Muscle Without the Mayhem

With their standard gas V8 engines, the GMC Sierra HD and the Ford Super Duty generate just over 400 horsepower (HP), although the GMC’s 464 lb-ft of torque edges out the Ford’s 445 lb-ft. Both also offer turbo-diesel V8 options that crank out at least 470 HP and 975 lb-ft of torque—more than enough for most commercial and recreational towing needs.

Not every job is reached by freshly paved roads. Whether navigating a rocky construction site or venturing beyond the trailhead, the Sierra HD and the Super Duty deliver the all-terrain features needed to remain calm and collected, even when the terrain turns harsh.

Either truck can be optionally outfitted with underbody skid plates and an off-road suspension. The Sierra HD also offers recovery hooks. The features may be similar, but it’s how these features are offered that differ. The GMC Sierra HD offers certain trim levels that are designed for rough roads, while these all-terrain features are only offered with select Super Duty packages.

Trailering Without the Guesswork

Speaking of trailering, the GMC Sierra HD and the Ford Super Duty boast max towing capacities topping 35,000 pounds—enough muscle to handle everything from stacks of pressure-treated lumber to skid steers and steel beams. Despite these similarities, you may find it easier to tow with the GMC Sierra HD, thanks to these standard and available features:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• In-Vehicle Trailering App
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
• Up to 14 camera views, including Transparent Trailer View

While the Super Duty has an optional Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, it locks the other trailering features behind higher trim levels or skips them entirely.

Utility, Upgraded

The GMC Sierra HD and the Ford Super Duty offer three cab styles and two bed lengths:

But when it comes to cargo volume, GMC leads. The Sierra HD delivers a best-in-class 83.5 cubic feet with its long bed, the Super Duty’s 8-foot box tops out at just 78.5 cubic feet.

The Sierra HD also adds more built-in utility, starting with 12 standard cargo tie-downs. GMC’s available MultiPro™ Tailgate features six functions and offers hitch-area lighting and step lights. Meanwhile, Ford sticks to a conventional tailgate with available power opening as its standout feature.

Cabins With Character

Your truck’s cab is more than a seat behind the wheel: It’s your mobile office, break room, and reset space after 12-hour days. That’s why comfort and convenience matter. The GMC Sierra HD and the Ford Super Duty offer available heated and ventilated front seats for year-round relief. Still, the Sierra HD's available 10-way power front seats with power lumbar make it easier to find your ideal position than the Super Duty’s 8-way option.

Both trucks offer upscale trims with real wood and premium leather, but only the Sierra HD adds available massaging front seats. Ford skips this feature, so you may not feel rejuvenated after a long day compared to the experience with the GMC Sierra HD.

Tech With a Toolbox

The GMC Premium Infotainment System and Ford’s SYNC® 4 offer the basics for your day-to-day: Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay™, and Android Auto. But the difference in screen real estate is hard to ignore. The GMC Sierra HD provides a 13.4-inch display, while the Ford Super Duty maxes out at 12 inches.

Only the Sierra HD offers Google built-in, a powerful suite that delivers hands-free help exactly when you need it. Use voice commands to:

• Get turn-by-turn directions to job sites or supply yards
• Schedule meetings, send texts, or check the weather
• Set appointment reminders and track deliveries
• Stream music, podcasts, and more—even without your phone

Because it’s cloud-connected, Google built-in also stays up-to-date automatically.

More Than Standard Safety

Once again, the GMC Sierra HD and the Ford Super Duty start on a level playing field—though safety is never a game. Their standard driver-assistance suites—Sierra HD Pro Safety and Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0—offer many similar, brand-specific systems designed to keep a watchful eye in all directions, including those hard-to-see areas. Still, only the GMC includes these thoughtful standard features:

• IntelliBeam®: Automatically turns high beams on and off based on surrounding traffic.
• Rear Seat Reminder: Alerts you to check the back seat before exiting—especially helpful with kids or pets on board.
• Teen Driver: Encourages safer habits in inexperienced drivers by customizing safety settings and providing an in-vehicle report card.

Thanks to these added features, you’ll feel more secure driving the GMC Sierra HD compared to the basic features of the Ford Super Duty.