Ford Ranger vs GMC Sierra 2500HD

Sitting at the top of the Sierra’s seven available trims, the Denali Ultimate is newly added for the 2024 model year and comes with nearly every available option that can be included on this full-size truck.

The Denali Ultimate trim level is offered on both the 2500 and 3500 HD models. Each provides a higher degree of towing and payload capacity than what’s available in the standard GMC Sierra 1500. To put it bluntly, the Sierra HD models are pickup overkill for anyone simply looking to tow a couple of jet skis or haul a moderately-sized camper. The “HD” in the name stands for “Heavy Duty,” and its capabilities (and price) reflect this.

Powered exclusively by a 6.6-litre turbocharged Duramax diesel V8, the HD Denali Ultimate we test drove has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 kilograms (22,500 pounds)—an 1,800-kilogram (4,000-pound) increase versus the 2023 model. Need to tow something along the lines of construction equipment or, say, a small island? Stepping up to the Sierra 3500 HD equates to a max tow rating of 16,550 kilograms (36,500 pounds) when using a gooseneck trailer hitch.

Okay, so the Sierra HD lineup has serious chops for getting tough tasks done. But how does it stack up against the competition? Hop aboard as we take a look at every aspect of the HD Denali Ultimate, from how it drives, to the user-friendliness of its infotainment system, trailer tech, and whether this new top-of-the-range trim is worth the price.

While Ford outsells all other brands with its full-size pickup trucks, it lags behind in the midsize class. The Ranger, once the king of small trucks, hasn’t been a strong seller since Ford relaunched it for the 2019 model year. The smaller Maverick currently outsells the Ranger by nearly two to one. For 2024, the new Ranger brings more of everything: power, tech, refinement, space, and most importantly, choice. Is it too late for Ford to catch up? We tested a Ranger XLT to find out.

Verdict: With new V6 engines and a Raptor trim, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers greater choice and capability to finally match the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.