2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a luxurious yet robust presence. 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 easy, and the crew cab offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The Limited trim included a turbodiesel V8 engine and 4WD, making it a versatile choice for both work and leisure.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, particularly in the AT4 trim, showcased a bold and rugged design. Its tall hood, squared-off lines, and massive grille gave it a commanding presence. Inside, the Sierra HD was functional but lacked the material quality of its competitors. The AT4 trim featured black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a host of off-road capabilities. The interior was equipped with Jet Black with Kalahari upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium infotainment system, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the F-350 managed a fuel efficiency of 15.4 mpg on a testing loop and 16.5 mpg during a week of heavy highway use. The Powerstroke diesel engine provided remarkable power, effortlessly hauling loaded trailers and navigating challenging terrains. The Tremor off-road package further enhanced its capabilities with a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. However, its size made parking and urban driving a challenge, requiring careful maneuvering and ample space.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, equipped with the optional Duramax diesel engine and Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, offered 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Sierra 2500HD was still a strong performer. The AT4 trim's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like an automatic-locking rear differential, twin-tube Rancho shocks, and all-terrain tires. The ride quality improved with added weight, but it remained jittery on uneven pavement. The Sierra 2500HD excelled in off-road conditions, handling hills and rough terrain with ease.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's crew cab provided ample space for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The interior featured a large center console, dual glove compartments, and numerous storage bins. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with plenty of legroom and heated outboard seats. Accessing the cargo bed was made easier with the integrated tailgate step and BoxLink system. The optional spray-in bedliner added protection and grip, while LED box lighting improved visibility.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two pickup bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. The interior was spacious, with plenty of headroom, legroom, and storage options. The wide and deep center console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats provided ample space for personal items. The optional 120-volt power outlets in the cabin and bed added convenience. The MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, offered six distinct functions to improve loading and unloading.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. While functional, the screen size was a drawback, especially when using the reversing camera and trailer assistance features. The system included smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a B&O premium sound system. The voice-recognition technology was easy to use but occasionally unresponsive. The driver information display offered extensive menus for safety, towing, and off-roading configurations.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on higher trims, along with a navigation system and Bose premium audio. The Sierra 2500HD boasted 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and safety. The voice-recognition system had some quirks, but the overall infotainment experience was robust and user-friendly.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty came equipped 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 truck's weight and size provided an inherent safety advantage in collisions with smaller vehicles. However, the adaptive cruise control system was sometimes uneven, and the blind-spot monitoring indicators were small and faint.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured advanced safety and driver-assistive systems, such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and hill-descent control. Standard safety features included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder system, driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system. The Sierra 2500HD's mass provided safety benefits in collisions but also posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.