Ford F-250 vs GMC Sierra 2500

Strength is the backbone of every heavy-duty truck. From the powertrain under the hood to the build of the body and chassis, you need the muscle for more capable work. The 2020 Ford F-250 and GMC Sierra 2500 know this well—that’s why we’re comparing them today.

So, all you Boone, Morganton, Newland, and Lenoir, North Carolina, truckers: Are you ready to see what these two pickups can do? Let the experts at Cloninger Ford Morganton drive the details home!

F-250 vs Sierra 2500: Towing Capacity

Just how much can your favorite pickup trucks tow? The 2020 F-250 and Sierra 2500 really stand out for their towing might. From large boats to heavy equipment on the worksite, these trucks can handle it.

However, the Ford truck can tow a bit more than its competitor. The F-250 can tow up to 20,000 pounds conventionally when properly equipped. The Sierra 2500, meanwhile, offers a conventional tow rating of up to 18,500 pounds. At the upper end of the weight scale, fortune favors the Ford.

The Ford advantage grows when set up for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing. When properly equipped, the F-250 can tow up to 22,800 pounds. The Sierra 2500 only sees a very slight improvement over its conventional tow rating: It can tow up to 18,510 pounds with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck setup.

Heavy-Duty Truck Performance Specs

When you look under the hood of your heavy-duty pickup, what kind of powertrain will you find? In the Ford F-250 and GMC Sierra 2500, you have an embarrassment of riches. Both trucks offer gas and turbo diesel engines, so you can choose a powertrain that matches the moment.

In the GMC Sierra, you’ll have one gas and one turbo diesel V8 to choose from. The Ford F-250 throws a third engine into the mix: Select from two gas and one turbo diesel V8.    

In terms of raw power, the Ford F-250 has a blowout lead. Its Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8—the best choice for towing—cranks out an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque! The turbo diesel V8 in the Sierra 2500 falls a bit behind, with just 910 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Ford F-250 vs GMC Sierra 2500: Build

Without a doubt, the 2020 F-250 and Sierra 2500 are engineered for high performance. When you need a truck to surge through your workday, these two powerhouses are built to do the job right.

Both use fully boxed high-strength steel frames to minimize flexing and twisting, while boosting strength and torsional rigidity. These frames are responsible for the impressive payloads and towing capacities of the F-250 and Sierra 2500 pickup trucks.

How does the Ford F-250 stand out? It has the only high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body in its class.¹ It’s lightweight, yet strong and remarkably resistant to dings and dents. It won’t rust, either! The Sierra 2500 has yet to switch over to an aluminum-alloy build.