2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD projected a bold and commanding presence. The squared-off lines, tall hood, and massive grille gave the Sierra HD an intimidating look, particularly when viewed from the front. While design is naturally subjective, many considered the Sierra HD one of the more striking heavy-duty trucks on the market.

The interior, however, told a somewhat different story. Although functional and presentable, the cabin materials, especially on higher trims, didn't measure up to its competitors. Comparisons with the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty revealed the Sierra HD's material quality and spaciousness to be less impressive. The Sierra HD offered multiple trim levels, each with unique styling and features. The Pro trim was a no-frills, capability-focused truck, while the SLE and SLT added more comfort and technology. The AT4 catered to off-road enthusiasts, and the Denali presented as a luxury truck.

For our test drive, we had the off-road-centered AT4 trim. This model was decked out with black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, a hood air-induction system, red recovery hooks, 20-inch wheels with high-gloss black accents, and an optional high-clearance step. The interior featured Jet Black with Kalahari upholstery, embroidered AT4 accents, heated and ventilated front leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear floor liners with removable carpet, a premium infotainment system, wireless charging, and Bose premium audio. All these features combined to create a stylish and rugged off-roading package.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, although fully redesigned, presented more of an evolution than a revolution in its aesthetic. The trims available included XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The XL served as a work truck but still boasted some comfort features like a 4-speaker stereo, vinyl upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test model was the King Ranch, recognized for its luxury elements. This trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone paint job. It had less chrome than previous iterations, favoring dark accents. The interior of the King Ranch displayed an exquisite design with two-tone brown leather, perforated seats with saddle leather, and stitching. The signature Flying W emblem was a staple throughout the truck, seen on the wheels, center console bin, and tailgate. Other notable features included an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, auxiliary switches for aftermarket add-ons, and practical features such as spray-in bed liner, LED in-bed lighting, and fifth-wheel towing prep. Our model came equipped with Pro Power Onboard for up to 2-kilowatt power output, enhancing its functional appeal.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD had impressive engine options, a 6.6-liter V8 and an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine delivered 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, towing up to 18,500 pounds and handling a payload of 3,597 pounds. Despite these capable specs, the competition offered more.

Our Sierra 2500HD test truck was equipped with the Duramax diesel and Allison 10-speed combo. This powertrain delivered abundant power, easily navigating even the steepest inclines and roughest terrains. However, unladen, the ride could be jittery, though it smoothed out with weight. The AT4 trim, geared for off-roading, came equipped with an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, off-road suspension, skid plates, and trailering packages. It conquered our off-road course effortlessly while revealing a minor steering vibration across rugged terrain.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 6.8-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-liter V8 option generated 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. However, the star performer was the 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 available in a regular and high-output variant. The high-output diesel engine produced 500 horsepower and a staggering 1,200 pound-feet of torque.

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the F-250 handled power seamlessly, ensuring the diesel engine remained in its optimal powerband. Towing capabilities peaked at 22,000 pounds with the appropriate configurations, making it a formidable competitor in the heavy-duty market. Features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales simplified towing tasks, providing real-time cargo estimates and load distribution guidance.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD was offered in three cab configurations and two pickup bed lengths, emphasizing versatility. Most models seated five, but the actual capacity could go up to six with a front-row bench seat. Despite ample interior space, entering the lifted AT4 required an assist step and handle due to the vehicle's height. The cabin provided numerous storage options, such as the wide center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage in rear seats, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The cargo bed was easily accessible via a corner-step rear bumper, and the MultiPro tailgate added six distinct functions to enhance loading, unloading, and access.

The Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a similar variety with regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, plus 6.75 and 8-foot bed lengths. The SuperCrew featured full four-door access, while the SuperCab had rear-hinged clamshell doors. Our test model was equipped with helpful features like a Warn winch integrated into the front bumper and soft-opening tailgate. Bed steps provided essential support for climbing into the high cargo space.

In terms of interior function, the Super Duty impressed with ample storage options, including cupholders, a massive center storage bin, dual glove boxes, and door spaces for bottles. Our SuperCrew model allowed rear seats to fold up, creating a large, protected cargo area.

The infotainment systems in both trucks featured user-friendly, truck-owner-friendly designs. The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on higher trims. Navigation came standard on the Denali and available on the AT4 and SLT. The Bose premium audio system offered rich sound quality, enhancing the driving experience. A standout feature was the 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view that significantly aided trailer hookups and rear visibility.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty started with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgrading to a 12-inch screen in higher trims. The larger screen supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a split display to view multiple types of information simultaneously. The F-250 had multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford also provided Trailer Navigation to facilitate safer towing routes by considering trailer dimensions and weight.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD integrated several advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. Standard features included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder, driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system. Despite these advancements, neither NHTSA nor IIHS rated the Sierra 2500HD due to its high GVWR.

Similarly, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered the CoPilot 360 suite of driver-assist features, varying by trim. These included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera system. Our test model had power-adjustable trailer mirrors and trailer blind-spot monitoring. Like the Sierra, the Super Duty remained untested by NHTSA and IIHS.