Head-to-head
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD
The GMC Sierra 3500HD wins clearly, 94.5 to 74.1, on safety.
D
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a pickup truck; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's …
vs
B2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD
The 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a pickup truck; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's reca…
More Ford F-250 Super Duty head-to-heads More GMC Sierra 3500HD head-to-heads Every F-250 Super Duty vs Sierra 3500HD model year
Verdict · default weights
2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Clear winThe GMC Sierra 3500HD wins clearly, 94.5 to 74.1, on safety.
Safety 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD leads by 30.6
| Category · weight | 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HDoverall 94.5 | 2026 Ford F-250 Super Dutyoverall 74.1 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 91.8 | 61.2 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 94.5 | 74.1 | |||||||||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 2 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for GMC Sierra 3500HD
GMC Sierra 3500HD: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available) · Ford F-250 Super Duty: base trim XL 4X2. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (5 against 9 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 63).
What they share
- A 3-year basic warranty.
- 36,000-mile basic coverage.
- A 5-year powertrain warranty.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
39 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | — | 8 |
| Engine displacement | — | 6,800 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | — | 6.8L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas |
| Fuel injection system | — | Sequential multi-port electronic |
| Valve configuration | — | 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod and rocker arms |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | — | 405 hp |
| Torque | — | 445 lb-ft |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 3.73 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 10 |
| Transmission type | — | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 9.7 in |
| Overall height | — | 78.9 in |
| Overall length | — | 232 in |
| Overall width | — | 80 in |
| Wheelbase | — | 142 in |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 3 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 40.8 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 43.9 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 6,455 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 5,697 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 10,000 lbs |
| Payload capacity | — | 4,240 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | Independent twin I-beam with coil springs and shock absorbers |
| Rear suspension type | — | Solid axle with leaf springs |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Hydraulic power-assisted recirculating ball |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 49.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 363 mm |
| Front brake type | — | Sliding-caliper dual-piston vented disc |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 363 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | Sliding-caliper dual-piston vented disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | — | 17 in |
| Wheel material | — | steel |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | LT245/75R17E BSW A/S |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 34 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Ford Connectivity Package |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 66.7 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
68 features · differences first, then sharedSafety15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Pedestrian Detection | — | opt |
| Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Driver and Passenger frontal and side airbag/curtain | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® System (incl. side-curtain airbags) | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | — | std |
| AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) | — | std |
| Automatic High Beam | — | opt |
| Brakes – Power four-wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) | — | std |
| Cruise Control (steering wheel-mounted) | — | std |
| Ford Security Package (1-year included with activation) | — | std |
| Four-Wheel Disc Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®)/Traction Control/Trailer Sway Control | — | std |
| Hill Descent Control™ (FX4 Off-Road Package) | — | opt |
| Hill Start Assist | — | std |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | — | std |
| SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System | — | std |
Infotainment11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| 911 Assist® (SYNC® 4) | — | std |
| Ford app – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | — | std |
| Unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot (Ford Connectivity Package) | — | std |
| Ford app – Locate parked vehicle | — | std |
| 5G Modem | — | std |
| AM/FM stereo MP3 player (4 speakers Regular Cab, 6 speakers SuperCab/Crew Cab) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (1-year included) – standard | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) (94D) – optional | — | opt |
| Steering wheel – includes audio and SYNC® controls | — | std |
| SYNC® 4 – 8" Center Display | — | std |
Convenience7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autolock, Auto unlock | — | std |
| Pro Power Onboard™ – 2 KW (optional) | — | opt |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | std |
| SecuriCode® Wireless Keyless Entry Keypad, Driver's Side (DIO) | — | opt |
| Upfitter Switches (6) – optional | — | opt |
| Power Equipment Group – 1st row (front-seat) windows w/one-touch up/down, power 2nd row (rear-seat) windows; power door-locks w/backlit switches & accessory delay; power tailgate lock | — | std |
| Powerpoint – auxiliary two (2) in instrument panel | — | std |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning – manual, single zone | — | std |
| Cabin Air Particulate Filter | — | std |
| Rapid-Heat Supplemental Cab Heater (41A) – optional with 6.7L Diesel | — | opt |
Seating1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manual lumbar support, driver's side | — | std |
Interior4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Cluster Display: includes menus for Gauge Setup, Trip Computer, Fuel Economy and Towing/Off-Road applications | — | std |
| Tilt and Telescoping steering wheel/column (Manual on XL, XLT and Lariat) | — | std |
| 4.2" / 12" Cluster Display: includes menus for Gauge Setup, Trip Computer, Fuel Economy and Towing/Off-Road applications | — | std |
| Overhead console w/ storage bins and map lights | — | std |
Exterior8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| AutoLamp (Auto On/Off Headlamps) | — | std |
| Bumper – front & rear, black painted | — | std |
| Daytime Running Lamps | — | std |
| Grille – black painted / Black MIC | — | std |
| Headlamps – Quad beam jewel effect halogen | — | std |
| Manually telescoping/folding trailer tow with power/heated glass, heated convex spotter mirror, integrated clearance lamps/turn signals | — | std |
| Mirrors – integrated clearance lamps/turn signals | — | std |
| Splash Guards/Mud Flaps – Front (F-450 only) | — | std |
Powertrain15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| 160 Amp Alternator (gas engines only) | — | std |
| 4x2 Drivetrain | — | std |
| 6.7L 4 Valve OHV Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 engine | — | opt |
| 6.7L High Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 engine | — | opt |
| 6.8L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas engine (standard F-250/F-350) | — | std |
| Electronic-Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) (4x4 only) | — | std |
| Engine Block Heater (Incl. grille cover) (41H) – optional | — | opt |
| Operator Commanded Regeneration (OCR) (6.7L Power Stroke® Diesel engine only) | — | opt |
| Rear axle – 4.30 Limited-Slip (F-450) | — | std |
| Rear axle – Non-Limited-Slip (F-250 and F-350) | — | std |
| Rear Electronic Locking Differential (Tremor / XL Off-Road Package) | — | opt |
| Stationary Elevated Idle Control | — | std |
| TorqShift® Ten-Speed Automatic with Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery Roads, Tow/Haul (6.7L Diesel) | — | std |
| TorqShift®-G Ten-Speed Automatic with Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery Roads, Tow/Haul (6.8L Gas) | — | std |
| Transmission Power Take-Off Provision (62R) – optional | — | opt |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5" Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver | — | std |
| TorqShift® Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery Roads, Tow/Haul | — | std |
| 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package (53W) | — | opt |
| Trailer Tow Package – 7-wire harness w/relays & 7/4 pin connector | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPGMC Sierra 3500HD
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 5 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Power Train (2), Wheels (2), Electrical System (1)
Top recalls
- high Fuel System, Gasoline 26V129000 · 11,807 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V114000 · 5,861 vehicles
Ford F-250 Super Duty
Safety Signal 63 D
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 8 · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 9 · 1 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (3), Engine (2)
Top recalls
- high Structure 26V689000 · 30,123 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Electrical System 26V653000 · 102,159 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Exterior Lighting 26V606000 · 41,748 vehicles
- high Power Train 26V119000 · 11,431 vehicles
- high Electrical System 26V104000 · 4,381,878 vehicles
- high Power Train 25V866000 · 6,819 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| GMC Sierra 3500HD | Ford F-250 Super DutyXL 4X2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — | — 8 trims |
| Powertrains | — | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | — | — |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | — | — |
| EPA annual fuel cost | — | — |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD or the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty?
The GMC Sierra 3500HD wins clearly, 94.5 to 74.1, on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD scores 94.5 and the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty 74.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD or the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty?
2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD: no NHTSA rating yet, grade B, 2 recalls. 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty: no NHTSA rating yet, grade D, 8 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD and the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty?
Where the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (5 against 9 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 63). What they share: a 3-year basic warranty, 36,000-mile basic coverage, and a 5-year powertrain warranty.