2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Ford F-150

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth, prioritizing function over form with its massive scale. Whether in a base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. Its enormous grille fed multiple radiators, supporting the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. Offered in premium exterior colors, the Denali was one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors, often preferred over the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500 due to its design.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD started with the Base, known as the “Sierra,” followed by the SLE, SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and a power-release tailgate. The Denali featured a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. Despite its luxurious touches, the Denali's cabin was considered just average in terms of fit-and-finish and material quality.

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained a similar design theme to its predecessor, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. The new model featured a redesigned front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille shape, available in 11 design options. Ford improved aerodynamics with active grille shutters, an automatically-deploying air dam, and changes to the cab and tailgate shape. The F-150's aluminum bodywork reduced weight, enhancing fuel economy and payload capacity.

The interior was also redesigned, maintaining a truck-like look with large angular air vents and a high center console. The King Ranch trim featured leather upholstery and wood trim, offering a more luxurious feel. The F-150 was available in various trims, from the spartan XL to the luxurious King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The King Ranch test vehicle impressed with its upscale materials, surpassing other high-end trucks in terms of look and feel.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a gas and a diesel. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 delivered 445 hp and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel came with a 10-speed Allison transmission. Despite its size, the diesel engine provided lively performance, with the ability to chirp the tires at low speeds and accelerate quickly on the highway.

The Sierra 2500HD had a poor turning radius, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. However, it excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,979 pounds. The truck featured helpful trailering apps and the option to mount a camera on the trailer for better visibility. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the trip computer showed an average of 16.5 miles per gallon during combined city and highway driving.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-liter V8 with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-liter (325 hp and 400 lb-ft) and a 3.5-liter (400 hp and 500 lb-ft). A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 produced 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque.

The F-150's maximum payload was 3,325 pounds with the 5.0-liter V8, and the highest towing capacity was 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The PowerBoost hybrid offered a towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. The hybrid powertrain provided ample power, but the transition between electric-only and hybrid modes was not smooth. The truck's ride quality and cabin noise levels were impressive, making it comfortable for long drives.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including a regular cab with a long bed, a double cab with standard or long bed, and a crew cab with standard or long bed. The Denali trim was only available with the crew cab. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and steps ahead of the rear wheel well, accommodating larger work boots. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate and the MultiPro tailgate with six configurations, including a step into the truck bed, were notable features.

Inside, the Sierra 2500HD offered ample room and numerous storage options, including cubbies, cupholders, and bins. SLT-and-up trims had a storage area below the rear seats, which folded up for easier stowing of larger items.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to customers using their trucks as mobile offices. The shifter could fold flat to create a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting after long hours. The F-150 provided generous storage space, including a center-console bin and large cupholders. An angled wireless-charging pad ensured phones stayed in place.

The F-150 was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, with seating for up to six. The SuperCrew offered more space for rear passengers, though the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 had more rear legroom and front-row headroom, respectively. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. Bed access was facilitated by power running boards and a fold-out step in the tailgate, which also featured rulers and power opening/closing. The F-150 offered in-bed power outlets with the Pro Power Onboard system, providing up to 7.2 kW of output.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though modest compared to the Ram 2500 Limited's larger screen.

The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while higher trims featured a 12-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen's menus were well-organized, and the digital instrument cluster displayed engine rpm and speed clearly. Physical buttons and knobs were provided for essential functions. The F-150 also included Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and Dynamic Hitch Assist for easier towing.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's size posed safety challenges, but it was equipped with cameras on all sides and two-tier trailering mirrors for better visibility. Standard safety features included front and side airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but the IIHS gave a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, hill-descent control, and intersection assist. The F-150 would also offer Active Drive Assist for hands-free driving on designated highways, available later in 2021.