Ford F-150 Vs. GMC Sierra 1500: Specs, Towing Capacity & More
Light-Duty Truck Showdown: Compare Ford F-150 to GMC Sierra 1500
Truck shoppers searching for a work-ready light-duty pickup will want to compare the Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 to discover which of these full-size models is right for their daily duties. The 2026 Ford F-150 is joined by the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 in this latest review, where we look at various aspects of both vehicles, including their respective performance specs, towing capacities, dimensions, wheels, and other features.
As you dive into our 2026 Ford F-150 vs. 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 comparison, you will quickly realize that the Ford model dominates in several essential categories, making it the true winner in our eyes. Scroll down to learn more and then stop by our dealership, Jones Ford Wickenburg, for a tour and test drive.
Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 at a Glance
- The Ford F-150 truck makes more horsepower and torque in the base configuration, despite having the same size engine displacement as the Sierra 1500
- When it comes to towing, the F-150 lineup offers more maximum towing capacity compared to the GMC Sierra 1500
- The Ford F-150 pickup has better base fuel efficiency than the GMC Sierra 1500
- See the full Ford F-150 lineup in person at Jones Ford Wickenburg today
2026 F-150 vs. 2026 Sierra 1500 Specs
To ensure this is a fair fight, we're comparing the Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 in their respective base trims. The 2026 Ford F-150 XL pickup starts with a twin-turbo EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6 engine, developing 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Its 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine is equipped with Auto Start-Stop Technology and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for excellent efficiency and smooth, robust acceleration. Select from RWD or 4WD models when selecting your preferred Ford F-150 pickup fitted with the standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 or one of the several other powertrain options within the F-150 lineup.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro trim gets a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, but it produces less horsepower than the Ford F-150's EcoBoost V-6 and gets an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, like the F-150 pickup, the new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 can be configured with either 2WD or 4WD.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of these two full-size trucks for sale varies widely by configuration. However, if you're interested in reaching the maximum towing capabilities of either model, you'll need to upgrade from their base trims to a higher, more powerful variant.
The gas-powered lineup of 2026 Ford F-150 trucks can tow up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. In contrast, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 requires diesel power to reach its maximum tow rating, which still falls short of the Ford F-150 at 13,300 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel Economy
Get into a new Ford F-150 for sale for impressive efficiency. This full-size pickup delivers up to an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with its base powertrain, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, and 2WD. These estimates are based on the 2025 model year, but we expect the EPA to rate the 2026 model year similarly when they do their testing. The Ford F-150 truck's fuel efficiency figures top those of the GMC model by a significant margin.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 base model returns up to an EPA-estimated 18/21/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 so it can't come close to matching its Ford rival.
Fuel tank capacity also differs between these two popular full-size pickups, with the Ford F-150 XL SuperCab offering a 36-gallon tank and the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro Regular Cab featuring a smaller 24-gallon tank.
If you're looking to go a greater distance between fill-ups, choose the more fuel-efficient 2026 Ford F-150 with its larger available gas tank.
Dimensions
Comparing the dimensions of the Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500, we find plenty of differences. For instance, the 2026 Ford F-150 XL SuperCab with a 6.5-foot box is substantially longer than the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro Regular Cab with its standard box length.
This Ford F-150 model measures 232 inches long with a 145.4-inch wheelbase. The GMC model only measures 210.97 inches in total length and features a shorter 126.5-inch wheelbase. Both models come standard with 17-inch wheels, but larger wheel diameters are available within both truck lineups.
Trim Levels
Both the 2026 Ford F-150 and 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 offer a wide range of trim levels, powertrains, packages, and configurations to choose from, so you can find a pickup truck tailored to your work-and-play needs.
The 2026 Ford F-150 comes in the following trims, which you can often find here at your Ford dealer in Wickenburg, AZ:
- F-150 XL
- F-150 STX
- F-150 XLT
- F-150 Lariat
- F-150 Tremor
- F-150 King Ranch
- F-150 Platinum
- F-150 Raptor
Similarly, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 comes in several editions, including the:
- Sierra 1500 Pro
- Sierra 1500 SLE
- Sierra 1500 Elevation
- Sierra 1500 SLT
- Sierra 1500 AT4
- Sierra 1500 Denali
- Sierra 1500 AT4X
- Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
As you can see, both models arrive in the same number of trims; however, the 2026 Ford F-150 collection includes the high-performance F-150 Raptor that delivers a mighty 450 horsepower. In contrast, the top trim GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate only produces 420 horsepower. For greater power and all-terrain prowess, choose the F-150 over the GMC model.
Shop the Ford F-150 Lineup in Detail at Jones Ford Wickenburg
Now that we've compared the Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 specs, dimensions, and towing capacity, which pickup do you prefer?
Jones Ford Wickenburg welcomes pickup truck shoppers interested in the 2026 Ford F-150 to contact or visit our knowledgeable sales staff for more details and assistance in finding the right vehicle for their lifestyle, work needs, preferences, and budget.
We invite you to browse our new Ford truck inventory and apply for an auto loan through our Ford finance center today to upgrade to your ideal next pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is more reliable: the Ford F-150 or GMC Sierra 1500?
Comparing GMC Sierra vs. Ford F-150 reliability, you will find that both of these pickup trucks for sale have a reputation for dependability. Both models are built for light-duty work and feature reliable performance. However, as the more popular pickup model in America for several decades, you can't go wrong with the proven power, capability, reliability, and longevity of the Ford F-150.
How do the fuel efficiencies of the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500 compare?
The fuel efficiencies of the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500 differ in their base forms. The new Ford F-150 pickup is expected to earn similar ratings as the previous iteration, which is an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The GMC Sierra 1500 Pro base trim only manages to return up to an EPA-estimated 18/21/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
Which one has better interior and technology features?
Both the 2026 Ford F-150 and the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 offer impressive interior and technology features across their trim lineups. However, many truck buyers prefer the spacious and well-appointed interior of the Ford F-150 over the GMC model. The new Ford F-150 for sale comes with a high-powered SYNC infotainment system that some find is more intuitive than the GMC system.
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
2EPA-estimated mpg for the TurboMax engine with 8-speed automatic transmission and 2WD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov