When you are spending six figures on a heavy-duty workhorse, stock just doesn't cut it for some. Today, we’re looking at two absolute pinnacles of the truck world, but they couldn't be more different in their approach. We're calling this showdown "Beauty and the Beast."
On one side, we have the "Beauty": a sleek, lowered 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali Ultimate Dually. On the other, the "Beast": a massive, lifted 2023 Ford F-450 Platinum boasting the High Output Power Stroke engine.
We took both of these custom builds out on the highway to see how extreme modifications affect the ride, handling, and overall experience of these top-tier towing machines.
The Beauty: Lowered 2024 GMC Denali Ultimate Dually
This isn't your typical lifted truck setup. This 2024 Denali Ultimate has been dropped 2.5 inches in the front to give it a mean, aggressive street stance.
The Setup: It’s sitting on a beautiful set of blacked-out 22-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile street tires. The entire truck is painted to match and blacked out, including the marker lights, giving it a super sleek aesthetic. It’s finished off with upgraded, all-American mud flaps.
The Specs & Interior: Under the hood is the proven Duramax diesel pushing 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, rated to tow up to 36,000 lbs. Inside, it’s pure luxury. As the Ultimate trim, it features full-grain leather, a suede headliner, the technology package with the rearview mirror camera, and a center console safe.
The Drive: The most impressive aspect of the GM heavy-duty trucks is the Independent Front Suspension (IFS). Even lowered on 22s, this truck rides incredibly tight, feeling more like a large car than a one-ton truck. The steering feel is tight, and once the big tires warm up, the ride is silky smooth at 75 mph. While it has a slight rake for towing, the lowered center of gravity makes it feel incredibly stable.
The Beast: Lifted 2023 Ford F-450 Platinum HO
If the GMC is a sleek fighter, the F-450 is a heavyweight brawler. This truck is all about imposing presence and maximum capability.
The Setup: This 2023 F-450 Platinum is lifted and rolling on massive 37-inch tires wrapping 22-inch wheels. Like the GMC, every bit of chrome has been deleted—it is entirely blacked out for a sinister look.
The Specs & Interior: This is where the "Beast" earns its name. It packs the High Output 6.7L Power Stroke, delivering a staggering 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a max towing capacity of 40,000 lbs. The interior is cavernous, featuring "Max Recline" seats that fold almost flat, a massive panoramic sunroof, and a heads-up display.
The Drive: Despite being lifted on 37s, the F-450 is surprisingly manageable. You get more "road feel" and a bit more float due to the solid front axle compared to the GMC's IFS, and definitely more road noise from the aggressive tires. However, the power of the High Output engine is undeniable—it's significantly quicker than the GMC. Furthermore, thanks to its wide-track front axle, the F-450 actually has an incredible turning radius for its size, making it surprisingly maneuverable.
Head-to-Head: The Verdict
Power and Braking: The Ford F-450 HO wins on pure grunt. The acceleration is monstrous. The Ford also takes the win on braking confidence, thanks to a stronger diesel exhaust brake and service brake combination.
Ride Quality: The GMC Denali Ultimate takes the prize here. The independent front suspension paired with the lowered stance offers a smoother, tighter, more comfortable daily driving experience.
The Massage Seat Test: Surprisingly, the GMC wins this niche battle. While the Ford offers massage on both the back and seat cushion, the intensity was disappointing. The GMC, though only offering back massage, felt much stronger and more effective.
Who Wins? If you want the ultimate street truck that looks incredible, rides smoothly, and can still tow your weekend toys comfortably, the lowered GMC Denali Ultimate is hard to beat.
But, if you need to tow a massive fifth-wheel camper or a heavy car hauler and want the most dominating truck on the road with maximum power, the lifted F-450 High Output is the undisputed king.
Check out the full video review and test drive below to see these two monsters in action!