2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers but might have been missed by the casual onlooker. The front bumper featured more black painted areas and less chrome, while the massive grille adopted a less gaudy design. The headlights became sleeker, contributing to a more restrained styling without a complete overhaul. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements, from the basic XL with its black grille and bumpers to the luxurious Limited with a satin-chrome grille and twin-panel moonroof.

Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional but not particularly welcoming. The base XL model came with essential features like air conditioning, vinyl upholstery, and a basic stereo system. As you moved up the trims, additional comforts like cloth seating, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems were added. The King Ranch and Platinum trims offered unique styling and luxury features, while the Limited trim topped the range with premium amenities like massaging seats and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, particularly in its Denali trim, was known for its upscale styling and premium features. The AT4 variant, priced at $66,695, was the off-road-ready version with a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design details like red front recovery hooks. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System for the tailgate, enhancing both functionality and style.

Inside, the Sierra's cabin featured durable but stiff leather seats with power adjustments, heated and cooled cushions, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were also heated, and the truck offered practical features like high-clearance side rails and a six-position Multipro tailgate. The CarbonPro Edition's cargo bed was both lightweight and resistant to dents, scratches, and corrosion, making it highly functional. However, the interior storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with smaller and less innovative storage solutions.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 hp and an astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 was introduced for 2020, delivering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine used a six-speed automatic. The F-250 could tow up to 30,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Despite its heavy-duty capabilities, the F-250's ride quality was compromised by its stiff suspension, making it bumpy and top-heavy when not loaded. The available FX4 off-road package added upgraded shocks and skid plates, while the new Tremor off-road package included 33-inch tires, a 2-inch lift, and rock crawl driving mode, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered an affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine for $995, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sierra's automatic four-wheel-drive system was easy to use and maintained impressive traction in various conditions. During testing, the Sierra averaged 21.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's rating of 24 mpg.

The AT4's suspension handled rough terrain confidently while providing a comfortable ride on highways. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds with the Duramax diesel, and the payload rating was 2,150 pounds. The test truck, equipped with 4WD and a short bed, had a towing capacity of 8,800 pounds and a payload rating of 1,810 pounds.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door Crew Cab configurations, with either a 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed for large items. The center console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or even a laptop. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab models folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage inside the cabin.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats. The rear seats were also heated, and the truck featured high-clearance side rails and a six-position Multipro tailgate for easy access to the cargo bed. The CarbonPro Edition's cargo bed was lightweight and resistant to damage, with a capacity ranging from 62.9 to 89.1 cubic feet, depending on the bed length. However, the interior storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with smaller and less innovative storage solutions.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with a basic AM/FM/MP3 radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, an additional USB-C port, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle management via a smartphone app.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured numerous camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with the latter providing physical menu shortcut buttons and excellent voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system were standard. The Sierra AT4's Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as the audio systems in some competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, hill start assist, and AdvanceTrac traction control with roll stability control. Optional safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were also available. However, the F-250 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking, even on the base model. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat available on other trims. Adaptive cruise control was optional for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for front passenger protection and LATCH anchor accessibility.