2023 Ford F-150 vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

• 2023 Ford F-150

  

  Starting at

  $33,895^[a]

  2023 GMC Sierra 1500

  

  Starting at

  $37,200

  290-450	Horsepower (hp)	305-420
  14,000	Towing (lbs)	13,200
  3,315	Payload (lbs)	2,240

  It’s a well-documented fact that rivalry and competition bring out the very best results. When it comes to the automotive industry, competition is incredibly beneficial for the average consumer, as you get to reap the benefits from all of the hard work and innovation that manufacturers put in to outdo each other. Ask the average driver what the most well-known automotive rivalry is, and most will answer that it’s Ford vs GM. This is understandable, as both brands have constantly competed with one another for well over a century.

  When it comes to the pickup truck that most drivers trust, the Ford F-150 is at the top of every list. However, it faces stiff competition from GM's premium truck brand, GMC. The GMC Sierra 1500, which is closely related to the Chevy Silverado 1500, offers a variety of trims and features that many drivers can't help but gravitate towards. Now, the question has to be asked: Does it have what it takes to compete with the Ford F-150? The battle lines have been drawn. It’s the 2023 Ford F-150 vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. Only one can come out on top, so let’s begin.

• Off-Road Performance

  

  The GMC AT4 and AT4X

  When comparing two different vehicles, it’s important to consider what a potential buyer might be looking for. In the case of a pickup truck, most drivers are primarily focused on what’s under the hood and the prowess that each truck has to offer. Depending on what you’re looking to accomplish, the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 both have various trims and engines that can accommodate you. If you’re looking for a truck that’s ready to hit the dirt and engage in the rough-and-tumble world of off-roading, there are some interesting options from both brands.

  GMC, which is known for combining the rugged determination of Chevy with the sophistication of Cadillac, has two distinct trims for the 2023 Sierra 1500 that are ideal for the path less traveled. The AT4 and AT4X are both formulated for this purpose, with suspension lifts and engines that have the capacity to move mountains. The AT4X, which is the highest-priced trim next to the Denali Ultimate, comes equipped with a beefy 6.2L V8 that belts out 420 hp and is combined with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 is slightly more affordable and comes standard with a six-cylinder Duramax diesel engine that produces an astonishing 495 lb-ft of torque.

  The Ford Raptor and Tremor

  Both trims from GMC are impressive, and you might be wondering what Ford brings to the table to compete with the AT4 and AT4X. Surprisingly, Ford offers two distinctive trims that are off-road ready and priced lower than the competition. At the high end of the off-road trims is the F-150 Raptor. A High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine propels the Raptor forward with 450 hp. While GMC’s AT4X might have a beefy powertrain, Ford once again shows its ability to craft a vehicle that can handle the rigors of off-roading, thanks to a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, active shocks, and a wider stance.

  The second off-road option from Ford is the F-150 Tremor, which comes standard with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 400 hp. This trim is designed as a middle-ground between the monstrous Raptor and the basic FX4 Off-Road Package. The Tremor comes with a special suspension package optimized for the rigors of off-roading and has 18-inch wheels wrapped in aggressive 33-inch all-terrain tires. It also sports unique Tremor details, including an Active Orange stripe in the grille and exclusive decals.

  Making Off-Roading Affordable

  Ford also has an option that makes the world of off-roading accessible to drivers on a budget. New for the 2023 model year, the F-150 Rattler is a low-priced off-road package that gives you all the features you need to adventure on the road less traveled. All-terrain tires and skid plates are in place to provide you with the capacity for adventure. The Rattler can be outfitted with the 5.0L V8, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that is rated for 20 MPG combined, or a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 400 hp and a mammoth towing capacity of 14,000 lbs.

  While all the models that we’ve discussed are ideal for off-roading, it can’t be stressed enough that Ford makes its options more accessible to a wider range of drivers. The fact that both the Raptor and Tremor cost less than the AT4X and AT4 despite offering superior performance speaks volumes about Ford’s devotion to the average driver.

• Towing and Payload

  

  Sierra 1500 Hauling and Trailering

  While you might not need to embark on an off-roading adventure, there’s a good chance that you need a pickup truck to handle some heavy burdens and occupational obligations. When it comes to these tasks, the pickup truck has long been heralded as the most reliable workhorse, whether you’re engaging at either work or play. However, it’s important to know how each vehicle stacks up against one another. How much you can tow and carry with a truck depends mainly on the engine and drivetrain you choose.

  The towing and payload ratings of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vary depending on your choice of engine. When it comes to payload, the best choice is a two-wheel drive model with the base 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder. This engine can support a payload of up to 2,240 lbs, making it ideal for construction work and big clean-up jobs. To get the best towing capacity from this vehicle, you’ll want to employ the 6.2L V8 or the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The gasoline-powered V8 comes standard with four-wheel drive but can easily pull 13,000 lbs. For maximum towing capacity, the Duramax with two-wheel drive has a trailering limit of 13,200 lbs.

  F-150 Towing and Payload

  When it comes to the towing and payload capabilities of the 2023 Ford F-150, there’s almost no contest. With a variety of available powertrains, the F-150 can be outfitted to deliver the results that any driver might be looking for. When it comes to pulling its weight, the F-150 has the goods like none other. The 13,000 lb max towing capacity of the V8 GMC Sierra 1500 is easily matched by the Ford 5.0L V8, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 tops this rating with an impressive tow rating of 14,000 lbs. When it comes to offering a high payload rating, both of these engines deliver in spades, with the 5.0L V8 able to haul upwards of 3,235 lbs and the 3.5L V6 rated for up to 3,315. For capability that goes the distance, it’s no wonder why more people rely on Ford to deliver the goods and help carry the burdens of the job site.

• Safety and Driving Assistance

  

  A Dedication to Safety

  Whether you’re someone who enjoys a life of adventure, or you just need some extra help on the job site, there's no denying that the one common factor that unites every driver is the importance of safety. Comparing the 2023 Ford F-150 vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 reveals that they both offer robust safety and driver assist features. Many of the features that are offered throughout the industry are virtually identical to one another. This is due to the manufacturers being guided by various trends and the collective effort of everyone to do their part to benefit their drivers.

  As a testimony to this dedication on the part of both brands, the 2023 Ford F-150 and 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 were both awarded the coveted five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA. Both vehicles have plenty of standard and available driver-assist tools that can provide additional oversight and enhance the driving experience, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and various camera-based technologies for road sign recognition and trailering. Both vehicles also come with the option of hands-free driving, with Ford BlueCruise and GMC Super Cruise allowing for hands-free commuting over lengthy stretches of highway.

The 2023 F-150 Is Waiting for You!