2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2022 Ford F-250

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

  

  Starting at

  $36,700*

  2022 Ford F-250

  

  Starting at

  $35,200

  401	Standard HP	385
  3979	Max Payload (lbs)	3940
  83.5	Bed Volume (cu ft)	78.5

  When it comes to towing and hauling, a heavy-duty truck makes light work of the types of trailers and cargo we need to transport. Never before in history has it been easier to trailer with a truck now that technology lends so much support to even the least experienced driver. Though Ford has a loyal following for its trucks, GMC has its own loyal fans. In the heavy-duty segment, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs 2022 Ford F-250 makes for an exciting comparison to see which truck will serve buyers best when it comes to hard work made easy.

  Both the 2022 Sierra HD and the 2022 F-250 start out with basic trims for work trucks meant to be used in fleets, so buyers looking at the low prices for entry-level models should be prepared for slim offerings in features. Vinyl seats and flooring, manual climate control, and manual seats are the flavor of the work truck. But don't despair - GMC does offer a few comforts to the entry-level trim with tech and powered windows, though Ford keeps a lot more features reserved for the upper trims. Once buyers range into the second tier of trims, a lot more conveniences suited to personal use become available.

  Both Ford and GMC have countless options for configuring a truck to suit a buyer's specs. Cab sizes, bed lengths, engine choices, and packages all offer opportunities for building a heavy-duty truck perfect for whatever a buyer could need. With features like powered tailgates, trailering mirrors, leather upholstery, and available driver-assist safety tech, it's possible to have a very luxurious truck with all the comforts you could imagine. It does bear mentioning that GMC offers its superb Denali trim as its most luxurious model, which starts at $66,000. Ford has the Limited as its top trim level, but its starting price comes in at a whopping $85,335. If the features were equal, the choice of which truck to buy seems obvious, but even at the far lower price, GMC gives the Denali a lot more, along with most of the other trims compared to Ford.

• Capability

  

  GMC trucks are known for their high quality and durability as much as Ford, and both the 2022 Sierra 2500 and 2022 F-250 are excellent choices for heavy-duty work. In the category of engines, Ford has an edge with three choices compared to GMC's two, but the base Ford engine is noticeably less powerful than what you will find in the Sierra. GMC also offers numerous features that simplify towing and hauling, particularly with the cargo bed. Ford has its own list of features that lend themselves to trailering and loading the bed, but each truck has its own way of standing out in the market.

  The Bare Bones

  When you buy a basic work truck from either Ford or GMC, it doesn't come with many features. These are meant to be fleet vehicles and don't have much in the way of conveniences, but even a basic work truck should have a few features to make life easier. One specific difference is that even though the F-250 has excellent towing capability, it doesn't come standard with a towing package. GMC gives buyers a trailering package with a seven-pin connector and hitch assembly right out of the gate. Hitch guidance also comes standard to assist the driver in properly connecting with the trailer, while any trailering tech has to be added for an extra fee with the F-250.

  Upgrading Your Truck

  For off-road packages, the 2022 Sierra 2500 offers the X31 Off-Road Package with skid plates, hill descent control, an off-road suspension, and twin-tube Rancho shocks. Ford offers its FX4 package, which also includes skid plates, hill descent control, and "specially tuned" shocks. For true off-road capability, the suspension makes a big difference in how a truck handles terrain. Without an off-road-ready suspension, every jolt and bump will affect the passengers.

  When ranging into upper trims, plenty of other equipment becomes available for trailering and hauling, but only the 2022 Sierra offers the "Transparent" trailer feature with class-exclusive camera views that allow the driver to "see through'' the trailer for safer driving. Ford has its own impressive tech features for trailering, like the Pro Trailer Back Up Assist, but that headline feature is mostly aimed at drivers still learning how to maneuver a trailer. Ford's higher towing numbers are a draw, but the features from GMC weigh heavily against what Ford offers.

• Functionality

  

  In the arena of functionality, the 2022 Sierra 2500 has a lot to love. The MultiPro tailgate is possibly one of the most creative designs of truck functionality since trucks were invented, a feature that is available for all trims and is standard on all but the entry-level. Who doesn't want a six-way configurable tailgate that can fold into steps for easy bed access? Having the capability to fold down the center of the tailgate for closer access to the bed is another boon for those of us who prefer not to toss items so far over the gate. Tack on the helpful load gates that can be raised to keep items in the bed, whether the tailgate is flat or folded halfway down, and you have one of the best things about trucks since sliced bread.

  With so many options for how useful this tailgate can be, it's hard to compete. Ford tries with its step ladder that cleverly folds up and tucks away into the tailgate of the F-250, but that little ladder is small for work boots, and it's inconvenient to have to get the ladder out and set it up. The tailgate for the 2022 F-250 can also be removed for easier loading, but that isn't easy or convenient, either. You need tools and two people to do it properly, and it's not fast. In this particular case, the 2022 Sierra 2500 takes the prize.

  The Sierra is Here to Haul

  Another great choice from the 2022 Sierra 2500 is the standard corner steps. Even in large work boots, anyone should be able to easily access the bed from all four corners to tie down and secure items. Also standard for the GMC are twelve cargo tie-downs in the bed, making easy work of keeping anything secure. Once again, Ford offers its optional tailgate ladder that has to be taken out and set up, which is a chore. While the 2022 F-250 does have the option of adding running boards to any trim, they aren't standard, and they only help with access to the front of the bed. Reaching into the back requires climbing onto the tailgate or getting out the ladder, and only four tie-downs come standard with the Ford truck. For functionality and convenience, the 2022 Sierra 2500 easily takes the point.

• Technology

  

  Trucks used for heavy-duty hauling and trailering benefit from the assistance of lots of technology to make hitching and driving much easier. As mentioned in other sections of this comparison, the 2022 Sierra 2500 has an excellent trailering system with more camera views than any other competitor, including those that provide the available "transparent" trailer effect. Ford has its own set of available cameras handy for bed and hitch views, and the 2022 F-250 also has an available 360-degree surround view system to help with maneuvering in tight spaces.

  Even with Ford's surround view system, GMC delivers more tech like an in-vehicle trailering app that allows buyers to customize trailers to make hitching and towing quicker to set up for driving. With the GMC app, you can save trailer profiles you enter, and then on-board tech monitors tire pressure and allows you to keep an eye on the trailer using camera views. There is even an option for setting up an available security feature that alerts you through an app on your phone if someone tries to unhitch your trailer. Even on the most expensive upper trim, Ford has nothing like this technology. Again, you may be able to tow heavier trailers, but GMC lets you keep them safer and more secure for a lower price across the trims.

  Interior Tech Features

  For the interior of the cabin, technology for both trucks is plentiful in terms of keeping connected, though the entry-level offerings are basic at best. The 2022 Sierra 2500 gives buyers a larger instrument cluster in the work truck, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with a seven-inch touchscreen. Through the use of GMC Connected service, a WiFi hotspot capability is also standard for all trims.

  In the 2022 F-250, a very small four-inch (non-touch) screen and FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot capability is about all you get. The instrument cluster screen is also tiny at 2.3 inches. Upper trims in both trucks offer upgrades to the stereo system, provide SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a universal home remote. GMC ups the ante with a rearview camera mirror and a head-up display, neither of which is found in the Ford. For technology, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers buyers more. The convenience of the kinds of tech offered by GMC far outweighs what Ford provides even in its most luxurious truck.

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