Ford F150 MI Auto Times Competitor Takes on GMC Sierra MI “May the Best Truck Win”
MI Auto Times presents the first round of in-depth, cross-brand truck comparison featuring domestic and foreign pickup trucks for anyone interested in Michigan Trucks.
May the Best Truck Win: Round One
GMC Sierra 1500 SLE vs. Ford F150 STX
We’re still recovering from the intellectual workout we had in determining the winner from these two rugged Michigan Trucks loaded with standard and optional features, not to mention a huge lineup of different models and configurations from which to choose. The first round of the MI Auto Times “May the Best Truck Win” Competition features what we perceived to be the two front running Michigan Trucks, the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE and the Ford F150 STX.
MI Auto Times rates trucks based on the following categories, each with a possible top score of 4 stars:
Value: What are the current national promotions offered and estimated cost of ownership (including fuel, financing and maintenance).
Power: Payload, towing, horsepower, engine size, torque
Comfort: Interior, safety, and integrated user-friendly technology and entertainment features
Factory Warranty: How do the automotive manufacturers back their vehicles?
The GMC Sierra MI drives forward and will continue in the Michigan Trucks competition, as Ford F150 MI drivers are left without the bragging rights of owning the MI Auto Times Best Truck Competition winner.
The complete breakdown of selected specifications for comparison is as follows, and the vehicle with the clear advantage appears in bold:
**Details compiled by visiting automotive manufacturer websites and viewing specifications for each model. Any error made was unintentional and through no fault of MI Auto Times, as information listed on vehicle specification web pages of auto manufacturers was taken at face value by MI Auto Times.
1Est. total cost for current finance offer option only. Estimation of Ford F150 includes assumed down payment of $2,000, monthly payment of $375.64. Figure assessed through MSN Auto Affordability Calculator.
2Ford F150 E85-capable only in larger engine size, 5.4-liter V8.
3Maximum payload 1500 Regular Cab, Standard Box, 4.8L.
Value
In the value category the GMC Sierra MI earned 4 Stars against the Ford F150 MI 3 Stars.
Both trucks feature an attractive MSRP, and the Ford F150 MI comes in lower than the GMC Sierra MI by $3,130, but the GMC Sierra has a much lower net cost. Once we calculated the current APR promotions on both vehicles, the GMC Sierra’s 0 percent financing for 72 months was a clear winner over the Ford F150’s 6.9 percent financing for 72 months because you’ll actually save $1,701 over the course of your loan by purchasing a GMC Sierra.
Another qualifier for the value category is fuel consumption, which in this case is exactly even for the 26-gallon capacity trucks. Where the Sierra takes the lead is the lower anticipated repair cost thanks to the 100,000-mile 5-year Powertrain warranty, which we’ll discuss more in the factory warranty category.
Power:
In the power category the GMC Sierra MI earned 4 stars against the Ford F150 MI’s 3 ½ stars.
Both vehicles were again very close and difficult to judge when it comes to pure power. People choose a truck for hauling and towing capacities. Though the Ford F150 MI has a larger payload capacity, it loses out to the Sierra by 1,300 pounds of towing strength. Furthermore, the GMC Sierra MI has more torque with 305 pound feet4 and more horsepower of 302.5
When it comes to heavy duty towing or maximum trailering packages, the Ford F150 doesn’t have any pull with no availability. The GMC Sierra MI heavy duty trailering package offers trailering hitch platform and 2-inch receiver, seven-wire harness with interdependent fused trailering circuits mated to a seven-way sealed connector, wiring harness for aftermarket trailer brake controller, single wire for center high-mounted stop lamp, heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and external transmission oil cooler. The Ford F150 STX does have an optional trailer tow package but its components are far fewer than the maximum trailer tow package.
For those wanting to equip their truck with a snow plow package, they better choose the Sierra SLE because the Ford F150 doesn’t have one available in this configuration. The GMC Sierra snow plow package for the SLE includes equipment such as 10-amp power for backup and roof emergency light, high capacity air cleaner, skid plate package and more.
4GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Torque 305 @ 4600 RPMs, Ford F150 STX Torque 248 @ 4750 RPMs
5GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Horsepower 302 @ 5600 RPMs Horsepower 294 @ 4000RPMs.
Comfort:
In the comfort category the GMC Sierra earned 3 ½ stars against the Ford F150’s 3 stars.
Though both models come with an AM/FM Stereo with CD player, only the Sierra’s CD player is MP3 Compatible. In order to play your MP3 player in the Ford F150, buyers must upgrade to the SYNC In-Car Connectivity System which increases your cost by $395.
Other goodies making the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE a good buy include power door locks, power windows, cruise control, and rubber floor mats which all come standard, but were either optional or not available on the Ford F150 STX.
Perhaps the biggest boost to comfort comes in the peace of mind created by GMC’s OnStar subscription for one year. Ford F150 MI buyers do have the option of a 911 Assist by purchasing the SYNC system, but GMC Sierra MI customers are automatically rewarded with OnStar’s automatic crash response, security services to help recover stolen vehicles, emergency services, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics, hands-free calling and more, making it hard to for the Ford F150 to compete in this category.
Factory Warranty:
In the warranty category the GMC Sierra earned 4 stars against the Ford F150’s 3 stars.
This was the easiest category to judge and we had no doubts when reviewing each automotive manufacturer’s pledge to stand behind its vehicles.
GMC offers “The Best Coverage in America,” and we’re convinced if they don’t, they’re the closest to it. Any person who purchases or leases a new GMC receives full backing by the auto manufacturer on his or her vehicle which includes a 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with no deductible; 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 roadside assistance; and 100,000 mile/5-year courtesy transportation.
The Ford F150 only offers a 60,000 mile/5-year Powertrain, 60,000 mile/5-year roadside assistance and no courtesy transportation program.
MI Auto Times believes it speaks volumes about an auto manufacturer when they will not only provide you with a great products at the time of purchase, but also stands behind that product through service for many miles or years down the road.
The first round winner is: The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, never send a truck to do a Sierra’s job.
Readers who disagree with the MI Auto Times decision are welcome to comment and voice their opinions.
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35 Responses to “Ford F150 MI Auto Times Competitor Takes on GMC Sierra MI “May the Best Truck Win””
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Great video, quality n content… I couldn’t agree more, Ford was great for a long time, but the playing field is being evened… Sierra seems like a better choice for me…. thanks for the post ….
My wife and I just got a 2003 Jeep.