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

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it featured enhancements over its light-duty counterparts, such as long bed lengths for improved cargo capacity and a tall ride height for better ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from basic and utilitarian in the lower trims to luxurious in the higher trims, with options for leather and upscale finishes that rivaled luxury cars.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its stylish design and the upscale Denali trim, which was akin to owning a luxury vehicle. The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red recovery hooks. The truck's interior, while functional, was dominated by black plastic with some caramel seat trim, and it offered features like heated and cooled seats. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition Package added functionality and durability to its cargo bed.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, generating 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty's towing capacity was remarkable, reaching over 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup, and it could handle a payload of up to 4,060 pounds. The truck's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the Tremor models, which included factory lift kits and beefy tires.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, on the other hand, featured an affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear shifts and efficient power delivery. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds. During testing, the Sierra averaged a fuel economy of 21.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's rating of 24 mpg. The AT4's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, making it a comfortable ride even on challenging surfaces.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a spacious interior with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front, providing comfort and convenience. Crew Cab and Super Cab models featured generous rear seating, accessible through large doors. However, the truck's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could be cumbersome for entry and exit. The Super Duty's tailgate design included optional steps and a handle for easier access to the bed, though it was less elaborate than the Sierra's tailgate features.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a comfortable interior with large, supportive seats covered in durable leather. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating and cooling options, while the rear seats were heated. The Sierra's innovative Multipro tailgate and standard rear bumper steps made accessing the cargo bed easier. The CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, increasing durability and payload capacity. The Sierra's bed could hold between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, depending on the length, and included multiple tie-downs for securing loads.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and minimal distraction. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded seats, and adjustable upfitter switches for accessories. A rapid heating unit was available for diesel models to quickly warm the cabin.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Bose premium sound system provided adequate audio quality, though it was not as impressive as some competitors' offerings.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were available as optional upgrades. These included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. A trailer tow package with special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist was also available. As a commercial vehicle, the Super Duty was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, despite being a premium brand, required optional packages for many safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, and the Sierra was set to receive GM's Super Cruise technology in 2022. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were mixed, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for certain tests.