As a GMC Sierra Guy, It Hurts to Say It, But I'm Done with GM, and Now I'm Conflicted Between the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra

Will this lifelong GMC Sierra enthusiast finally find peace with a Ford, Ram, or Toyota after losing all faith in GM's engines?

Eric Witt on the 2019 - 2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook page says,

"I have a question. As a GMC Sierra truck guy, it hurts to say, but I’m done with GM. I’ve completely lost faith in these GM engines. I'm going to switch to another truck brand, but now comes the hard part, it’s touch-and-go. I’m conflicted between the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.” 

Switching from a brand you've been loyal to for years is never easy, but when reliability becomes a gamble, loyalty has to take a back seat.

Eric's dilemma isn't just about buying a new truck; it's about regaining confidence in your daily driver and protecting your hard-earned money. As the senior reporter at Torque News, I've seen this exact situation play out hundreds of times over the last few years, especially with late-model GM trucks. You're not alone, buddy.

Let's dive into the options—Ford, Ram, and Toyota—and break down which brand offers the best path forward after your experience with GM's engines.

The Engine Reliability Crisis: Why You're Making the Right Call

First, let me validate your pain point. The decision to switch brands is justified. Concerns about the 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra engines—specifically the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) and Active Fuel Management (AFM)—are the single biggest story dogging GM's half-ton trucks today.

For those of you reading who might not be familiar with the issue Eric is referencing, the sophisticated yet flawed technology behind DFM/AFM relies on complex lifters to deactivate cylinders to improve fuel economy. Unfortunately, the mechanical complexity and oil pressure demands on those lifters often lead to premature failure, scarring the camshaft, and sometimes resulting in catastrophic engine failure, even at low mileage.

I've covered this extensively, and the consensus is that a full mechanical delete of the system is the only permanent solution —an outrageous proposition for a nearly new truck owner. Therefore, your question—best pickup truck for a former GMC Sierra owner to switch to—is timely. You're wisely drawing a line in the sand, and we'll look for a platform you can trust.

For a deeper dive into this issue, you can check out my previous report: My Chevy Silverado is Garbage, Left Me On the Side of the Road, Not Even 30K.

Candidate 1: Ford F-150—The Capability Benchmark

Ford is the volume leader for a reason: they offer a dizzying array of options and generally lead the segment in max towing and payload. This is a workhorse first and foremost, wrapped in an aluminum body that resists rust.

When you look at the F-150, you have a critical choice: the proven 5.0L Coyote V8, or the EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.

The V8 Option: The 5.0L V8 is a strong, naturally aspirated engine, but it doesn't offer the low-end torque or fuel efficiency of the EcoBoost. It's the safe, conventional choice, but it sometimes battles its own issues, like oil consumption in certain model years.

The EcoBoost (3.5L/2.7L): These V6 engines are absolute monsters when it comes to performance and towing. However, the twin-turbo setup introduces complexity (turbos, intercoolers, vacuum lines) that you must maintain meticulously. The key difference between the Ford F-150 EcoBoost and the Ram Hemi is long-term dependability. The EcoBoost generally wins on raw capability, but the maintenance schedule is strict.

The PowerBoost Hybrid: If you are considering the Ram's eTorque system (which we'll cover next), Ford's PowerBoost is the legitimate hybrid competitor. The PowerBoost (combining the 3.5L EcoBoost with an electric motor) is a powerful, capable engine, and the Ram 1500 eTorque hybrid system long-term ownership review doesn't quite stack up to the PowerBoost's performance and the incredible versatility of the Pro Power Onboard generator feature. If you want capability and useful hybrid tech, Ford wins here.

Takeaway: If your primary concern is max towing, payload, and the best available technology (like Pro Power Onboard and BlueCruise), the F-150 is the technically superior, capability-focused choice.

Candidate 2: Ram 1500—The Comfort King

The Ram 1500 wins the interior battle hands down. Ram pioneered the "luxury truck" segment, and even its lower trims feel more upscale than competitors. The driving experience is where the Ram truly shines, thanks to its standard four-corner coil-spring rear suspension (or optional air suspension). It glides over bumps where the Ford's leaf springs feel decidedly truck-like.

For your need to switch from a problematic engine, the Ram has recently transitioned to the new 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, replacing the venerable 5.7L Hemi V8 (and its accompanying eTorque mild-hybrid system).

The Hemi/eTorque: While the Hemi V8 offered incredible sound and power, it also had its own long-term concerns, notably exhaust manifold bolt failures and the complexity of the eTorque system. Given that your priority is reliability, focusing on the new platform is key.

The Hurricane I6: This new turbocharged inline-six, standard in 2025/2026 models, delivers powerful performance (420 hp / 469 lb-ft in the base tune) and promising efficiency. Inline-six engines are inherently balanced and simple, which could signal a return to greater long-term durability, but it's still a new engine.

The question of choosing the most dependable full-size truck after GM DFM failure often comes down to the powertrain's mechanical simplicity. While the Ram excels in comfort, its recent engine change warrants scrutiny of long-term reliability.

Takeaway: If comfort, interior refinement, and a superior daily driving experience are your top priorities, the Ram 1500 is your winner.

Candidate 3: Toyota Tundra—The Durability Standard

Ah, Toyota. For years, the Tundra has been the default choice for buyers prioritizing long-term, trouble-free ownership above all else. However, the 2022 redesign, while necessary, changed the formula entirely. Toyota ditched the legendary, naturally aspirated V8 for a standard twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 (i-Force) and an optional hybrid version (i-Force MAX).

The New Tundra: An Uncharacteristic Reliability Question

The current Tundra is a massive leap forward in comfort, styling, and technology. It's powerful, utilizing the V6 to produce 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque (or 437 hp and 583 lb-ft in the hybrid). Like the Ram, it uses a coil-spring rear suspension (on higher trims) for a smoother ride than the Ford.

However, the question of long-term durability is no longer a simple affirmation. Toyota introduced complexity (twin turbos) to gain power and efficiency, sacrificing the simplicity of the old V8. Early models had some wastegate issues, but a much more serious and pervasive concern has since emerged: engine failure.

Reports and lawsuits concerning the 2022 and 2023 Tundra models, particularly the i-Force V6, point to a serious defect involving machining debris or a similar flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure, sometimes at extremely low mileage. 

Check out my story for more information: My 2022 Toyota Tundra Has Been At the Dealer For 30 Days for Engine Failure and Now It's Another Month to Get My New Engine.

However, Toyota is working to address the issue. Still, the immediate result is a severe and uncharacteristic blow to the brand's legendary reputation for reliability.

The Takeaway: Toyota doesn't risk its reputation lightly, and it is working to rectify these issues through warranty repairs and replacements. For a former GM owner looking to switch to the most dependable brand, Toyota was the traditional answer, offering unparalleled peace of mind. That peace of mind, however, is now significantly diminished by the reality of a potentially flawed engine design in the first two model years.

What the Community is Saying

Eric's frustration resonates with many others. I pulled these quotes directly from the Facebook group to show you just how many GMC owners are currently making this same calculus:

• Kyle Lahey - Honestly, this is the question I asked myself this week. GM has gone too far in prioritizing profits over reliability as a marketing strategy. The fact that even Allison is tired of GM refusing to build a reliable transmission was the last straw for me after the failure of crankshafts in the 6.2, the repeated lifter failures in the 5.3, the refusal to implement dual injection or port injection to fix the carbon valve buildup, etc, the list goes on and on at this point. I'll be looking at a Ford 7.3 for my next truck.
• Dylan Brown - If I were looking for a full-size, I'd go with a Ram with the 3.6 or 5.7, or I'd get a Ford with the 5.0 Coyote.
• Alex Vera - My brother bought a Tundra yesterday. Rides smoothly and has a good amount of power. It's a 2025, so I don't know the reliability of the new motor.

Conclusion:

This is the exact conversation happening in garages and forums across the country. It's a battle between capability (Ford), comfort (Ram), and dependability (Toyota).

The best advice I can give is to take a long test drive in the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and the Ram 1500, pay attention to the ride quality, and check the payload sticker. Your choice should ultimately be based on which truck you feel is built to last.

It's Your Turn

Which of the three primary powertrains—Ford EcoBoost, Ram Hurricane, or Tundra i-Force—gives you the most confidence for long-term ownership? Let us know in the comments below!

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Eric Witt