Author: Josh at Mark Martin Motors
If you are in the market for a luxury truck in the low $60k range, you are likely staring down two heavyweights: the 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat and the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4.
At Mark Martin Motors, we recently had both of these beasts on the lot—both 2024 models with roughly 10,000 to 12,000 miles. I couldn't resist putting them head-to-head. One is a turbocharged gas powerhouse with a sleek blacked-out look; the other is a diesel-sipping off-road legend with a premium feel.
Which one should you take home? Let’s dive into the details.
The Contender: 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat (Sport & Black Appearance Package)
This isn't just any F-150; this Lariat is decked out with the Black Appearance Package and a leveled stance.
Under the Hood: Power & Performance
The F-150 is powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
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Horsepower: 400 HP
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Torque: 500 lb-ft
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Fuel Economy: Rated ~18–22 MPG (Realistically 18–20 MPG)
This engine is a beast. It puts out incredible power and takes standard gasoline, so no need for premium pumps. We also added a 2.5-inch leveling kit and upgraded the tires to 275/60R20 Falcon Rubitrek All-Terrains, which gives it a slightly more aggressive stance than the factory 265s.
Exterior Highlights
The Black Appearance Package completely transforms this truck. There is zero chrome here.
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Blacked-out everything: Grille, bumpers, running boards, and even the Ford emblems (black with a white outline).
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Dual Exhaust: Integrated beautifully into the rear bumper.
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Bed Utility: Power sliding rear window, slow-lower tailgate, and a 120V plug in the bed.
Interior: Space & Tech
Inside, the theme continues with a slate-gray and black finish—no shiny chrome distractions.
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Tech: BlueCruise equipped, 360-degree camera, B&O Unleashed sound system, and a massive 12-inch navigation screen.
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Comfort: Heated/cooled leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
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Utility: The interior work surface (the shifter folds down to create a flat table) is a game-changer for eating or working on the road.
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The "Wow" Factor: The Twin-Panel Moonroof. It is massive and floods the cabin with light, though some owners worry about the complexity of such a large glass mechanism.
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Rear Space: As a 6-foot tall guy, I have a ton of room in the back. The flat load floor offers incredible storage versatility.
The Contender: 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L Duramax Diesel)
The GMC Sierra AT4 brings a different flavor. It feels a bit more squared-off, solid, and refined compared to the Ford.
Under the Hood: Efficiency King
This AT4 rocks the 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel.
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Horsepower: 305 HP
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Torque: 495 lb-ft
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Fuel Economy: Rated 22–28 MPG (Owners often report upper 20s to 30 MPG)
While it has about 95 less horsepower than the Ford, the torque is nearly identical, and the fuel economy is superior. You will need to manage DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) refills roughly every 3,000 miles, but the trade-off in range is worth it for many.
Exterior Highlights
The AT4 comes with a factory 2-inch lift and Rancho shocks, giving it off-road capability right off the lot.
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Design: Squared-off front end with dark chrome accents and signature red tow hooks.
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Protection: Plastic wheel arch moldings and premium carpeted wheel well liners to deaden road noise.
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MultiPro Tailgate: This 6-way tailgate is standard on the AT4. It folds down into a step, a load stop, or a work desk. It is incredibly versatile.
Interior: The "Solid" Feel
The biggest difference when you sit in the GMC is the build quality feel. It drives more like a luxury car and feels "tighter" and more solid than the Ford.
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Style: Jet Black with Kalahari accents (orangey-brown) unique to the AT4.
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Tech: 13.4-inch touchscreen (requires OnStar sub for native Nav, but supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), Heads-Up Display (HUD), and Rear Camera Mirror.
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Space: While comfortable, the sunroof is standard size (smaller than Ford’s), and the rear legroom feels slightly tighter than the cavernous F-150.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Josh’s Verdict
Both trucks are priced similarly in the low $60,000s for low-mileage 2024 models.
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Choose the Ford F-150 if you want maximum horsepower, a massive interior work surface, and that sleek, all-black "Sport" aesthetic.
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Choose the GMC Sierra AT4 if you prioritize fuel efficiency (Diesel), a solid/premium driving feel, and factory off-road suspension bits like the Rancho shocks.
Ultimately, you have to drive them to know. The Ford feels a bit bigger and looser; the GMC feels tighter and more car-like.
Watch the full comparison video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUMfyEE3iMU