The Ultimate Full-Size Pickup Truck Showdown: 2025 Edition
As an automotive expert with over a decade of hands-on experience navigating the evolving landscape of light-duty vehicles, I’ve witnessed the full-size pickup truck segment transform from utilitarian workhorses into sophisticated, multi-role machines. For many Americans, a pickup isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s an extension of their lifestyle, a critical tool for their livelihood, and increasingly, a luxury sanctuary on wheels. Th
ese trucks embody a unique blend of rugged capability and refined comfort, making them indispensable for everything from commercial applications and demanding off-road adventures to daily commuting and family road trips. The sheer variety available within this class—from purpose-built off-roaders to opulent executive transports—underscores their enduring appeal and undeniable versatility.
For 2025, the competition among the leading contenders remains fiercely contested. Manufacturers are pushing boundaries with innovative powertrains, cutting-edge technology, and interiors that rival many luxury sedans. This year, our exhaustive evaluation focused on three titans that define the pinnacle of this segment: the 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum (Ford’s hybrid powerhouse still a key player for 2025), the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, and the completely refreshed 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten. Our objective was clear: to subject these high-end, crew-cab, short-box configurations—each priced in the upper echelons from approximately $87,000 to $90,000—to a battery of real-world tests. These evaluations spanned the gamut from intensive towing and payload hauling to rigorous acceleration and braking trials, comprehensive real-world fuel economy assessments, and meticulous deep dives into driving dynamics, cabin comfort, user interface design, interior craftsmanship, and integrated safety systems. Each truck presented a distinct engineering philosophy under the hood: Ford leveraged its advanced PowerBoost gas-electric hybrid system, GMC stood firm with its robust 6.2-liter V-8, and Ram debuted its highly anticipated, high-output Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. This diversity in propulsion alone promised a fascinating comparison.
Our panel of seasoned judges, comprising Managing Editor Joe Bruzek, Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman, and Road Test Editor Brian Normile, brought a collective wealth of experience to this challenge. They meticulously drove each truck back-to-back over identical routes, evaluating critical aspects such as overall driving performance, occupant comfort, intuitive usability, and the tangible quality of interior materials. Beyond subjective impressions, our testing protocol included a demanding 200-mile real-world drive route, executed twice—once unladen and again with a substantial 20-foot travel trailer in tow—to precisely measure fuel economy under varied conditions. We also quantified acceleration and braking performance both empty and with a simulated 1,000 pounds of payload in the bed. Further objective measures included child-safety-seat fitment evaluations and a comprehensive scoring of safety systems and overall value proposition. After compiling thousands of data points and countless hours of driving, the final scores were tallied, revealing a definitive ranking that offers invaluable insights for prospective buyers.
Our 2025 Full-Size Pickup Truck Challenge Results:
2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
2024 Ford F-150 Platinum
For a granular understanding of each truck’s strengths and weaknesses, a detailed breakdown of their performance across key categories follows.
2024 Ford F-150 Platinum: The Intelligent Workhorse, 848 points (out of a possible 1,295)
Expert Verdict: The 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum, despite its mid-cycle refresh and advanced hybrid powertrain, occupied the third position in our comprehensive 2025 challenge. While it champions utility with truly innovative features like the Pro Power Onboard generator and exceptional towing technology, it struggled to match the ride comfort and interior luxury of its rivals at this premium price point. Ford’s execution here feels more focused on pure capability and practical innovation rather than outright refinement. As Road Test Editor Brian Normile summarized, “The F-150 offers buyers significant advantages in utility — from the in-bed Pro Power Onboard generator to genuinely useful towing tech — and outward visibility, but not only does it fall well short in ride comfort, the Platinum is noticeably less luxurious than the other trucks in our test.”
Our Test Vehicle Specifications:
As-tested price: $87,625
Powertrain: 430-horsepower gas-electric hybrid system with twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
0-60 mph acceleration (without/with payload): 5.6 / 6.2 seconds
60-0 mph braking (without/with payload): 135 / 141 feet
Observed fuel economy: 23.3 mpg
Towing fuel economy: 11.5 mpg
Curb weight: 6,020 pounds
Key Wins: In-cabin storage, outward visibility, comprehensive safety features, superior real-world fuel economy (both empty and towing), excellent braking performance, highly effective driver-assist technology (tied), straightforward child-safety seat installation (tied).
Ford’s F-150 received a thoughtful mid-cycle update for 2024, enhancing its exterior aesthetics and integrating new technologies such as a head-up display and the groundbreaking Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. Our Platinum test truck proudly showcased these advancements, including the formidable 7.2-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generator, a feature intrinsically linked to the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This hybrid truck efficiency is a significant draw for many.
The Good: Ford’s Forward-Thinking Advantages
Exceptional Outward Visibility: From an engineering perspective, Ford’s strategic window-sill cutouts in the front doors, coupled with a low hood line and upright windshield, create an unobstructed panoramic view. This isn’t just a comfort feature; it’s a significant safety feature and aids immensely in maneuvering this large vehicle.
Ingenious In-Cabin Storage Solutions: The F-150 truly shines in its practical interior design. Its cavernous front storage bin, smartly placed center console cubbies, and expansive under-backseat storage cater perfectly to the demands of a modern truck owner. This truck interior utility maximizes productivity.
Unrivaled Towing Technology: Having evaluated countless towing setups, I can confidently state that the F-150’s suite of towing technologies is genuinely class-leading. Features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and the Trailer Reverse Guidance system are not just technological novelties; they are profoundly useful tools that simplify complex tasks, making them invaluable for anyone who frequently tows. This advanced towing technology reduces stress and increases safety, representing a strong truck value proposition.
Impressive Real-World Fuel Economy: The PowerBoost hybrid system delivered an observed 23.3 mpg, remarkably close to its EPA combined rating. This hybrid truck performance positions the F-150 as a fuel-efficient leader in a segment not typically known for economy.
Solid Child-Safety Seat Fitment: A critical consideration for many buyers, the F-150 performed well here, tying with the GMC despite a minor belt buckle issue.
Game-Changing Pro Power Onboard Generator: This feature alone can be a deal-maker. Whether powering a construction site, tailgating event, or serving as a backup power source during an outage, the 7.2-kW output offers unmatched versatility and utility, solidifying its role as a fleet management solution and a personal utility marvel.
The Bad: Areas Requiring Refinement
Subpar Seat Comfort: This was a glaring deficiency. Both front and rear seats were unanimously criticized for their discomfort, featuring odd contours that lacked proper ergonomic support. At this price point, truck interior comfort ratings are crucial, and the F-150 simply missed the mark.
Disappointing Interior Quality: For a “Platinum” trim, the cabin materials and overall ambiance felt a step below its competitors. The blend of textures and finishes lacked the cohesion and premium feel expected in a nearly $90,000 truck, impacting its luxury truck interior appeal.
Compromised Ride and Handling Dynamics: The F-150 exhibited a noticeably jittery ride over uneven surfaces, with excessive fore-aft motions that made highway driving fatiguing, particularly while towing. Its empty handling felt less composed, with a perceptible rear-end skip, a common criticism for older truck platforms.
Mushy Brake-Pedal Feel: The hybrid’s regenerative braking system resulted in a nonlinear and less confidence-inspiring brake pedal, especially noticeable under heavy load or while towing. This directly impacts truck safety performance.
Lack of Cabin Serenity: Despite its hybrid powertrain, the F-150 was surprisingly the loudest in the test, with discernible road and engine noise, detracting from the premium experience.
Ergonomic Missteps: The climate control buttons were criticized for being miniature and poorly positioned, making them difficult to operate intuitively while driving. This impacts overall truck user experience.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate: The Confident Performer, 971 points
Expert Verdict: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate impressed our judges with its formidable presence, sophisticated styling, and robust V-8 powertrain. It represented the pinnacle of GMC’s luxury offerings, delivering a driving experience that felt substantially premium and exceptionally capable, particularly in towing scenarios. As Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman aptly noted, “The best Denali yet produced — and so close to unseating the Ram for nicest cabin — the Sierra looks fantastic, feels expensive and delivers that V-8 pickup performance and rumble so many of us love.” Its unflappable demeanor, even under challenging conditions, truly set it apart.
Our Test Vehicle Specifications:
As-tested price: $87,305
Powertrain: 420-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
0-60 mph acceleration (without/with payload): 6.2 / 7.0 seconds
60-0 mph braking (without/with payload): 146 / 139 feet
Observed fuel economy: 21.5 mpg
Towing fuel economy: 11.0 mpg
Curb weight: 5,580 pounds
Key Wins: Intuitive vehicle user interface, expansive cargo-box storage, confidence-inspiring powertrain for towing, predictable braking feel when towing, commendable child-safety seat installation (tied).
Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Denali Ultimate trim level elevated GMC’s luxury game with full-grain leather, exquisite open-pore wood trim, and the standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Our test truck was a technological showcase, featuring Google Built-In infotainment and GM’s acclaimed Super Cruise hands-free driving system, highlighting the continuous advancement in pickup truck infotainment systems and advanced driver-assist systems.
The Good: Sierra’s Robust Refinement
Exemplary Vehicle User Interface: The Sierra’s touchscreen system struck an ideal balance between crisp graphics and seamless functionality. Its physical controls, strategically placed below the screen and angled towards the driver, were universally praised for their tactile feedback and ease of use. This thoughtful design contributes significantly to a superior truck user experience.
Unwavering V-8 Towing Performance: The 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with its direct, immediate power delivery, instilled immense confidence during our towing trials. While perhaps not the most refined, its raw capability and predictable response under load made it an outstanding best towing truck contender, especially for those who appreciate traditional V-8 grunt.
Superior Overall Towing Manners: Beyond just engine power, the Sierra exhibited an almost heavy-duty truck composure, remaining remarkably stable and composed even when subjected to significant crosswinds with a trailer. This “tank-like” demeanor is a testament to its robust chassis and suspension tuning.
Optimized Cargo-Box Storage: The innovative CarbonPro carbon-fiber composite cargo box boasted the most generous width between the wheel wells (51 inches) and the longest bed at 70 inches, offering maximum utility for cargo. This is a significant advantage for commercial truck buyers and those needing versatile hauling solutions.
Effortless Bed Access: The MultiPro Tailgate, combined with standard bumper-step cutouts and power running boards that extend rearward, made accessing the truck bed exceptionally easy and convenient.
Highly Effective Super Cruise: GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system was a revelation. It maintained excellent lane centering, even in challenging wind conditions, and executed automated lane changes with impressive smoothness. This advanced system enhances truck connectivity features and driving comfort, especially on long hauls.
Competent Child-Safety Seat Fitment: Mirroring the F-150, the Sierra provided a generally good experience for car seat installation, with only a minor note on a floppy belt buckle.
The Bad: Areas for Improvement
Restricted Outward Visibility: This was a notable drawback. The Sierra’s high beltline, substantial hood, and relatively small side mirrors created a somewhat confined feeling, making it the most challenging truck to see out of and perceive its true dimensions. This impacts truck safety performance and driver confidence in tight spaces.
Limited In-Cabin Open Storage: While the center console offered ample closed storage, the Sierra lagged in readily accessible open cubbies and bins for smaller items, which can be a practical inconvenience for daily use.
Underwhelming Measured Acceleration: Despite its powerful V-8, the Sierra was discernibly the slowest performer in our acceleration tests, both empty and with payload. While “should pickups be fast?” is a perennial debate, the Sierra’s performance didn’t quite live up to the auditory expectation of its large engine.
Inconsistent Google Built-In Voice Commands: The integrated Google system proved inconsistent in its voice recognition, sometimes struggling with common commands for specific radio stations. This occasionally frustrating experience highlights that truck infotainment systems still have room for refinement in voice command accuracy.
2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten: The Luxury Powerhouse, 1,059 points
Expert Verdict: The 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten unequivocally claimed the top spot in our challenge, redefining expectations for the full-size pickup segment. Its introduction of the sophisticated Hurricane inline-six engine and the ultra-luxury Tungsten trim level firmly established a new benchmark for refinement, comfort, and performance. Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s observation encapsulates its essence: “The luxuriousness and refinement in the Ram 1500 Tungsten could be the recipe for a Land Rover Range Rover pickup truck if the brand ever decided to make one.” While its reliance on a touchscreen for many critical functions presented some challenges, the overall experience was undeniably premium.
Our Test Vehicle Specifications:
As-tested price: $90,505
Powertrain: 540-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
0-60 mph acceleration (without/with payload): 4.8 / 5.3 seconds
60-0 mph braking (without/with payload): 140 / 146 feet
Observed fuel economy: 21.0 mpg
Towing fuel economy: 10.6 mpg
Curb weight: 6,000 pounds
Key Wins: Supreme front-seat comfort, expansive backseat comfort, peerless interior quality, refined powertrain, excellent braking feel, exceptional ride quality (both empty and towing), precise handling, remarkably quiet cabin, blistering acceleration, outstanding as-tested value, highly capable driver-assist technology (tied).
Ram delivered significant updates for its 1500 pickup for the 2025 model year, headlined by the potent twin-turbo inline-six engine and the introduction of the top-tier Tungsten trim. Our test vehicle provided an immersive experience with these new elements, alongside other advanced features like its expansive 14.4-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen and intuitive trailer reverse steering control, pushing the envelope in truck technology and luxury.
The Good: Ram’s Unprecedented Luxury and Performance
Unparalleled Interior Quality: The Tungsten’s cabin sets a new standard for a pickup truck. The meticulous attention to detail, the use of premium materials, and the sheer opulence of the design genuinely rival luxury vehicles from any segment. This is, without a doubt, a true luxury truck interior, providing an unparalleled sense of indulgence.
Exceptional Front- and Rear-Seat Comfort: Our judges unanimously lauded the Ram’s seats for their superior comfort and ergonomic design. The combination of supportive cushioning and extensive adjustability ensured a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all occupants, even on extended journeys.
Refined Powertrain Performance: The new twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine is a marvel of modern engineering. It delivers power with an almost uncanny quietness and smoothness, feeling right at home in a high-end luxury vehicle. The absence of the traditional V-8 rumble is easily compensated by its sophisticated operation and formidable output, making it an ideal choice for a premium pickup that prioritizes quiet strength.
Blistering Acceleration Performance: With 0-60 mph times in the high 4-second range without payload, the Ram 1500 Tungsten is remarkably quick. Even with a substantial payload, it outpaced every other truck in the test, demonstrating that luxury doesn’t mean compromising on dynamic capability. This pickup truck performance is a major differentiator.
Superior Ride Quality (with or without a trailer): The standard air suspension on the Tungsten trim delivers an absolutely incredible ride. It glides effortlessly over bumps, exhibiting minimal body bounce, even over challenging terrain. This system also adds functionality, allowing the truck to lower for easier ingress and egress, a thoughtful touch for a personal use truck.
Precise Handling Dynamics: The Ram’s steering feel and overall handling were noticeably superior. The steering is communicative and accurate, and the air suspension effectively controls body roll, lending a surprising agility to this large vehicle.
Serene and Hushed Interior: The absence of road and engine noise within the Ram’s cabin was a stark contrast to its competitors, providing a genuinely quiet and peaceful driving environment.
Outstanding As-Tested Value: Despite being the most expensive, the Ram’s comprehensive suite of exclusive features—including dual wireless chargers, heated and ventilated rear seats, a multi-level heated steering wheel, and a reclining backseat—justified its price point, offering an exceptional truck value proposition for its segment.
Practical RamBox Storage (Personal Preference): The lockable and drainable RamBox storage compartments integrated into the bed sides offer convenient, secure storage that doesn’t require climbing into the bed. This innovative feature, while impacting bed width, is a brilliant solution for organized storage.
The Bad: Minor Imperfections in a Near-Perfect Package
Over-reliance on Touchscreen UI: While visually impressive, the expansive portrait-style touchscreen had its ergonomic shortcomings. Many critical controls, including oddly, the trailer brake gain adjustment, are buried within menus, requiring multiple taps to access. The vertical orientation also compromises the backup camera display, relegating the crucial view to a smaller portion of the screen. Glare was also a persistent issue, washing out lower portions. This highlights the ongoing challenge in optimizing truck infotainment systems for real-world driving.
Intermittent Electrical Glitches: Our test vehicle experienced a few electronic bugs, from inconsistent auto-up window functionality to repeated Apple CarPlay freezes and a finicky trailer backup tech system. Such glitches, while potentially resolvable with software updates, are unwelcome in a top-tier vehicle.
Powertrain Performance During Towing (Fuel Efficiency): While the Hurricane engine excels unladen, it felt comparatively more strained during our intensive towing test and proved to be the least fuel-efficient when hauling a trailer. This is an interesting contrast to its effortless power when not towing.
Challenging Car-Seat Fitment: The Ram scored lower in this category due to harder-to-use tether loops, non-removable head restraints, and floppy belt buckles, making child seat installation less straightforward than its competitors.
RamBox Impact on Bed Width (Personal Preference): While innovative, the integrated RamBox system significantly reduces the overall width of the cargo bed. This trade-off might not suit every buyer, particularly those who frequently haul wide items or demand maximum bed volume.
Missing Luxury Feature: The absence of a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel in such a luxurious interior was a surprising omission.
Which Full-Size Truck is Right for You in 2025?
Our comprehensive 2025 Full-Size Pickup Truck Challenge unequivocally crowned the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten as the segment leader, setting new standards for luxury, comfort, and refined performance. Its innovative powertrain and sumptuous interior create an unparalleled driving experience for the discerning truck buyer seeking a genuinely premium offering.
However, the second-place 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate and the third-place 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum each possess distinctive attributes that could make them the ideal choice for specific needs and preferences.
If your daily operations demand a truck that seamlessly integrates advanced utility with a focus on truck ownership costs and cutting-edge towing technology – especially if frequent trailer connection and the need for portable power are paramount – the F-150’s hybrid efficiency and the revolutionary Pro Power Onboard generator make it an exceptionally appealing, forward-thinking option. Its utility is hard to beat.
For those who prioritize an unshakeable confidence while towing, crave the visceral rumble and direct power delivery of a traditional V-8 engine, and appreciate a cabin that exudes robust, understated luxury, the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate is a masterclass. It embodies the essence of a proven, powerful, and upscale light-duty truck.
But if your quest is for the ultimate expression of a luxury full-size truck in 2025 – a vehicle that blends exhilarating performance, unparalleled ride comfort, exquisite interior craftsmanship, and a supremely quiet cabin with the undeniable capability of a pickup – then the well-rounded 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten demands your closest attention. It truly captivated our expert panel, proving that a pickup truck can indeed be a world-class luxury vehicle.
Ready to find your perfect 2025 full-size pickup? Explore detailed specifications, compare financing options, and schedule a test drive for the Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, or Ford F-150 today to experience these segment leaders firsthand and discover which one aligns perfectly with your driving demands and lifestyle aspirations.
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