2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Gleaming in Iconic Silver with chrome accents, it was a sight to behold. The interior was equally impressive, featuring plush leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a spacious, well-organized cabin. The power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easy, which was necessary given the truck's height. The F-350 came in various trims, from the work-oriented XL to the luxurious Limited, offering a range of interior finishes and features. Our test truck, a crew cab with a single-rear-wheel axle and standard cargo bed, was equipped with a turbodiesel V8 engine and 4WD, bringing the MSRP to $87,655.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, particularly in its AT4 trim, focused on rugged off-road capability and style. Priced at $66,695, the AT4 featured a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The black-on-black color scheme looked striking but was impractical for a truck meant to get dirty. Inside, the Sierra's cabin was a mix of durable materials and industrial design, with some spiffy caramel seat trim and metallic accents. The CarbonPro Edition Package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System, enhancing both functionality and style.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was a powerhouse, thanks to its 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, which produced 475 horsepower and a staggering 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size and power, the truck managed an average of 15.4 mpg on a standard testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of heavy highway use. The 10-speed automatic transmission seamlessly handled the engine's torque, making it easy to haul loaded trailers and navigate challenging terrains. The Tremor off-road package added features like a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, its size made urban driving and parking a challenge, requiring extra care and effort.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, equipped with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, offered a more balanced performance. The engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that adeptly managed gear shifts. The Sierra averaged 21.1 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's rating but impressive given the conditions. The AT4's off-road suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds with the right setup. The Sierra's all-terrain tires and off-road features made it a capable performer both on and off the road.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's interior was spacious and well-appointed, especially in the Limited trim. The crew cab offered ample room for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The rear seats provided generous legroom, though the seat cushion was slightly lower than expected. Storage options were plentiful, with a large center console, dual glove compartments, and door panel bins. Accessing the cargo bed was made easier with the integrated tailgate step and BoxLink system, while the optional spray-in bedliner added protection and grip.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's interior was functional but lacked the luxury feel of the F-350. The front seats were large and supportive, with power adjustments and heated and cooled cushions. The rear seats were spacious, with heated surfaces and air conditioning vents. Special high-clearance side rails and the MultiPro tailgate made accessing the cargo bed easier. The CarbonPro Edition's carbon fiber composite bed improved durability and added to the payload rating. However, the Sierra's interior storage options were less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with smaller and less innovative spaces.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was starting to show its age. The system included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a B&O premium sound system. The small screen size was a drawback, especially when using the reversing camera and trailer assist technologies. The truck also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's infotainment system was more modern, with a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was fast, responsive, and graphically pleasing, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and rear camera mirror, made maneuvering easier. However, the Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as the F-350's B&O system.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing about 7,300 pounds, likely offered good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It came with a range of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems performed well, though the blind-spot monitoring indicator was somewhat faint.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's safety features were less comprehensive. Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking were optional, even on the Denali trim. The truck did include blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with additional options for lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims and worked smoothly. However, 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.