2023 GMC Sierra 6.2L vs. 2025 F-150 5.0L Analysis: Recalls, Connecting Rod Defects, and the Coyote V8 Transition

One luxury veteran just proved that even a GMC Sierra Denali can’t compete with the soul of a Coyote-powered Ford F-150.

I found a recent post shared in a Facebook community of Ford truck enthusiasts where Rich Tulley highlighted his jump from a premium 2023 Denali to a 2025 F-150 Lariat, proving that even the most loyal GMC fans are finding a better value proposition in the 502A and FX4 off-road package.

Rich says, “I’m officially a Ford F150 owner. Picked up a 2025 F150 Lariat 4x4 5.0 with the FX4 off-road package and 502A. I sold my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. So far, I love it.”

From My View 

As a Senior Reporter who has spent three decades under hoods and in service department bays, I have to ask: Who is making this switch? It is not just the budget buyers. We are seeing high-end owners, the guys who buy Denalis and High Countrys, walking away from GM showrooms. How are they doing it? They are trading in low-mileage, late-model luxury rigs for Ford’s 502A Lariat, often seeking the reliability of the 5.0L Coyote V8. And the Why is the most important part: persistent mechanical "gremlins" that have plagued the GMC lineup for the last several years.

I have spent significant time documenting these failures. For instance, I recently investigated how some GMC Sierra owners are facing catastrophic transmission failures at just 12,000 miles. When you pay for a Denali, you expect a fortress on wheels, not a truck that enters "limp mode" before its second oil change.

Key Takeaways for Truck Buyers

• The Coyote Factor: Ford’s 5.0L V8 remains a massive draw for owners fleeing GM's lifter and valve train issues.
   
• Feature Parity: The Ford 502A package offers tech and comfort that rivals the Denali without the same mechanical baggage.
   
• Resale Reality: Late-model GMC trade-ins are surging as owners seek to get out before warranties expire or major components fail.
   
• Trust the Community: Facebook and Reddit groups provide real-time data that official brochures omit.
   

My Take: Why the GMC Denali is Losing Its Shine

You have to understand that the "Denali" nameplate once stood for bulletproof luxury. But lately, the gap between marketing and operational reality has become a canyon. I have spoken with numerous owners who are tired of the "Chevy Shudder" and the ticking of failing lifters. I also wrote about a heartbreaking case in which a GMC Sierra owner's transmission failed at only 6,500 miles, leaving them stranded for months due to parts backlogs.

It is not just my observation. Expert sources are sounding the alarm as well. In a recent reliability deep dive, the team at Lemon Law Group Partners noted that the 6.2L L87 V8 sits at the center of some of the most serious defect reports, often requiring a complete engine replacement rather than a simple repair. When an engine is described as "at the center of serious defects," the chrome on the grille matters little.

3 More Points

1. Lifter Reliability: GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) is still a point of failure for many 5.3L and 6.2L engines.

2. Transmission Software: Ford’s 10-speed, while not perfect, is currently outperforming the GM version in low-speed shift logic and durability.

3. The 502A Sweet Spot: This Ford trim provides the best balance of luxury and utility, making it the primary target for defecting GMC owners.

Community Technical Feedback

The frustration is boiling over in online forums. One Reddit user noted the severity of the situation, stating, "GMC is the worst truck you can buy. I would look into lemon law," after a valve body failure at just 3,600 miles. Another owner highlighted the vulnerability of the newer models, saying, "It feels like it's just a matter of time until it happens," reflecting widespread lack of confidence in the drivetrain's long-term durability.

I have seen this movie before. In fact, I reported on a Texas owner who loved the look of their truck but admitted that with only 91,000 miles, they had already replaced the transmission twice. That is not "Professional Grade"; that is a liability.

Why Ford’s 5.0L Lariat is the Solution

When Rich Tulley says he "loves it so far," he is likely responding to the linear power delivery of that 5.0L Coyote engine. Unlike GM’s V8s, which have been plagued by lifter collapses, the Ford 5.0L has matured into a remarkably stable powerplant. According to a 2026 comparison by Capital Ford, the F-150 scores 86/100 in Quality and Reliability, significantly outpacing the Sierra’s 82/100. The report states that "the Ford has a slight edge for heavy-duty, long-term use," a sentiment that is clearly driving these trade-ins.

I have always told my readers that a truck is only as good as its worst day on the road. If you are constantly looking at the dashboard for a check engine light, you aren't enjoying the luxury you paid for. I've documented how some 2024 GMC models are already exhibiting "shudder" symptoms, a legacy from GM's past that just won't stay buried.

Tips for Making the Switch

If you are considering ditching your GMC for a Ford, here is my expert advice:

• Prioritize the 5.0L: While EcoBoost engines are fast, the Coyote V8 offers the simplicity and longevity that GM owners typically seek.
   
• Inspect the 502A Package: Make sure you are getting the B&O Unleashed sound system and the upgraded leather; it is the only way to match the Denali's interior feel
   
• Check for the FX4: If you are coming from a Sierra, you will want the extra skid plates and tuned shocks to maintain that "heavy truck" composed feel.
   

A Need For Reliability

In the rapidly evolving truck market and the migration from GMC to Ford, it is no longer a trickle; it is a full-blown shift driven by a need for reliability. When luxury owners like Rich Tulley decide that a Lariat offers more peace of mind than a Denali, it is a wake-up call for the entire industry. If you are tired of the dealer visits and the "weak fixes" for your Sierra, jumping ship to a 2025 F-150 5.0 might just be the best mechanical decision you ever make.

It's Your Turn

Are you a longtime GMC owner who is finally fed up with mechanical gremlins, or is the 5.0L Coyote V8 enough to make you switch brands? I want to hear about your experience with the latest 2025 models. Did you find the reliability you were looking for, or are you still searching for the perfect rig? Please share your story and leave a comment in the red “Add new comment” link below.

Denis Flierl is a 14-year Senior Reporter at Torque News and a member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) with 30+ years of industry experience. Based in Parker, Colorado, Denis leverages the Rockies' high-altitude terrain as a rigorous testing ground to provide "boots-on-the-ground" analysis for readers across the Rocky Mountain region, California EV corridors, the Northeast, Texas truck markets, and Midwest agricultural zones.

A former professional test driver and consultant for Ford, GM, Ram, Toyota, and Tesla, he delivers data-backed insights on reliability and market shifts. Denis cuts through the noise to provide national audiences with the real-world reporting today’s landscape demands.

Connect with Denis: Find him on LinkedIn, X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Gemini