2019 Ford F-250 vs GMC Sierra 2500

When a half-ton pickup truck doesn’t do the job you need, you don’t have time for second-best heavy-duties. That’s why when we compare heavy duty trucks, like the 2019 Ford F-250 and GMC Sierra 2500, we already know what’s important, what we’re looking for, and what’s beside the point. Because, sure, a luxurious cabin is nice and plenty of cupholders can be a convenience to working people on the go. But if the truck can’t haul and tow what you need, or the heavy duty falls outside of your budget, there’s nothing doing. So sit down and strap in as we compare what really matters in this small lineup of big trucks.

Towing and Hauling: 2019 Ford F-250

We look at numbers to tell us something about the work potential of a truck. Horsepower and torque can give you a glimpse, but towing and hauling capacity is a surer measurement of work capability. So let’s crunch some numbers!

The 2019 Ford F-250 is slated to tow trailers weighing up to 15,000 pounds. That’s a couple thousand more than the best an F-150 can do, which is exactly why you’re here looking at a heavy-duty instead of a half-ton. What’s more, the Ford F-250 can haul up to 4,332 pounds. Just pile those bricks, concrete, sticks of firewood, hay bails, or whatever else you need that day into your truck and go to work.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 performs admirably but falls short of the F-250’s numbers. The Sierra has a trailering capacity of 14,500 pounds, which isn’t a huge difference but, again, why settle for second-best? The payload capacity is a disappointing 3,204 pounds, almost a quarter less than the F-250’s capacity. If you ask us, our money is on the Ford F-250.

Price: 2019 Ford F-250

The world has trained you to expect to pay more money for more value. So you’re probably steeling yourself for how much the F-250 is going to set you back. But the Ford is actually the more affordable option here. The 2019 Ford F-250 starts at $33,150 and nets you 17-inch steel wheels, manual front locking hubs (four-wheel-drive models), intermittent wipers, rearview camera, manually-adjustable telescoping towing mirrors, removable locking tailgate with tailgate lift assist, 2.5-inch trailer hitch receiver with 2-inch insert, air conditioning, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver information display, and four- or six-speaker audio system, depending on cabin configuration.

Meanwhile, there’s the GMC Sierra 2500HD starting at $38,200. Standard features include many of those the F-250 offers, except for automatic-locking rear differential, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, power door locks, and tilt-only steering wheel. There’s not much of a difference here, to be honest, and nothing to justify the difference in price.

For our money, the 2019 Ford F-250 is the better choice. With more work potential and a lower price, the F-250 just makes a heck of a lot more sense.