2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the North American market after an eight-year hiatus, bringing with it a design influenced by its international counterpart. This iteration was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, with styling that diverged from the typical American truck trend of bigger and blockier designs. The Ranger's exterior was clean and somewhat aggressive, reflecting its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional and modern, though not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear and tear. The trim levels ranged from the basic XL to the upscale Lariat, each offering varying degrees of features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its styling and the upscale Denali trim, which was akin to owning a luxury vehicle in the truck world. The Sierra AT4, an off-road-ready version, featured a factory-installed suspension lift and unique design elements. The interior, while durable, lacked a sense of luxury, with stiff leather and a sea of black plastic. However, it offered features like heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a range of power adjustments. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition package added functionality and durability to its cargo bed.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing. The Ranger's towing capacity reached up to 3,401 kilograms, making it a strong contender in the midsize truck category. However, its ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and vibration over bumps. The optional FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like an electronically locking rear differential and off-road-tuned suspension.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth gear transitions and impressive torque delivery. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 4,173 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 962 kilograms. The AT4's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, offering a comfortable ride even in challenging conditions. The Sierra's fuel economy averaged 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly higher than the official rating but commendable given the driving conditions.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, offered tight rear seats more suitable for children, while the SuperCrew provided a full rear bench for adult passengers. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including deep in-door pockets and a centre console bin. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in seat comfort, with large, supportive front chairs and spacious rear seats. The test truck featured heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The Sierra's cargo bed, enhanced by the CarbonPro Edition package, offered improved durability and a higher payload rating. The bed's capacity ranged from 1,781 to 2,523 litres, with multiple cargo tie-downs for added functionality. However, the Sierra's interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, providing a premium audio experience.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Bose premium sound system, while adequate, did not match the audio quality of competitors.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Ford's CoPilot360 technologies. This included automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. The Ranger received top scores in most crash tests by the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall related to the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as options. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS in certain tests. The upcoming 2022 model was expected to improve its safety features with GM's Super Cruise technology.