Whether you’re heading into the Rockies or hauling cargo across Brighton, the 2025 Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500 can assist you on your quest. But which of these full-size, light-duty trucks makes the most sense for your lifestyle? Without further ado, here’s our guide on how to choose between the 2025 F-150 and Sierra 1500!
Key Takeaways
- These trucks start at nearly the same price, with the Sierra’s MSRP coming in just under that of the F-150.
- Choose the F-150 for the comfiest, most high-tech ride into the mountains!
- The F-150 offers more powertrain options (not to mention more power overall) to help you build the perfect truck.
- There’s only one light-duty truck that can move best-in-class figures: the Ford F-150!
Budget-Friendly MSRP: It’s (Almost) a Tie!
These full-size, light-duty trucks start at nearly the same price! The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 has a slight edge, starting at $38,300*. The Sierra’s MSRP includes a pretty impressive list of features, like smartphone-friendly infotainment and a few driver safety aids. These include lane-keeping assistance and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford F-150 starts at $38,810*. While it costs a little more than the competition, entry-level trim XL model comes standard with a few extras. For example, it adds to the Sierra 1500 Pro’s lineup with blind-spot warning and rear automatic emergency braking. The base F-150 even comes with a bigger infotainment touchscreen — 12-inches to the Sierra’s 7 inches.
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Comfort & Convenience: 2025 Ford F-150
The F-150 offers best-in-class comfort and convenience, with innovative features you can’t get anywhere else. For instance, if you spend a lot of time on the road, the available Max Recline front seats fold nearly flat for a comfy rest-stop nap. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system helps back a trailer into your favorite Colorado campsites. And the Pro Power Onboard generator comes in handy during work and play, recharging everything from power drills to e-bikes!
While the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 can’t compete on the same level, it does deliver plenty of luxury and tech upgrades. Just like the F-150, the Sierra 1500 is available with leather seats, a premium audio system, and head-up display. Plus, both trucks are available as eight main trim models, making it easy to choose the level of luxury and performance that’s best suited to your budget.
Powertrain Selection: 2025 Ford F-150
Not only does the F-150 ultimately offer the quickest ride (compliments of the Raptor-R’s supercharged, 720-horsepower V8), but it also offers a wider range of powertrain options. Thanks to the PowerBoost hybrid engine, for example, you can combine 430 horsepower with 23 mpg combined. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 helps you move best-in-class workloads, and an exclusive, high-output version of this engine helps the F-150 Raptor move through tough Rocky Mountain terrain at incredible speeds! Better still, the mid-level XLT and up come with sporty four-wheel drive, so you can start your mountain adventures right away.
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
Without any high-output options to compete with the F-150 Raptor’s explosive power, the Sierra comes in second place. But that’s not to say that this truck doesn’t deliver plenty of muscle — it’s just not as strong as the competition. Check out the 6.2-liter V8 engine for 420 horsepower and excellent workhorse capabilities. The Sierra’s diesel inline-six only delivers 305 horses, but it achieves impressive EPA ratings, earning up to 26 mpg combined.
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
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- AT4, Denali Ultimate: Four-wheel drive
Workhorse Capabilities: 2025 Ford F-150
Properly equipped, the 2025 F-150 can tow or haul more weight than its full-size, light-duty competitors. Thanks to its 13,500-pound max tow rating, this bestselling truck can transport the most bales of hay. On weekends, it’ll transport the heaviest camper into the Rockies.
You can also configure your F-150 to haul payloads weighing up to 2,440 pounds! For ranchers, this means shlepping more gear and getting your work done faster. For outdoor enthusiasts, this best-in-class figure means more fun, with the potential to bring an extra e-bike or a bigger, fancier tent along for the ride!
Then again, the GMC Sierra 1500 can move nearly as much weight! While the F-150 remains the truck to beat, the Sierra helps you tackle big jobs, towing up to 13,200 pounds or hauling up to 2,230 pounds.
The Best Light-Duty Truck in Colorado
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the fastest truck, the strongest truck, or the most comfortable one — the 2025 F-150 has the edge! Choose Ford’s best-in-class pickup to take both work and play to the next level. Visit us at Brighton Ford to test-drive the ultimate Colorado truck!