For producers in North Battleford and across Saskatchewan, your truck is a business tool. Long hauls between fields, heavy towing loads, and unpredictable fuel availability demand a powertrain that delivers range, torque, and reliability. The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2026 Ford F-150 take different approaches: the Sierra 1500 retains its proven 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, while the F-150 leans on its 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid. For agricultural work, diesel power offers distinct advantages.

This comparison examines how these two powertrains perform in real-world farm and ranch conditions, focusing on fuel economy, towing capability, range, and functional durability.

At a Glance: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax vs. 2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid

Feature	2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (3.0L Duramax)	2026 Ford F-150 (3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid)
Engine	3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6	3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6
Horsepower	305 hp @ 3,750 rpm	430 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	495 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm	570 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Economy (City)	10.7 L/100 km	10.5 L/100 km
Fuel Economy (Highway)	9.3 L/100 km	10.4 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity	91 L	115 L (Hybrid)
Max Towing	4,082 kg (9,000 lbs)	5,262 kg (11,600 lbs)
Max Payload	1,076 kg (2,372 lbs)	789 kg (1,740 lbs)
Transmission	10-speed automatic	10-speed automatic

Diesel Torque vs. Hybrid Power: What Matters for Farm Work

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500’s 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque at just 2,750 rpm. That low-end torque is critical for pulling loaded trailers up grades, moving equipment through soft fields, and maintaining steady power under load. Diesel engines produce peak torque at lower engine speeds, which translates to better pulling power in real-world towing.

The 2026 Ford F-150’s 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid counters with 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The hybrid system pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for strong acceleration and higher peak torque numbers. However, that torque arrives 250 rpm later than the Duramax, and the electric assist is optimized for on-road efficiency rather than sustained heavy-load pulling.

For producers hauling grain trailers, livestock, or equipment over long distances, the Duramax’s torque curve provides more consistent power delivery. The diesel doesn’t rely on battery charge to maintain performance – crucial when towing for hours at a time.

Fuel Economy and Range: The Saskatchewan Advantage

Fuel economy determines operational flexibility. In rural Saskatchewan, fuel stations can be 50 kilometres or more apart. The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax achieves 10.7 L/100 km in city driving and 9.3 L/100 km on the highway. With a 91-litre fuel tank, that translates to approximately 978 kilometres of highway range before refueling.

The 2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid achieves 10.5 L/100 km in the city and 10.4 L/100 km on the highway. While city fuel economy is slightly better than the Duramax, highway efficiency lags. The F-150 Hybrid uses a 115-litre fuel tank, yielding approximately 1,105 kilometres of highway range – an advantage over the Sierra, but at the cost of reduced payload capacity due to the hybrid system’s added weight.

Here’s the critical difference: diesel fuel economy improves under load. When towing or hauling, the Duramax maintains efficiency better than gasoline or hybrid powertrains. The PowerBoost Hybrid’s electric motor assists during acceleration, but sustained highway towing drains the battery quickly, forcing the gasoline engine to carry the full load.

Key Fuel Economy Points:

• Duramax highway efficiency: 9.3 L/100 km (best-in-class for diesel half-tons)
• PowerBoost Hybrid highway efficiency: 10.4 L/100 km
• Diesel fuel economy improves under load; hybrid efficiency declines when towing

Towing and Payload: Balancing Capability

The 2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,262 kg (11,600 lbs), outpacing the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax’s 4,082 kg (9,000 lbs). For producers hauling the heaviest equipment or livestock trailers, the F-150’s towing advantage is real. However, towing capacity alone doesn’t tell the full story.

The Sierra 1500 Duramax delivers a maximum payload capacity of 1,076 kg (2,372 lbs) on the AT4 trim, compared to the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid’s 789 kg (1,740 lbs). That 287 kg (632 lbs) difference matters when loading seed, fertilizer, or tools into the bed. The hybrid system’s battery pack and electric motor add weight, reducing the F-150’s ability to carry cargo while towing.

For most agricultural operations, the Sierra’s 4,082 kg (9,000 lbs) towing capacity handles grain trailers, livestock trailers, and equipment haulers. The higher payload capacity allows producers to load the bed without sacrificing towing capability – a critical balance for daily farm work.

Functional Durability: MultiPro Tailgate and Work-Ready Design

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 includes the MultiPro Tailgate as standard equipment on SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate trims. This six-function tailgate offers a primary gate, load stop, inner gate with standing workstation, and step configurations. For producers loading equipment, accessing the bed, or using the tailgate as a mobile workstation, the MultiPro design adds genuine functionality.

The 2026 Ford F-150 offers the Pro Access Tailgate as an available feature, which includes a swing door for easier bed access when a trailer is attached. While useful, the Pro Access design focuses on convenience rather than versatility. The F-150’s standard tailgate lacks the work-surface and load-stop configurations that make the MultiPro system valuable for farm operations.

The Sierra 1500 also offers the available CarbonPro composite bed on Denali and Denali Ultimate trims. This carbon-fibre-reinforced bed is lighter and more durable than steel, resisting dents, scratches, and corrosion.

Pro Power Onboard: Utility vs. Necessity

The 2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid includes Pro Power Onboard, offering 2.4 kW of exportable power as standard and up to 7.2 kW as an option. This feature allows the F-150 to power tools, welders, and equipment directly from the truck. For contractors and mobile work crews, Pro Power Onboard is a valuable feature.

For agricultural producers, the utility is less clear. Most farm operations have access to shop power for welding, cutting, and tool charging. While Pro Power Onboard can run a portable welder or air compressor in the field, it’s not a necessity for most producers. The hybrid system’s added complexity and weight trade off against payload capacity – a more critical metric for farm work.

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 does not offer a comparable onboard power system. However, the Duramax diesel’s simplicity, reliability, and payload capacity align better with the day-to-day demands of agricultural operations.

Which Truck is Right for Your Operation?

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is the better choice for Saskatchewan producers who prioritize fuel economy, range, payload capacity, and low-end torque. The diesel powertrain delivers consistent performance under load, better highway efficiency, and the operational flexibility needed for long-haul towing and daily farm work. The MultiPro Tailgate and available CarbonPro bed add functional durability that aligns with agricultural demands.

The 2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid excels in maximum towing capacity and offers Pro Power Onboard for contractors who need exportable power. However, the hybrid system’s weight penalty reduces payload capacity, and highway fuel economy lags behind the Duramax.

Experience the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 at Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is available now at Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC in North Battleford. Our team understands the demands of Saskatchewan agriculture and can help you configure a Sierra 1500 that fits your operation’s needs. Book your test drive today and experience the range, torque, and reliability that make the Sierra 1500 the producer’s choice.