2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was designed with a focus on size and functionality. Unlike its 1500-level sibling, the massive scale of the Sierra 2500HD underscored its readiness for serious tasks. The grille, a defining feature, was engineered to feed various radiators necessary for the high-performing engine and subsystems. The Denali trim was particularly flashy, with extensive chrome detailing and premium exterior colors, most notably Onyx Black. The chrome wheels, a hallmark of the Denali, added to the truck's visual appeal. While the Sierra 2500HD was lauded for its practical yet striking design, criticism was reserved for the Chevrolet Silverado's design aesthetics, which the Sierra surpassed in most opinions.

The Sierra 2500HD lineup included trims such as Base, SLE, SLT, and the luxurious Denali. The base model sported a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE brought enhancements like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen, as well as practical features like a remote keyless entry and a WiFi hotspot.

The SLT trim offered 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and the innovative Multi-Pro six-way tailgate. Inside, it featured power-adjustable front seats and an upgraded infotainment screen. The Denali, although laden with luxurious features such as a full leather interior with wood-grain inserts, navigational aids, and a premium Bose sound system, fell short on fit-and-finish compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. Despite the luxury touches, the Denali maintained the ruggedness and simplicity suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty retained the blocky and muscular aesthetics of the midsize F-150 but in a much larger format, emphasizing its heavy-duty capabilities. This robust look was not merely cosmetic but functional, allowing the F-250 to excel in cargo-hauling and ground clearance.

The cabin experience varied by trim, from the utilitarian and tight space of the base XL offering basic cloth upholstery to the expansive, leather-clad interiors of higher trims like the Limited. Ford struck a balance between workhorse functionality and plush comfort, providing a wide spectrum of cabin options tailored to diverse user needs.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD provided two formidable V8 engine choices: a gas and a diesel variant, both with a displacement of 6.6 liters. The gas-powered engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel option delivered a staggering 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, coupled with a 10-speed Allison transmission, exuded immense power, making tasks like accelerating at highway speeds seem effortless. However, the truck's massive dimensions resulted in a poor turning radius, complicating maneuvers in confined spaces.

The impressive towing capabilities of the Sierra 2500HD allowed it to pull up to 18,510 pounds and manage a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. GMC extended helpful apps for trailering and the option to mount a trailer camera, enhancing the driver's ability to haul large loads efficiently. The truck averaged 16.5 mpg in mixed driving conditions, a reasonable figure for a vehicle of its size and power.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three engine choices: a 6.2-liter V8 generating 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, a 7.3-liter V8 with 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine delivering a remarkable 475 hp and an astounding 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, these engines provided a seamless driving experience across varied conditions. The Super Duty's diesel engine, in particular, excelled with towing capacities exceeding 36,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 4,060 pounds for certain configurations.

In addition, the Super Duty's Tremor models featured factory lift kits and robust tires, enhancing off-road capabilities. While lacking official fuel-economy ratings, the Super Duty's mpg was anticipated to drop significantly when under load.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, available in regular, double, and crew cab configurations, with options for standard or long beds, offered versatility. Denali trims were restricted to crew cabs with either bed size. All configurations included useful features like bumper corner steps and ahead-of-wheel-well steps, accommodating workers with large boots.

Interior space in the 2500HD was generous, with ample storage solutions like below-seat compartments and various cubbies. The MultiPro tailgate, accessible in six configurations, provided a practical and innovative step for bed access.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty emphasized utility while ensuring comfort. Standard 40/20/40 folding front benches offered convenience, whereas crew and Super Cab models delivered spacious rear seating. The truck's dimensions made urban maneuverability challenging, with large doors and high ride height complicating entry and exit. However, Ford's cleverly designed tailgate, although less elaborate than GMC's, provided easy bed access with optional steps and handles.

In terms of cargo capabilities, Ford's Super Duty series shone with formidable payload and towing capacities, surpassing the Sierra 2500HD in several configurations.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured a 7-inch touchscreen with GMC Infotainment 3, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable icons. SLT and Denali trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen and included navigation options. The Denali also sported an 8-inch color driver-information screen, although the overall tech package, while user-friendly, was modest compared to some competitors.

Ford's 2021 F-250 Super Duty boasted the intuitive Sync 3 system, with clearly labeled menus that minimized distraction. Base trims started with non-touch displays, whereas higher trims offered larger touchscreens. Sync 3 integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supplemented by optional tech features like WiFi hotspots, upfitter switches, and rapid heating units for diesel models, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD included essential safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Advanced aids like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision avoidance were available via the Driver Alert packages, mitigating the challenges posed by the truck's enormous size.

Similarly, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a suite of optional safety features, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, as a commercial vehicle, it lacked official safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.