2020 Sierra 2500 HD Duramax vs. Ford F-250 w/ 6.7

OmahaBen · December 11, 2019

I am a lifetime GM customer considering buying a Ford F-250 or HD Sierra. Whichever path I go, I am going to get the 6.7 Powerstroke or the LP5 Duramax.

I am considering new but most likely will buy a year or so old just to cut down on the overall cost.

I love the styling of the 2020 GMC HD (SLT, Denali or AT4) or a 2020 F-250 Platinum or Lariat.

2018-2019 GMC Denali or 2018-2019 F-250 Lariat or Platinum would be fine also with lower miles.

I drove a 2020 GMC HD Sierra. I really liked the 10 speed transmission behind the duramax. It operated so smooth. I did a test drive on the 2019 Duramax Denali and the 6 speed didn't seem as seamless. The 2020 GMC HD is a very tall truck vs the 2019.

What do you like and why? Any advice? I know any make and model can have its issues. I have had a lot of issues on my current 2014 1500 and I want to give Ford a shot with at least a test drive.

Colossus · December 11, 2019

Don't discount the Dodge either. They've come a long way over the past few years in improving things. They are not perfect, but I believe they are right up on par with Ford and GM. And they look a little better than the Ford and the 2020 Silverado and maybe even the 2020 Sierra.

IdoMRI · December 11, 2019

I looked at all 3 and test drove the 19 Ford and Ram and 2020 GMC and Chevy. The Ram was real nice interior, but as built what I wanted was a little over 82 invoiced. The GMC had the HUD and trailer cameras and see through trailer, higher payload and not having the Bosch cp4 is what sold me. Also paying invoice is just under 69 built my way. I always had Ford trucks in the past but the GMC with those features once again drew me in. The Ford I was looking at also was high 70's invoice. Also joined all Ram forum along with this one to see like and complaints.Seen Ram having teething issues with their info control center also CP4 issues still there of course.

So this will be my first GM truck always had GM car but not a truck and hoping I'll be a happy satisfied long term owner have my 14k when loaded toy hauler waiting to go when it gets here. Bought the trailer before the Truck to make sure The truck I choose could haul it fine.

IdoMRI · December 11, 2019

Also the 2020 GM 2500 are more like the 19 3500 Ford for payload if that matters for your needs.

KCJackson1 · December 11, 2019

Since you're shopping upper trim levels, be sure to take into account which brands use "premium vinyl" instead of leather in places, especially on the back seat. If you're paying for leather seats, be sure to GET leather seats.

redwngr · December 11, 2019

2020 and 2019 are same HP and torque, same RPO code for the engine.

Gale Banks did a video with 19 and 20 L5P's side by side (not in vehicles) to outline the differences. Engine oil cooler, engine cooling fan size, and fan drive system are all significantly changed for 2020.

Of course 2020 introduces the 10 speed (10L1000) for the dmax application.

2020 is also entirely new frame axles etc etc. There are a couple videos taken at the media introduction that was done at Flint assembly earlier in the year.

Can't tell you which one to buy.

I can say that either will tow significantly better than the 1500 with 6.2.

(Based on pulling the same trailer with both 1500's and HD dmax's)

FM501 · December 11, 2019

I just traded a 2017 Ford f250 Platinum for a 2020 GMC Denali. My Ford suffered from death wobble as well as numerous issues with the interior build quality. Ford provides very little customer service and my truck was in the shop for much of the last four months i owned it. I loved the truck but Fords incompetent service persuaded me to try a different brand this time.

After discovering the death wobble issue I found that it is very common with Ford products. Buyer beware.

IdoMRI · December 12, 2019

2 hours ago, FM501 said:

After discovering the death wobble issue I found that it is very common with Ford products. Buyer beware.

Don't forget the super easy break in door handles, well known issue too. Hope the finally fixed it on their 2020's

OmahaBen · December 12, 2019

11 hours ago, IdoMRI said:

I looked at all 3 and test drove the 19 Ford and Ram and 2020 GMC and Chevy. The Ram was real nice interior, but as built what I wanted was a little over 82 invoiced. The GMC had the HUD and trailer cameras and see through trailer, higher payload and not having the Bosch cp4 is what sold me. Also paying invoice is just under 69 built my way. I always had Ford trucks in the past but the GMC with those features once again drew me in. The Ford I was looking at also was high 70's invoice. Also joined all Ram forum along with this one to see like and complaints.Seen Ram having teething issues with their info control center also CP4 issues still there of course.

So this will be my first GM truck always had GM car but not a truck and hoping I'll be a happy satisfied long term owner have my 14k when loaded toy hauler waiting to go when it gets here. Bought the trailer before the Truck to make sure The truck I choose could haul it fine.

I appreciate the feedback. There is a lot to like about the new 2020 HD Sierra. As far as brand new goes, as a GM guy it would be nearly impossible for me to shell out more money for a Ford.

twofish · December 15, 2019

I considered F-250 Platinums (was intrigued by the Tremor option,) Chevy and GMC. Ended up with the 2020 AT4 2500. (didn't look at RAM)

Too many reports of death wobble on the Ford, I have never liked the Ford interiors, and the ride seems harsher to me. I just asked a lot of people with newer Ford's, Chevy and GMC's "how do you like that truck?". Overwhelmingly the Chevrolet / GMC owners were happy, the Ford guys were about 50/50, and of the ones not happy, it was death wobble or other service issues.

I am 2800 miles into the AT4, and so far I am extremely happy with it, the Duramax with that 10 speed is an amazing combo. Drive both and compare, only you can decide whats right.