GMC vs. Ford: Battle of the Pickup Trucks
Looking for a new pickup truck? You’ll undoubtedly consider buying a Ford. Their F-Series continues to dominate the market, currently the most popular pickup on the road—but Ford isn’t and shouldn’t be your only option when it comes to buying a new truck.
GMC is a formidable contender in the battle of the pickup trucks, offering all kinds of features that might make you rethink buying a Ford. Even though the Ford F-Series continues to be a favorite with consumers, it doesn’t mean GMC isn’t giving them a run for their money. Watch these two manufacturers go head-to-head in our Battle of the Pickup Trucks.
Style
Choosing your next pickup truck often comes down the style over substance. Some people prefer their truck to have a certain look rather than certain features. When it comes to style, both Ford and GMC can get by on their looks. The Ford F-Series features a minimal, no-fuss exterior that doesn’t bring too much attention to itself, but a GMC pickup truck likely walks away as the winner. Their trucks feature hard, bold lines that really catch the eye, suggesting a more rugged, outdoorsy look. If you compare the two side-by-side, you’ll notice the difference right away.
As we mentioned earlier, the Ford F-Series is booming in popularity, so you’re bound to see plenty of F-150s and F-250s on the road. If you want to stand out amid the crowd, go with a GMC.
Safety Features
Of course, safety should also play a role in the decision-making process. Both trucks get stellar safety ratings, and they come with all the latest features like a backup camera, brake assist, and electronic stability control, but the GMC might just have the Ford F-Series beat. GMC trucks are known as some of the safest on the road, earning raves from customers and industry pros alike. That doesn’t mean the Ford F-Series isn’t safe, but if you’re really a stickler for safety, GMC is the safer bet.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is always top-of-mind when choosing a new vehicle. You don’t want to get stuck paying a fortune at the pump for the next 10 years because you chose the wrong make/model. While both manufacturers get decent fuel economy ratings, Ford tends to come out on top. The Ford F-Series clocks in at around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while GMC comes in at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While this might seem negligible at first, you will save a pretty penny at the pump if you get behind the wheel of a Ford.
Going Off-Road and Towing Power
They don’t call it “Built Ford Tough” for nothing. Ford easily beats GMC when it comes to hauling and towing power. The Ford F-Series can tow around 13,200 pounds, while GMC trucks usually haul around 12,500 pounds. That’s a difference of nearly a thousand pounds, so the choice is clear if you want to be able to tow as much as physically possible. However, if you’re like most drivers on the road, you probably won’t find yourself hauling items that weigh over ten thousand pounds anytime soon.
If you’re not too serious about towing, you can get by with the GMC without regretting your decision, but choosing a pickup truck usually means you like to haul, or at least like to have the option. In that case, go with a Ford. This will also come in handy if you like towing equipment off-road. Just get a lift kit, and you’ll be ready to tow like there’s no tomorrow. You can find Ford lift kits online to make all your towing dreams come true.
Interior
Lots of truck owners tend to overlook the interior, but that’s where you’re going to spend all your time, so finding a truck with a polished interior will be more than worth it. The GMC interior is more spacious than Ford’s. It features a clean, comfortable environment that will make you feel right at home. You’ll love being on the road for hours, days, or even weeks at a time. It might even start to feel more like a living room than a driver’s seat.
While Ford has a fine interior as well, you can really spread out and relax behind the wheel of a GMC. If you love going off-road, you’ll feel more comfortable in a GMC. There tends to be less of a shake, and the seats give you lasting support, so you can handle all those bumps and turns with ease. You’ll just need to buy a lift kit for your new off-road truck, and you’ll be good to go.
Overall Value
While Ford will save you some money at the pump thanks to its fuel efficiency rating, a GMC pickup truck costs less to begin with. For example, you can get a GMC Sierra for around $566 a month for 60 months, while a Ford will cost around $596 per month for 60 months. Of course, these prices tend to fluctuate, especially if you’re buying used. If you really want to save money, GMC is the winner, even if it means paying a little extra for gas.
A basic Ford model is also pretty bare bones. So, if you’re hoping to add all kinds of sweet features and upgrades to your Ford, you’ll likely have to pay more than $600 a month, while the GMC basic model tends to be a better value.
Choosing Between the Two
Both Ford and GMC deliver quality trucks. Most of these differences are fairly minor, so you’ll be in great hands either way. If you want to save money and feel safe behind the wheel, GMC is the better choice, but if you’re passionate about hauling and you want more fuel efficiency, Ford is the way to go. Choosing between the two all depends on how you plan on using your truck. Do your research and grab one of these beauties today!
Article courtesy of superliftsuspensions. Photographs courtesy of shutterstock.