Both of these trucks are excellent for the average family or individual who would like to take advantage of the extra space and power that a truck has to offer. They are both rated within the top 5 pickup trucks according to TCC (The Car Connection). The Ford F-150 is a popular model as consumers really enjoy the features and strength that comes with it. But we wonder, why would you want to purchase a vehicle that is oversaturating the roads? Why not explore new options like the 2018 GMC Sierra vs. 2018 Ford F-150?
2018 GMC Sierra
Let’s start by saying that the base model comes packed with every feature that would make a potential buyer happy. It has a backup camera which is helpful for the drivers of those larger trucks. Of course, if you’re interested in even more upgrades and functions, you can upgrade the base model to basically any degree you’d like. You can also get the Sierra for a comparatively low monthly payment of about $566 per month (for 60 months).
Fuel economy is respectable for its class, getting 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While the fuel economy is respectable, the F-150 gets the better of the Sierra 1500, but only by the slimmest of margins.
One thing that we really like about the GMC Sierra is the clean and comfortable interior. This is definitely a truck that would be comfortable to travel or commute in. Not only do we love the interior, but the exterior is clearly built for adventure. With strong, definitive lines, the presence of the GMC Sierra 1500 is unmistakable. While some may prefer the softer lines of the F-150, we want our trucks to look rugged and powerful. To that, the GMC Sierra 1500 delivers.
2018 Ford F-150
The F-150 model is a classic and has been an American favorite for a number of years. It’s easy to see why, as it has all of the features and power that one could hope for in a truck. Unfortunately, the base model is not as appealing as the GMC Sierra. The base model will come with only basic features such as AM/FM radio, and manual A/C. If you’re looking for more than just a “work truck,” you may want to consider upgrading to gain some more features or checking out the GMC Sierra’s base model.
The Ford F-150 does offer improved fuel efficiency over the GMC Sierra with 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, although certainly not by a significant amount. That fuel efficiency does come at a price, and unfortunately, you will feel it in your wallet. The F-150 is going to cost more per month than the Sierra, with a monthly payment of $596 (for 60 months), with that price climbing quickly as you add options and features. Overall the F-150 looks less like a value, with any money you save with the better fuel efficiency quickly disappearing.
The 2018’s F-150 revised exterior is sleek and sophisticated. Undoubtedly, this may appeal to some, the aesthetic comes off as soft or generic. The F-150 is one of the most popular trucks on the market, but just remember that when your brand new truck blends into a wash of similar vehicles parked outside of Home Depot.
Towing Ability
Let’s start with the important comparisons first. If you’re looking for a truck, you’re most likely looking for a vehicle with excellent towing and hauling abilities. The 2018 Ford F-150 is able to tow 13,200 lbs whereas the GMC Sierra is able to tow 12,500 lbs. Although both the Sierra 1500 and the F-150 have the ability to tow a larger boat, trailer, if you are attempting to max out the capacity of your vehicle, the F-150 has the Sierra by 700 lbs. Of course, if you are that close in terms of required towing capacity, it would be advised to look into the HD series of trucks from either GMC or Ford. In practical terms, the Sierra and the F-150 are almost identical concerning towing capacity and performance.
Regardless of the truck you choose, you’re going to end up with a truck that is able to handle the most difficult towing and hauling situations. Both are excellent competitors in this category, so at the end of the day, it really boils down to: do you want to save money or tow more weight?
Safety
With all of the time you, your family, and your friends will spend in your truck, safety ratings matter to you. Both trucks scored fairly similarly in the IIHS Crash Test ratings. This is critically important because it determines if this will be a safe vehicle, but it will also ensure that you are getting a quality vehicle that is worth the monthly payment. Each truck scored either a four-star or a five-star rating in each category, which means that no matter which truck you choose, you’ll be protected against the unexpected. The categories that these trucks both scored five stars in are as follows:
- -Overall Side Crash Rating
- -Side Barrier Rating
- -Side Barrier Rating Driver
- -Combined Side Rating Front Seat
While they both scored well, the overall ratings are what most consumers will look at. They awarded five stars to the GMC Sierra and only four stars to the Ford F-150. Both trucks are also equipped with dozens of safety features to ensure that you are prepared for any situation. Through the lens of safety, the GMC Sierra takes the cake.
The Bottom Line
Although both trucks are certainly deserving of praise for their power, safety, and modern features, they each have their shortcomings. The GMC Sierra is rugged and safe, according to the factual data from crash tests. It also has excellent power but will not be able to get the MPG that the Ford F-150 will get. The Ford F-150 is flashy in all the right ways, in addition to being an absolute powerhouse. However, the Ford F-150 base model definitely doesn’t offer as much for your money as you’ll get with the GMC Sierra. Ultimately, it boils down to which truck is going to best suit your needs. Are you looking for a vehicle that will save you money and keep you safe? Or are you looking for a vehicle that will push the limits with it’s towing capacity and fuel economy? Additionally, you’ll want to factor in the safety and monthly cost into the equation. Although the monthly payments are very similar, the Ford F-150 is going to require some extra money in order to get the necessary equipment in place for towing. The bottom line is that both vehicles are worth the investment, it just depends what you want to invest in.
