2021 Ford F-150 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its rugged exterior styling, reminiscent of its predecessors, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille shape, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. Ford claimed the new design was more aerodynamic, featuring active grille shutters, an automatically-deploying air dam, and reshaped cab and tailgate to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, including the cab, bed, fenders, and hood, helped reduce weight, enhancing fuel economy and payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console. The interior materials varied across trims, with the King Ranch model boasting luxurious leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, showcased a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While the exterior was impressive, the interior had some shortcomings, particularly in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD offered five trim levels, each with distinct features, and was available in regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. The AT4 trim, focused on off-road enthusiasts, featured black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a premium interior with Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery. Despite its shortcomings in interior space compared to rivals, the Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities and rugged design made it a strong contender in the heavy-duty truck market.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre unit with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 was also offered, delivering 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft, making it the most powerful option. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing capacity, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The hybrid powertrain provided impressive power but had a rough transition between electric and hybrid modes.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured two 6.6-litre V8 engines: a standard gas engine and an optional Duramax turbodiesel, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax engine delivered abundant power, requiring firm braking when shifting out of Park to prevent unintended movement. The Sierra 2500HD's maximum payload capacity was 1,637 kilograms, with a maximum trailering weight of 8,391 kilograms on the AT4 trim. Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD lagged behind competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 in towing capacity. The AT4 trim excelled in off-road performance, equipped with features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires. The Sierra 2500HD's ride was jittery when unladen but improved with added weight.

The 2021 Ford F-150 was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a fold-flat shifter to create a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting on the job site. The F-150 provided ample storage, including a centre-console bin and large cupholders. It was available in three cab configurations: regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with various bed sizes. The SuperCrew offered more rear passenger space, though competitors like the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 provided more legroom. The F-150's tailgate featured rulers and power opening/closing but lacked the versatility of GMC's MultiPro tailgate. The Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW of output on the hybrid model.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. The AT4 package added extra lift, making entry a bit challenging, but side steps and assist handles aided access. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD featured a spacious centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The truck offered a 120-volt power outlet in the cabin and another in the bed, along with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The MultiPro tailgate, standard on SLE and above, provided six functions for improved cargo access and could be lowered via a switch, remote key fob, or manually. Combined with the rear power outlet, the tailgate served as a mobile office space.

The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, capable of over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while higher trims featured a 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included physical buttons for essential functions, though menu loading could be slow. The F-150 offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and Dynamic Hitch Assist for easier towing, though these features were optional.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on higher trims. The Sierra 2500HD included hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar. The Bose premium audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The Sierra's 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, aided in trailer hookup and visibility, with a rear camera mirror providing a clear view behind the truck.

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 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and intersection assist. The F-150 was set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving on highways, available later in 2021.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system was standard, allowing parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. The Sierra's mass provided safety in collisions but posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians. The truck's numerous camera views were essential for safety, and it was recommended to opt for as many safety systems as possible. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.