2017 Heavy-Duty Truck Showdown: Ford Super Duty vs. GMC Sierra vs. Ram 3500

When it comes to dominating the heavy-duty pickup segment, three titans consistently battle for supremacy: the Ford Super Duty F-350, GMC Sierra 3500, and Ram 3500 Mega Cab. In MotorVero's comprehensive evaluation, we put these workhorses through rigorous testing to determine which truck truly reigns supreme in towing capacity, payload performance, and real-world drivability.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

The Contenders: Specs and Configurations

Our evaluation featured three properly equipped heavy-duty competitors:

Ram 3500 Mega Cab 4×4 Dually

The Ram 3500 arrived in top-tier Longhorn Limited trim featuring:

• 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel I6 engine
• Aisin six-speed automatic transmission
• 4.10:1 axle ratio
• Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing prep
• Auto-leveling rear air suspension
• Premium interior appointments
• --TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

With a staggering $81,900 price tag, the Ram was the most expensive yet most luxurious contender.          

Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat

The Ford came equipped with:

• 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel
• TorqShift six-speed automatic
• 3.55 electronic locking axle
• Adaptive steering technology

GMC Sierra 3500 Denali

The GMC featured:

• 6.6L Duramax V8 turbo-diesel
• Allison six-speed automatic
• Independent front suspension
• Premium Denali trim package
• --SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
  

Performance Testing: Track and Dyno Results

We subjected all three trucks to identical testing protocols at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with revealing results:

Acceleration Tests

• 0-60 mph (unloaded): GMC (8.14s) > Ford (8.27s) > Ram (10.26s)
• 0-60 mph (4,200 lb payload): GMC (10.55s) > Ford (10.94s) > Ram (14.22s)

Quarter-Mile Times

The Ram trailed by approximately 10% in quarter-mile runs compared to its competitors, regardless of load.

Braking Performance

In 60-0 mph braking tests (unloaded):

• GMC stopped in shortest distance
• Ford required 6 fewer feet than Ram
• Ram needed 22 more feet than GMC

Dyno Testing

Mobile dynamometer testing revealed significant power differences:

• GMC Duramax: 383 hp / 786 lb-ft torque
• Ford Power Stroke: 360 hp / 663 lb-ft torque
• Ram Cummins: 290 hp / 575 lb-ft torque
• --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Technicians noted the Cummins' software appeared to limit low-gear power delivery during testing.

Towing and Payload Capabilities

While all three trucks excel at heavy-duty tasks, their capabilities differ substantially:

On-Road Performance and Handling

Beyond raw numbers, each truck delivered distinct driving experiences:  

Ram 3500 Driving Dynamics

The Ram's solid front axle and heavier engine provided:

• Exceptionally smooth ride quality
• Minimal rear sag (under 1") with load-leveling air suspension
• Less confident cornering compared to competitors
• Thick steering wheel drew criticism from testers
• --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
  

Ford F-350 Driving Experience

• Adaptive steering provided excellent control
• Superior straight-line stability
• Best-in-class towing confidence

GMC Sierra 3500 Handling

• Independent front suspension offered car-like handling
• Most responsive steering feel
• Excellent braking performance

Interior and Comfort Comparison

Where the Ram truly shined was in cabin appointments and comfort:

Ram 3500 Interior Highlights

• Premium materials throughout cabin
• Largest cab configuration tested
• Superior wood and metal accents
• Most intuitive infotainment system
• Excellent seat comfort for long hauls
• --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Ford and GMC Interiors

While both offered comfortable, well-appointed cabins:

• Materials quality slightly below Ram
• Smaller cab configurations
• Less luxurious trim options

Post-Testing Updates and Future Considerations

Since our evaluation, Ram has announced a significant powertrain update:

• Revised engine software boosts torque to 930 lb-ft
• Now exceeds Ford (925 lb-ft) and GMC (910 lb-ft)
• Potential to change future performance comparisons

Final Verdict: Which Heavy-Duty Truck Reigns Supreme?

Based on our comprehensive testing:

The GMC Sierra 3500 proved exceptional in acceleration and handling, while the Ram 3500 offered unmatched interior luxury and comfort. For buyers prioritizing outright capability, the Ford Super Duty remains the current benchmark, though all three trucks represent the pinnacle of heavy-duty truck engineering.

As these manufacturers continue to innovate, we look forward to future comparisons with updated models. The torque wars continue to escalate, promising even more capable trucks for demanding owners.

--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--