synthetic, and leather seating surfaces depending on the model. The interior technology includes a 12.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but not the Google built-in virtual assistant.

Safety and Reliability

Ford and GMC offer similar driver-assistance and safety technologies such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. GMC edges ahead of the Ford F-150 with a backseat reminder system and longer-running warranty protection. J.D. Power ranks the Sierra 1500 higher than the Ford F-150.

Why the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Stands Out

Although both GMC and Toyota offer quality vehicles and capable performance, the Sierra 1500 stands out with more off-road and engine options, luxury features, and a larger touch-screen display.

If you’re in Carmel, New York, we invite you to visit Meadowland GMC to experience the Sierra 1500 firsthand. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and help you explore your financing options. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive to help you decide whether the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 fits your lifestyle.

Image from gmc.com

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