2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500's introduction of the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants brought a robust, luxury-focused feel to an already premium lineup. The lineup, including Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate, emphasized a tough and agitated appearance, especially when compared to the GMC's sibling model, the Silverado. Despite unchanged dimensions, the Sierra appeared wider due to its updated grille, front fascia, and integrated split-C headlights, producing a seamless and assertive look.

On the Denali trims, the grille underwent a transformation from mesh to a "tri-linear" theme, resembling a bold, mighty smile while maintaining a tough stance. Denali Ultimate further darkened the tone with dark-colored “Vader bars” inserts, signifying exclusivity and brawniness. The SLT, AT4, and AT4X trims shared new grille designs with varied chrome, black, and nickel accents that maintained an intimidating presence without the excessive showiness. Wheels on the Denali and Denali Ultimate extended this high-end shimmer, featuring bright-polished chrome and low-gloss black finishes, respectively. Although the rest of the truck's exterior remained mostly unchanged, the Sierra continued to offer versatile cab and bed configurations alongside three new impressive paint options: Titanium Rush Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic, and Desert Sand Metallic.

Inside, the 2022 Sierra saw vast improvements making the cabin seem more spacious and luxurious. The dashboard's long, straight lines paralleled the grille's strong, assertive look. The AT4X's cabin was an off-road dream equipped with premium leather, contrasting white piping and red stitching, genuine Vanta ash wood trim, and a microsuede headliner. Meanwhile, the Denali Ultimate accentuated its luxury further with full-grain leather, open-pore Paldao wood, and microsuede, detailed with embossed topographical maps of Mount Denali.

By contrast, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty represented more of an evolutionary redesign from its predecessor, rather than a revolutionary overhaul. Available in trims like XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, the F-250 Super Duty aimed to cater to practical utility and luxury. The base XL trim provided fundamental comforts such as a four-speaker stereo and an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the XLT and Lariat elevated the feature set with leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced infotainment.

The King Ranch trim emphasized luxury with a signature two-tone paint job, dark accents, 20-inch alloy wheels, and leather interiors adorned with the distinctive Flying W logo. Similar to the Denali Ultimate's emphasis on high class, the King Ranch trim took the upscale truck lineage to new heights. The Platinum and Limited trims built upon this, offering enhanced creature comforts like power-deploying running boards and power-adjustable pedals, incorporating a diverse range of features to suit varying tastes. Overall, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 showcased an assertive, luxury-aligned style, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty combined practical utility with a tasteful nod to luxury.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 came with an array of engine options tailored to offer a versatile performance experience. These included the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The latter could tow up to 13,200 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. Additional options were the 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the formidable 6.2-liter V8 offering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, standard on the AT4X and Denali Ultimate, provided robust towing capabilities and a smooth driving experience.

Performance-wise, the Sierra Denali Ultimate was praised for its smooth ride and compliance, even though its considerable weight and size could make maneuverability a challenge. However, it demonstrated an excellent balance between high-end luxury and functionality. The AT4X, designed with off-road adventures in mind, handled on-road driving with impressive smoothness while offering substantial clearance and formidable off-road capabilities showcased during rigorous testing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with an impressive selection of powerhouse engines. The base 6.8-liter V8 produced 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. Diesel enthusiasts had the option of a 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, producing 475 horsepower and a mind-blowing 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The high-output version of this diesel engine upped the ante to 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. These engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission managing power adeptly, ensuring optimal performance across different driving conditions.

On the road, the F-250's diesel engine configurations provided lively acceleration and commendable handling. With a maximum towing capacity of 22,000 pounds, the Super Duty set a high bar for capability. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, onboard scales, and Trailer Blind-Spot Monitoring showcased Ford's emphasis on advanced towing technologies that enhanced usability and safety.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted exceptional interior space and cargo capacity – with front headroom averaging 43 inches and rear headroom around 40 inches. Front legroom was a spacious 44.5 inches, while rear legroom varied between 35.2 inches in double cabs and 43.4 inches in crew cabs. The ergonomic design, though impressive, did present some quirks, such as the lower positioning of screens and controls, making for potential distractions. Storage compartments varied, with the glovebox sizing feeling compact, yet an array of storage spaces in the seats and dash offered practical utility. Notably, the Sierra's short bed also claimed best-in-class cargo capacity, affirming its superior hauling capabilities.

In comparison, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty provided multiple configurations to cater to varying needs – regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew, with bed lengths of 6.75 feet or 8 feet. The SuperCab's rear-hinged clamshell doors ensured wide accessibility despite potential operational inconvenience. Additional features, such as the seamlessly integrated Warn winch, bed steps, handle grips, and numerous cupholders, aimed for enhanced usability. The rear seats in the Super Crew configurations folded up to offer vast interior cargo space, safeguarded from external elements.

For the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, larger display screens were a welcome standard feature – a 12.3-inch digital cluster for driver information and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google built-in. This infotainment system supported both Android and Apple devices, with an engaging start-up screen showcasing the Denali through topographical maps. Despite occasional navigation confusion due to similar Google-based map displays, the responsive system allowed for personalization, including dual modes for simultaneous navigation and trailering details. Other tech features included wireless device charging, a 15-inch multicolor head-up display, and a premium 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty’s base model came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 12-inch touchscreen offering wireless capability for both, combined with a multifunction display area for additional information. Ford’s system also incorporated Trailer Navigation to optimize routes based on trailer dimensions and weight. Multiple USB ports, wall-style power outlets, and wireless charging ensured robust connectivity on the go.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 stood out with GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, providing hands-free driving within stipulated lanes. Super Cruise’s smooth and intuitive nature allowed for confident lane changes and trailering, supported by up to 14 camera views. GMC Pro Safety, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, lower ratings in certain IIHS tests and NHTSA’s four-star rating indicated room for improvement in crashworthiness.

In comparison, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured Ford CoPilot 360 from the XLT trim onward, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera. Trailer Blind-Spot Monitoring and Ford’s innovative backup camera, usable even with a lowered tailgate, emphasized high towing safety standards. However, the lack of crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS left specific safety assessments incomplete.