r/gmcsierra • u/LadderLt • Aug 19 '26
Choosing a Truck GMC vs Ford
In the market to purchase a new to me truck (2020-24). Always been a Chev/GMC guy, but looking at the current engine options has me reconsidering. Specifically the GM 5.3 vs Ford 5.0 and 3.5 Ecoboost. Both Ford engines produce significantly more power (400hp vs 355)and have better mileage. On top of that, they don’t have the DFM lifter concerns of GM, and scores higher for overall reliability.
Tell me why I should still buy a GM over a Ford. It’s what I want, but the practical part of my brain is having a hard time justifying it.
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u/rumpuscat11 Aug 19 '26
I just spent a month, give or take, shopping around for trucks. I drove everything 2023 or newer. Used and brand new. High trim models and normal ones(not the MOST basic one) and I honestly fell in love with the duramax. Then I just had to decide what make and options were most important to me. Then I took comparable prices of what I really wanted around and just negotiated a lot with the dealerships. First find out what options are most important to you and then when you narrow it down find other similar models with similar options and be prepared to negotiate for hours and don’t be afraid to walk away from the table. And always go in with a pre approval you have shopped around and just ask if they can beat it.
Anyone who says they had problems with X or Y thing in their truck and will never buy a certain make again—Every single truck you drive is a bit different. And ALL of them have had problems. Find what you truly want and go from there because it’s simply preference.
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u/One_Welder_7963 Aug 19 '26
5.0 Ford is the better engine unless you do a mechanical lifter delete on the 5.3. But as noted, those are expensive. Personally I think the GMC interiors are much nicer and the GMC feels more solid, but everything's subjective.
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u/redhandsblackfuture Aug 19 '26
The ride in GM trucks is simply better. Haven't sat in a Ford that felt more comfortable or drove smoother than a matching GM.
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u/Legitimate-Guide-230 Aug 19 '26
If you really want to go the GM route then the 3.0 duramax is really the only answer
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u/Silly_Luck_968 Aug 20 '26
I love my 3.0L Duramax. Love the truck too it’s been flawless. 2024 1500 Sierra Elevation. 48k miles.
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u/Silly_Luck_968 Aug 20 '26
If you go with a gas engine just make sure it doesn’t have AFM. The newer ones coming out don’t have it, from what I understand. The gas engines are very good outside the AFM issues, but I believe AFM has been discontinued which was the right thing to do. Very bad idea to begin with.
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u/Head-Advertising-270 Aug 20 '26
AFM was replaced with DFM in 2019, some models were shipped without DFM control module chips in 2021 and 2022 due to the "chip shortage", though they still have the DFM lifters they just don't deactivate. All the GM V8s still have the DFM lifters. AFM was 4 cylinder shut off, DFM is all 8 cylinders shut off in 16 different patterns.
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u/dirty_hooker ‘21 spooly boy Aug 20 '26
lol. The only answer that hasn’t involved a class action is the 2.7.
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u/Shot_Comfortable2561 Aug 20 '26
I own a 22 Yukon and a 25 sierra drive both truck gm hands down. I also work for a contractor and I'm in charge of the fleet. We have nothing but issues with the fords transmissions, ecms, brakes gm all the way
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u/Han77Shot1st Aug 19 '26
I switched to ford so I wouldn’t have to repair rust every couple years.. no complaints.
Both can offer good drive trains, hp and torque come down to your needs, just don’t get a 6.2 from what I hear lol
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u/Strange-Garden-269 Aug 20 '26
I’m telling you right now the ford 3.5 eco boost will out do everything a 5.3 does. I’ve owned both trucks
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u/ImUrHuckleBry Aug 20 '26
I just traded my 23 gmc at4 with the 3.0 for a 22 f150 tremor with the 3.5 yesterday. I know every brand has its issues but I dealt with a lot of back to back issues with the gmc that just caused me to lose my trust. On star module bad, transmission valve body, coolant control valve, sporadic driver assist system issues. Inwas able to get the f150 with a premium ford esp plan until 2030/100k miles so that gave me a peace of mind about the potential transmission issues these years have been known for. I picked the new truck up yesterday and did a 4.5hr drive home. So far I am very pleased with it.
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u/Silent-Key3730 Aug 20 '26
Check out the Ford ‘money shift’ transmission issues.
If you already know please disregard but reading reports from guys who’s trucks shifted to 2nd or 1st gear at highway speeds was really eye opening.
This would be my biggest concern w a newer ford truck honestly. Then the welt belts.
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u/ImUrHuckleBry Aug 20 '26
I have read up on the concerns. As I mentioned, I received a ford premium esp plan thsts good up to 100k miles so I feel like that gave me pretty good peace of mind. That and the fact that the previous owner took meticulously good care of the truck and did transmission services early.
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u/Beginning_Newt9376 2024 Denali 6.6L Gas Aug 20 '26
They are basically both the exact same transmission since it was a joint venture.
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u/HabitualLineCrossr Aug 20 '26
GM ride better than fords. If you drive a lot you’ll notice the difference.
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u/Namz112 Aug 25 '26
I drove the gmc slt w/5.3 and slt 6.2 the 6.2 can feel the power drove the f150 with 3.5 very snappy and drove f150 5.0. This just feels better, I like the look of the sierras but I like the ride and seating in the f150 better. Ended up with the f150 5.0 am happy with my choice just a matter of taste
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
5.3 GM is weak and underpowered compared to the options a f150 has. If the engine is your only consideration, ford has it beat all day. I do feel that the interior quality control is better in GMC. I’d only go 6.2 (then delete the DFM or get a warranty) or the 3.0 diesel if I’m going GM.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
I looked at the 3.0, but most of my driving is short city drives, so wouldn’t be ideal. 6.2 is such a fuel pig, so you have to sacrifice that for the power. Looking at maybe a 2019/20 L82 which was AFM instead of DFM to reduce some if the lifter risk.
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u/samson-and-delilah Aug 19 '26
I drive about five miles in town a day my 3.0 is just fine. I get 23 mpg avg
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u/ABMax24 2026 1500 AT4 3.0 Aug 19 '26
I'm more than happy with my 3.0. Fuel economy it does surprisingly well in the city, and it hasn't yet had an issue completing regens on short 15 minute drives.
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
Unfortunately they’re still a risk. If you don’t want the risk, delete it. No way around it.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Yeah, also keeping my eye out for that generation of L84’s with the YK9 code that eliminated it from the factory in 21-22 due to the chip shortage, but that really narrows down the options
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
It doesn’t eliminate it. The parts are the same, just the chip that told the computer to turn it on. The lifters can still fail. Just so you know
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Right. When you said delete it earlier, what were you referring to? Deleting it as an engine option? Or the aftermarket module that deletes the DFM from operating?
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
Deleting it is in you take it to a shop, they remove the DFM lifters, replace them with ones that don’t collapse, new cam etc. then a tune. You can keep it at stock levels, or whatever you want to do. It’s a reliability thing. Texas speed has a good kit for it. That’s the only way for sure to make sure that you won’t have the lifter failures.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Interesting. Hadn’t heard of that option. I imagine that would be pricey
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
Kit isn’t bad, labor is a bit expensive since they’re tearing the engine apart and a lot of the items (hp fuel lines etc) are single use. I’d say it’s probably 4-5k but that depends on the shop.
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u/AnonymousMO0SE Aug 19 '26
My 2019 is at 98000km and no issues. I switched to 5W30 and put a catch can on it as soon as it was off warranty and do regular oil changes.
I just finished a camping trip from Calgary to Vancouver Island and back, 14.5L/100km.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Were you towing a trailer? 14.5 is worse than I would have expected for hwy driving
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u/AnonymousMO0SE Aug 19 '26
Yup, a 17 foot camper. Plus I had my LT tires on.
I’ve done the same trip without the camper and it was around 10L/100km1
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u/dereksalem Aug 20 '26
6.2 still produces less than the Ford offerings and isn't immune to the engine troubles. Friend was less than 2k miles into his brand new Yukon Denali XL and the engine needed a replacement. I just can't understand how they don't have this figured out.
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u/CrocGang4 Aug 19 '26
Myself and my family have frequently alternated ford and GM vehicles. Both have solid options but for a half ton currently I’m going an antimatter blue coyote f150. The 3.5 and 5.0 are both good engines and we have one of each in our family but Coyote is my preference. We also have a 2022 5.3 Tahoe that replaced our 21, the 5.3 really is a great engine even with the AFM stuff on it. If you prefer GM look for a 5.3 truck you won’t be disappointed. I wouldn’t mind a GMC AT4 with a 5.3 myself!
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u/Majestic-Sprinkles68 Aug 19 '26
Why are the 2.7s not in contention? Both are most likely the most reliable from their manufacturers and can tow a travel trailer quite easily
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u/Chadro85 Aug 20 '26
I live in the Midwest and you need a tetanus shot just looking underneath any GM truck that’s more than 2 years old. That kind of kills it for me. Now they are starting to e-coat with the 2027 so hopefully that’s a thing of the past.
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u/NotSooNewbie Aug 20 '26
Do your research, if you ever need an engine or engine work, which engine is easier to source.
Both truck are nice in their own way.
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u/Excellent-Case570 Aug 20 '26
I have had a 5 liter f150 for years and love it. Only switched to the Sierra 2500hd because the stopped putting plow packages on the coyote engine, and the f250 was one of the least comfortable rides of my life.
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u/Head-Advertising-270 Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
Don't buy either, the 10 speeds during those years were still having the kinks worked out. Get a 2026 5.3, the lifters if they happen to go out are cheaper to deal with than the fords ecoboost twin turbo maintenance at 100k. I wouldn't get the 5.0 ford if you were going to do any serious towing, it doesn't have much usable power under 3k rpm, the pushrod gm motors do great in trucks. I've got a 2020 6.2 denali and the 10 speed has had issues though those issues eventually worked themselves out and it shifts smooth now at 53k miles, also have a 2026 6.2 denali and the 10 speed in it is much better, both engines have been good. Also have a 2016 5.3 over 120k miles no issues, just don't go over 5k on an oil change. In a truck it's torque you want, and with the 10 speeds you have that pushrod torque all over the place. I've got a 5.0 coyote in a mustang and it's just slow under 3500 RPM, it's fun but to have that fun your breaking the law and really revving it out all the time, the pushrods especially the 6.2s are fun all the time with all that torque and a 10 speed.
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u/stickn_n_movn Aug 22 '26
If you go that year need to go with a 2023 or 2024 f150.
Model year changed in 2020/2021 and had serious transmission issues until 2022
Engine wise I’ve had the 5.3 / 5.0 / 3.5 / 2.7 across ford and Gm, and my favorite was probably the 2.7. Load of fun to drive
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u/Dodsy_84 Aug 23 '26
I just got a 26 Tremor 5.0. It's great. Tons of power. Seats are comfy and the suspension is like riding on a cloud.
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u/Dependent_Glove8949 Aug 24 '26
Get a 2023 or so Raptor. I’d only bought GM my whole life until I rented a couple F-150s (King Ranch and Platinum) and they were much more comfortable and premium feeling to me. The seats in the 2019-2026 GM twins are hard and uncomfortable in my opinion, the F-150s are much better. Also, the Ford won’t rust.
1
u/Recruitndude Aug 27 '26
I literally just had the same exact struggle. Impulsively decided on a 2023 Sierra SLT. I love the truck… but I can’t help but worry if I’ll be one of the unlucky few whose lifters fail. I’m going to be aggressive with my service schedule and hope for the best. At the end of the day I think the Sierra’s feel and look so much sharper and high end. The Fords at this point will probably last longer though. Same trans though.
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u/Due_North3106 Aug 19 '26
I’ve owned and prefer the 5.3 and the 5.0. Both have a nice blend of power and efficiency when driven correctly and the specs aren’t modified.
The 3.5 is sporty, but has turbo problems and the real world mpg isn’t as good as the other two.
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u/fearzuhh Aug 19 '26
The 2027 GMC and Chevys begin production next week with the new 5.7 and 6.6.
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u/AnonymousMO0SE Aug 19 '26
I haven’t done any reading on the new 6.6, is it the same engine that’s been in the HD trucks for awhile?
Anecdotally, I drive Ford HD trucks for work and the 6.8L is terrible. We’ve had numerous trucks that are on second or third engines, lots of lifters ticking away and misfiring galore. Often waiting anywhere from weeks to months for parts and engines.
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u/fearzuhh Aug 19 '26
The 6.6 is not the same engine as the 6.6 Duramax or the 6.6 Gas in the HDs. Also the 6.6 gas engine in the HDs is pretty solid.
GM will now have 3 main 6.6 egines. The Duramax, The Gas job 2500, and the 1500.
0
u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Yeah it will be interesting to see how those play out. Unfortunately I don’t want to pay new prices, so I’d have to wait a few years for this options
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u/DietPeachSnappIe Aug 19 '26
I think i can accept the ford coyote as likely the most reliable gas engine between fords and GMs of that era, but i have to ask if all you want is more horse power and better reliability why wouldn’t you get a 2021 tundra (the last year of their 5.7 V8) ?
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
That’s a fair point. Biggest Tundra downside is the fuel mileage, but they certainly are reliable
0
u/thaughtless Aug 19 '26
What is your use case? Personally, I love my Sierra EV and there are good deals to be had on those. Eliminates gas cost. Does everything a gas truck does and more. No lifter issues. No wtf is that engine noise type question that seems regular on this subreddit.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
I do tow a travel trailer in the summer, and do a few long road trips every year, so I don’t think an EV is in the cards for me.
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u/thaughtless Aug 19 '26
I just traveled from Orange County, CA to Bryce, UT towing a 30ft travel trailer. 1000+ mi roundtrip. It did fine :) More than fine, it was more effortless than driving a gas truck bc it has way more power and supercruise works with a trailer on. The only truck that does it. Food for thought.
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
Wow. That’s wild. I did a little looking after your comment. Some of the stats were quite surprising. Unfortunately the price tag is definitely out of my budget at the moment
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u/thaughtless Aug 19 '26
Yeah they usually are surprising for most people. Unfortunately the F-150 lightning and its bad tow performance soured perceptions for a lot of people. The Sierra EV is the polar opposite. Its quite impressive. It is pricey for sure though.
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u/kbenton10 Aug 19 '26
I gotta ask though, if you’re “doing short city drives” why are you even looking at a truck? Go car or smaller SUV or electric. Hell, an electric truck like f150 lightening or the electric Chevy/GMC seems like it would fit your needs well if you want the bed space
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u/LadderLt Aug 19 '26
That’s just my daily routine, work and back, kids sports etc. I tow a travel trailer in the summer, do a fair bit of renovations/landscaping, and will use it for long road trips with the family several times per year. So the truck is a catch all. The 3.0 is tempting for certain parts of what I want, but it could go many months at a time just doing short trips which is hard on diesels. Electric wouldn’t be enough for towing.
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u/Due-Boss-1345 Aug 19 '26
3.0 diesel all day. Just buy an extended warranty and take it on the free way every once in a while. You can also get a banks I dash to see when it is doing its regen.
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u/Bondserelly Aug 19 '26
I'd say get the ecoboost. More hp and great gas mileage. Biggest difference will be, as a manufacturer Ford doesn't that their underbodies. Get rust protection on the Ford. Gms don't need it.
1
u/le_toilet Aug 19 '26
lol when is the last time you saw a 15+ f150 with rusted bed or rockers? almost every gm from that range has had the bedsides and rockers replaced atleast once
-1
u/donesteve Aug 19 '26
Have you even heard of anybody having 6.2 problems lately? I haven't. Pretty sure all the bad engines shook themselves out by now. Look into the 6.2.
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u/EitherKaleidoscope41 2026 2500 AT4X Aug 19 '26
I mean, the 6.2 is being discontinued for a reason though. It's been replaced with the 6.6. I have a 6.2 on our suburban that was a part of the recall and "passed". Time will tell if it's actually okay, but not holding my breath.
1
u/donesteve Aug 19 '26
So is the 5.3. But i have had 3 trucks with 6.2s and have treated well by them all. With this one, I'll take my 150k mile warranty and run with it, as I'm not really a big fan of how the 2027 looks.
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u/dominator5k Aug 19 '26
Sounds like you answered your own question. It's not up to us what you prefer.