Whether you want to haul equipment to work or tow your boat to Jordan Lake, both the 2025 Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500 are ready for action. They even seem destined for life in North Carolina! But which of these full-size trucks has more of what you want? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at these popular pickups.
Key Takeaways
- It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for work or play, the F-150 delivers more muscle for your needs!
- Choose the F-150 to tow or haul more weight than the Sierra 1500 can handle.
- Inside Ford’s full-size truck, you’ll enjoy the cushiest ride and exclusive tech options!
- The Sierra 1500 starts at the lowest price, with a few hundred dollars of potential savings.
Fun-Loving Power: 2025 Ford F-150
Whether you’re after more power for work or play, you’ll find it in the F-150! Ford’s bestselling truck delivers the widest range of engine options, allowing you to build everything from a sturdy work truck to a high-speed off-road ride. The available PowerBoost hybrid offers an incredible blend of power and fuel economy, earning up to 23 mpg combined (22 city/24 highway). Meanwhile, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter V8 help you optimize your workday. And the Raptor’s exclusive engines, including the available supercharged V8, are ready to hit North Carolina’s meanest trails.
2025 Ford F-150 Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbocharged V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- 3.5L turbo V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.5L turbo V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)
- Raptor R-exclusive 5.2L supercharged V8 (720 hp, 640 lb-ft)
- 10-speaker automatic transmission
- XL: Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- XLT and up: Four-wheel drive
By comparison, the Sierra 1500’s list of powertrain options is a little shorter. But GMC’s full-size truck still gives you plenty of oomph, especially from its 6.2-liter V8. And although it’s not as powerful as the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid, the Sierra’s diesel six-cylinder engine delivers a thriftier ride, earning up to 26 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway). But while most F-150 trim models come standard with trail-friendly four-wheel drive, this performance gear is optional for all but the Sierra’s top-tier models, the sporty AT4 and luxurious Denali Ultimate. And, unfortunately, this GMC pickup doesn’t offer any high-performance engines to compete with the F-150 Raptor R’s supercharged V8.
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 3.0L turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine (305 hp, 495 lb-ft)
- 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft)
- 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali: Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- AT4, Denali Ultimate: Four-wheel drive
Work Duty: 2025 Ford F-150
Shopping for best-in-class workhorse capabilities? As usual, the F-150 leads the segment, towing up to 13,500 pounds or hauling up to 2,440 pounds (depending on configuration and equipment). Then again, the Sierra 1500 is a close competitor. Properly equipped, GMC’s full-size, light-duty truck can move nearly as much weight, towing up to 13,200 pounds or hauling up to 2,230 pounds.
Modern Features: 2025 Ford F-150
With innovative features you can’t get from competitors, the F-150 scores an easy win in this category. Use exclusive items — like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, Pro Power Onboard generator, and the Tailgate Work Surface — to enhance your performance at work. Inside, the available Interior Work Surface offers an ergonomic spot for your laptop. Need a quick nap? The available Max Recline seats fold nearly flat for a first-class snooze!
Like the F-150, the Sierra 1500 is available as a range of trim models, allowing shoppers to choose the level of luxury that suits their personal budget. While the base Pro comes with an impressive list of tech features (including a 7-inch touchscreen and lane-keeping assistance), it’s not quite as loaded as the F-150 XL (which also adds a digital gauge cluster and blind-spot monitoring, for example). Both trucks’ higher trim models deliver luxuries like leather-trimmed seating and premium audio.
Best Price: 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2025 Sierra 1500 wins this category — though not by much — with its $38,300* MSRP. Meanwhile, the new F-150 starts at $38,810*. But as we mentioned, Ford’s entry-level model comes with a few extra features that more than make up for the price difference.
And if you’re an active member of the military over at Fort Bragg, you can close the gap (and then some) with Ford’s Military Recognition cash-back program. Right now, you can get $1,000* off the price of your new F-150!
*As of 6/5/25. May be subject to change.
Best Truck in the Carolinas
Thanks to its massive power, workhorse capabilities, and exclusive features, the 2025 Ford F-150 can handle anything Fayetteville can throw its way. Experience best-in-class performance in person — visit us at Lafayette Ford to test-drive the new F-150!