GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. Ford F-250 Super Duty

If you're looking to buy a new heavy-duty diesel pickup, it's fairly difficult to go wrong with a Sierra 2500HD or Ford F-250 Super Duty. We’ve had enough customers ask us about these trucks that we’ve decided to do a comparison between the two so you can decide which is best for you. Both trucks are highly capable and comfortable, while still allowing you to get most jobs done without question. Want more details? Read on or call Tim’s Truck Capital in Epsom, NH today.

Performance

The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine found in the modern GM heavy-duty pickup series places the Sierra 2500HD Denali neck and neck with the, previously record-breaking, performance of the Ford F-250 Super Duty. For example, the 2017 6.6-liter Duramax has seen a jump of 48 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque over the previous generation. Although this truck isn't about performance times, the 6.5-second 0-60 mile-per-hour time of the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali is impressive. It can also handle 13,000 lb of towing capacity and 3,000 load capacity, making it equally equipped to handle a tough job at the construction site or a weekend camping in the white mountains.

The F-250 provides similar performance, while also being surprisingly easy to drive. The 6.7L turbodiesel engine delivers 925 pound-feet of torque off idle, while the 440HP peak comes on midway up the short range of the tachometer. The six-speed automatic is unobtrusive and shifts quickly for a heavy-duty pickup. Even with an impressive 15,000 pound tow rating, it drives as nimbly and friendly as a Toyota Tacoma in most scenarios.

Exterior

Like the F-150 and its aluminum swap of 2015, the Super Duty wears all-new bodywork that crisply updates the design for 2017 and beyond. Design-wise, all Super Duty trims are marked out by new, blockier headlamps that take up the full height of the grille and push to the edges of the front fenders. Front overhang is slightly chopped for this year, while the standard halogen reflector lamps upgrade to C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED low and high beams, plus LED fogs for this top trim. The LEDs really help the aesthetics of the Super Duty, especially up front.

The grille evolves into two giant horizontal bars across the center of the Ford’s intake areas. The PowerStroke diesel needs even more air for its intercoolers than the gas V8s, however, so those horizontal bars are carved with a boxed effect to increase air intake at higher speeds. It is a cool differentiator for the diesel powertrain from the Sierra 2500HD’s hood scoops.

Aas a 4×4 model, the F-250 gives plenty of ground clearance. Plus, the running boards tuck away into the body to greatly enhance off-road performance. The F-250 Platinum trim in particular boasts a suite of exterior and interior upgrades that give it the feel of a premium, luxury vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice power or safety.

The Sierra distinguishes itself with square shoulders, fender flares and a bulging hood. LEDs surround the headlights for a signature look at night. The tailgate is damped, so it doesn't slam down when opened, and a locking tailgate is available. A small step in the rear bumper makes it easy to look in the bed or pluck something out. LED lighting illuminates the bed. The Sierra Denali Ultimate features running boards that swing to the rear for access to the bed, a handy feature.

Safety and Technology Features

Both trucks sport comfortable interiors and a plethora of features determined largely by trim level. So, you are likely to see bigger differences between the base model and top model of either truck as you would between them, other than style of course.

Standard features for the F-250 include: fog lamps, locking removable tailgate with lift assist, box tie-down hooks, spare tire and wheel locks, tow hooks, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, 10-way power driver and passenger heated and cooled front seats, 110V/150W inverter in IP, SYNC with My Ford Touch, tilt/telescopic steering column, electrochromic mirror, fixed interval wipers, hill start assist, manual locking hubs, power windows and locks, Powerscope power fold mirrors, power heated glass and signals, reverse sensing and rear view camera, Four/Seven pin trailer tow connector, Built Ford Tough® trailer hitch receiver, Integrated trailer brake controller Front stabilizer bar, Hill start assist, MyKey® Pickup box and cargo area lamps, Stationary elevated idle control2 SYNC®, trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, trailer tow package, 4-wheel ABS, driver/passenger air bags, remote keyless entry and start, security system.

Meanwhile, the Ford Super Duty’s Safety and Security features include: AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Driver and right-front-passenger airbags, Front-seat side airbags, Safety Canopy System with roll-fold side-curtain airbags, SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, and Tire pressure monitoring. There are also several available packages to enhance personal use.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD’s standard features includes: 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED daytime running lights, pickup box cargo light, air conditioning, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora internet radio, Bluetooth, 8-inch touchscreen display, OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation, Remote Link, Guidance and 4G LTE as well as a remote locking tailgate. Some optional features seen on higher trim levels include remote keyless entry, Rear Vision Camera, remote starter, a Bose Speaker system, heated leather wrapped steering wheel, a rear seat entertainment system and several side assist step and tonneau cover options.

Most trims include these standard safety features: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, a rear view camera, low tire pressure warning, a tracker system with vehicle slowdown, trailer sway control, stability control system, Ultrasonic Front and Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

Which Truck Should I Buy?

When it comes to an answer on which heavy-duty pickup truck you should purchase...well, both have enough standout features that it is nearly impossible to pick a definitive winner. The Ford Super Duty is fun to drive and has greater towing and payload capacity, while the GMC is quieter, a little more subdued on the road, and just a hair quicker off the starting line. The GMC squeezes ahead on fuel economy, netting about one mile-per-gallon better on the highway—while the Ford has better safety features and smaller blind spots. So it’s really a personal decision as to which features are most important to you. If you still have questions about either truck or want to give them a test drive, fill out a form on our website or give us a call today. We’re proud to serve customers all across New Hampshire.