GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Ford F-150
At a Glance: Sierra 1500 vs. F-150
Have a home project to tackle? Need to transport materials to the job site? Are you hungry for a bit of adventure? Whether you want to haul building supplies, tow a camper, or head off the beaten path, a light-duty pickup truck can help you handle it all.
The North County GMC team knows the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ford F-150 are both solid options, but which is right for you? If you’re a driver in Escondido, and San Marcos, CA, this comparison can help you decide which one deserves a spot in your driveway. Let’s get started!
TURBO-DIESEL OPTION
STANDARD FRONT HEADROOM
MAX CARGO VOLUME
A Matchup of 2 Pickups
PERFORMANCE
Undoubtedly, a primary reason to drive a pickup truck is for its strength and capability. The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ford F-150 boast impressive performance outputs with multiple powertrain options. Still, there are a few differences worth noting.
Energetic and Efficient Engines
While horsepower is important, torque becomes more critical when you have heavy-duty tasks on the agenda. The GMC Sierra 1500’s best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb-ft far exceeds the standard output of 400 lb-ft of torque in the Ford F-150.
Plus, only the Sierra 1500 offers an available turbo-diesel engine that combines plenty of power while yielding greater efficiency. This combination makes it a top pick for those in need of an everyday commuter that packs a punch.
Sadly, the F-150 doesn’t offer a diesel option, meaning it’s likely to fall behind in the performance arena when compared to the Sierra 1500.
Power Rangers
A benefit of driving a truck like the GMC Sierra 1500 or the Ford F-150 is roaming without limitation. You can wander off the asphalt and forge your own path. This is especially important when towing a boat or camping trailer, since the best outdoor locations are sometimes hard to find. So, it’s advantageous to have some performance features ready to handle whatever you encounter.
The Driver Mode Control/Traction Select System in the Sierra 1500 allows you to switch among available settings to match conditions and ensure optimal performance. The GMC modes include, among others:
- Tour (Normal)
- Sport
- Terrain
- Tow/Haul
- Off-Road
Also built to explore the natural world, the Ford F-150 offers similar selectable drive modes. Yet, the Ford can’t compete with the durable capabilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X trim levels. Specifically designed to conquer the unknown, these trims feature underbody skid plates made from hot-stamped boron steel, steel front and rear bumpers with winch capability, and an off-road rocker panel protector, among other features.
CAPABILITY
When you literally have a ton (or more) to tow, you can count on the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ford F-150. Both models can tow over 13,000 pounds and have a maximum payload capacity of at least 2,200 pounds. So, which will offer more of what you need?
Transport Your Gear With Ease
When it comes to transporting lumber, home and garden supplies, or moving boxes in the bed of your truck, size matters. Speaking of cargo boxes, the GMC Sierra 1500’s available GMC CarbonPro® composite bed offers a best-in-class short bed cargo volume of 63.9 cubic feet, more than 10 cubic feet larger than the similarly sized F-150’s 52.8 cubic feet.
Each truck is offered in a variety of bed lengths, giving you the customization needed to match your truck to your work requirements. Even when comparing the long-bed sizes of the Sierra 1500 and the F-150, the GMC continues to dominate:
- Sierra 1500 Max Cargo Volume: 89.1 cubic feet
- F-150 Max Cargo Volume: 77.4 cubic feet
To monitor your surroundings, the F-150 has an optional 360-degree camera with a split-view display. While helpful, the GMC once again outperforms the Ford by providing that and so much more, with up to 14 available camera views. With access to bed, hitch, and inside trailer views, you’ll maneuver your pickup with increased peace of mind.
Flexible Functionality
Of course, loading, unloading, and accessing the cargo in your pickup’s bed is equally important as how much space it provides. Ford offers the Pro Access Tailgate for the F-150. The innovative swing gate opens to a full 100 degrees, letting you access the cargo area 19 inches closer than with a traditional tailgate.
While impressive, the Pro Access Tailgate falls short of the GMC Sierra 1500 and the world’s first MultiPro™ Tailgate. When optionally equipped, this revolutionary tailgate can be configured in one of six ways, including a full-width, step, and traditional tailgate, offering more ways to tailor your Sierra 1500 to your ever-changing needs.
Plus, this workhorse feature enables you to tackle job duties by day and then becomes a tailgate MVP, thanks to the available integrated MultiPro™ Audio System by KICKER®. Sadly, the F-150 has no similar enhancement.
INTERIOR
The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ford F-150 offer three cab styles to choose from. Whether traveling solo or with a crew, you’ll want to stretch out and have everything you need within reach. Which pickup provides comfort and convenience to exceed your expectations?
Comfortable Cabins Await
You have big plans for your new pickup. Between cross-country road trips and exploring uncharted terrain, it’s essential that you and your crew remain comfortable across every stretch of highway. The GMC Sierra 1500 ensures that by providing best-in-class front headroom and legroom in its Crew Cab configuration.
Model | Front Headroom | Front Legroom |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 43 inches | 44.5 inches |
| Ford F-150 | 40.8 inches | 43.9 inches |
To up the ante in the comfort department, you can outfit either model’s cabin with premium materials, including available leather and heated/ventilated seats.
Let’s Talk Tech
In-vehicle technology is a requirement for today’s drivers, and these pickups are ready to deliver in a big way—although one a bit bigger than the other. In addition to similar connectivity, including standard Apple CarPlay® and a Wi-Fi® hotspot, they provide a central touchscreen to access apps, maps, music, and more.
Still, you can view your infotainment, navigation, and speed and driving information more easily in the GMC. The Sierra 1500 provides over 40 inches of available combined digital displays, including:
- 13.4-inch center touchscreen with Google built-in
- 12.3-inch customizable Driver Information Center
- 15-inch Head-Up Display
With only available dual 12-inch display screens, the Ford F-150 falls behind in the digital arena. With the GMC Sierra 1500, all information is neatly organized and easy to view, allowing you to stay connected and informed while keeping your eyes on the road.
Time to Pick Your Pickup
Although the Ford F-150 has many admirable qualities, it just can’t match the overall versatility of the GMC Sierra 1500. When it comes down to it, you want a pickup that’s like you: able to work and play equally hard. Sounds like you need the Sierra 1500.
Contact North County GMC to set up a test drive of the Sierra 1500 around Escondido, and San Marcos, CA. After all, when you find the perfect on- and off-road companion, you want to get better acquainted immediately!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new GMC Sierra 1500 for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
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