Compare the2026 Ford F-150 RaptorVS 2026 GMC Sierra 1500

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Ford F-150 Raptor has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The F-150 Raptor has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the F-150 Raptor. But it costs extra on the Sierra 1500.

The F-150 Raptor has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Sierra 1500’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the F-150 Raptor has standard Cross Traffic Alert and Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. GMC charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Sierra 1500.

The F-150 Raptor’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the F-150 Raptor and the Sierra 1500 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Ford F-150 Raptor is safer than the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab:

	F-150 Raptor	Sierra 1500
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	40	49
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	.51 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	134 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.55 in	.71 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	424 lbs.	558 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	178 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	1.65 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	446 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.98 in	2.13 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

The F-150 Raptor’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Sierra 1500’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 71 percent more Ford dealers than there are GMC dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the F-150 Raptor’s warranty.

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the F-150 Raptor have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of some of the engines in the Sierra 1500.

The F-150 Raptor has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the F-150 Raptor has a standard 240-amp alternator. The Sierra 1500’s standard 220-amp alternator and largest (V8) 170-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the F-150 Raptor has a 800-amp battery. The Sierra 1500 only offers a standard 730-amp battery.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than GMC vehicles. With 6 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than GMC.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Ford vehicles are more reliable than GMC vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 7 places higher in reliability than GMC.

Engine

The F-150 Raptor has more powerful engines than the Sierra 1500:

	Horsepower	Torque
F-150 Raptor 3.5 turbo V6	450 HP	510 lbs.-ft.
F-150 Raptor R 5.2 supercharged V8	720 HP	640 lbs.-ft.
Sierra 1500 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder	310 HP	430 lbs.-ft.
Sierra 1500 5.3 V8	355 HP	383 lbs.-ft.
Sierra 1500 6.2 V8	420 HP	460 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford F-150 Raptor is faster than the GMC Sierra 1500 V8:

	F-150 Raptor turbo V6	F-150 Raptor R	Sierra 1500
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	3.7 sec	5.7 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

The F-150 Raptor has 14 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel’s standard fuel tank (36 vs. 22 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The F-150 Raptor has 8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sierra 1500 Long Bed’s standard fuel tank (36 vs. 28 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the F-150 Raptor’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sierra 1500:

	F-150 Raptor	Sierra 1500
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	13 inches
Rear Rotors	13.7 inches	13.6 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the F-150 Raptor has larger standard tires than the Sierra 1500 (315/70R17 vs. 255/70R17). The F-150 Raptor’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sierra 1500 (37 x 12.5R17 vs. 275/65R18).

Suspension and Handling

The F-150 Raptor has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the F-150 Raptor flat and controlled during cornering. The Sierra 1500’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The front and rear suspension of the F-150 Raptor uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Sierra 1500, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the F-150 Raptor is 5.2 inches wider in the front and 5.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Sierra 1500.

The F-150 Raptor executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Sierra 1500 Short Box AT4X Crew Cab (28.4 seconds @ .58 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the F-150 Raptor has a 4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sierra 1500 Standard Box Crew Cab (12 vs. 8 inches), allowing the F-150 Raptor to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the F-150 Raptor has standard flush composite headlights. The Sierra 1500 has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

Cargo Capacity

The Ford F-150 Raptor has a standard Tailgate Lift Assist, which prevents the heavy tailgate from falling with a crash and causing injury. It allows adults and children to easily open and close the tailgate with one hand to better facilitate loading and unloading. Tailgate assist costs extra on the GMC Sierra 1500.

The F-150 Raptor has stake post holes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer stake post holes.

Towing

All models of the F-150 Raptor can be flat towed on all four wheels, allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the F-150 Raptor can be unhitched and driven around locally. Only the Sierra 1500 4x4 can be dinghy towed and it requires equipment that is not standard.

Ergonomics

The F-150 Raptor’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Sierra 1500’s standard power windows’ front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the F-150 Raptor’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its OnStar® can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The F-150 Raptor’s standard Intelligent Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, lower the tailgate, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Sierra 1500 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the truck. Push Button Start is not available on the Sierra 1500 SLE/Elevation/SLT/AT4/Denali.

The F-150 Raptor’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sierra 1500’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the F-150 Raptor has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The F-150 Raptor has standard power remote mirrors. The Sierra 1500 only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The F-150 Raptor’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. GMC charges extra for heated mirrors on the Sierra 1500.

The Ford F-150 Raptor has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Sierra 1500 SLT/AT4/Denali.

The F-150 Raptor has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Sierra 1500 SLE/Elevation/SLT/AT4/Denali.

The F-150 Raptor has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sierra 1500 SLE/Elevation/SLT/AT4/Denali.

The Ford F-150 Raptor has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the driver’s visor. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. GMC charges extra for Homelink® on the Sierra 1500 and isn’t available on the Sierra 1500 Pro.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ford F-150 Raptor’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Sierra 1500.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ford F-150 Raptor has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Sierra 1500 and isn’t available on the Sierra 1500 Pro/SLE.

The F-150 Raptor’s Park Assist can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Sierra 1500 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Motor Trend selected the F-150 Raptor as their 2018 Truck of the Year. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the F-150 as the 2021 North American Truck of the Year. The Sierra 1500 has never been chosen.

The Ford F-Series outsold the GMC Sierra by over two to one during 2024.

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