2024 Pickup Truck Drag Battle: Power Meets Payload
We pitted three premium pickups with radically different powertrains against each other at Great Lakes Dragway to answer one question: How does modern truck performance hold up under real-world conditions?
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The Contenders: Three Approaches to Power
2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten Acceleration Winner
- Engine: 3.0L Hurricane High-Output Twin-Turbo I6
- Power: 540 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 521 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
- Weight: 5,980 lbs
- Key Feature: Launch-ready turbo power
2024 Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid
- Engine: 3.5L PowerBoost V6 Hybrid
- Power: 430 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 570 lb-ft @ 3,100 rpm
- Weight: 5,940 lbs
- Key Feature: Instant electric torque
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
- Engine: 6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8
- Power: 420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
- Weight: 5,580 lbs
- Key Feature: Classic V8 soundtrack
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Unloaded Acceleration: Turbo Dominance
| Truck | 0-60 mph | 1/4 Mile Time | 1/4 Mile Speed | Launch Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Tungsten | 4.75 sec | 13.00 sec | 104.9 mph | Brake-torque to 3,000-4,000 rpm |
| Ford F-150 Hybrid | 5.62 sec | 13.82 sec | 99.96 mph | Pre-spool engine before launch |
| GMC Sierra V8 | 6.16 sec | 14.17 sec | 99.34 mph | Simply mash the throttle |
Performance Context: The Ram's 4.75-second 0-60 time places it among the top 25 fastest vehicles we've ever tested at the drag strip - an unprecedented achievement for a mainstream pickup truck.
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
Payload Performance: 1,000 lbs of Reality
With ~1,000 lbs of sandbags in the bed, results revealed surprising insights:
| Truck | Loaded 0-60 | Loaded 1/4 Mile | Performance Drop | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 5.27 sec (+0.52) | 13.53 sec @ 101.85 mph | 10.9% slower | Still faster than unloaded competitors |
| Ford F-150 | 6.18 sec (+0.56) | 14.40 sec @ 96.04 mph | 9.9% slower | Most consistent performer |
| GMC Sierra | 6.99 sec (+0.83) | 14.92 sec @ 94.60 mph | 13.5% slower | Most affected by payload |
Braking Performance: Loaded vs Unloaded
60-0 mph Stopping Distances
| Truck | Unloaded | Loaded | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 134.71 ft | 141.03 ft | +6.32 ft |
| Ram 1500 | 139.75 ft | 146.14 ft | +6.39 ft |
| GMC Sierra | 146.30 ft | 139.38 ft | -6.92 ft |
Key Braking Insights
- GMC's braking improved with payload - a rare result
- Ford had shortest unloaded stopping distance
- Ram showed most consistent pedal feel
- Payload affects braking more than most drivers expect
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Powertrain Deep Dive
Ram's Hurricane Engine: Turbocharged Brilliance
The twin-turbo 3.0L I6 rewrites pickup performance rules:
- Requires specific launch technique (brake-torquing)
- 0.5-second penalty for "normal" acceleration
- Maintains power advantage even with payload
- No V8 option available in 1500 series
Ford's PowerBoost Hybrid: Silent but Deadly
The electrified V6 delivers surprising performance:
- Instant torque from electric motor
- Most consistent run-to-run times
- Seamless power delivery
- No high-revving drama
- --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
GMC's 6.2L V8: The Last of a Dying Breed
The naturally aspirated powerhouse wins hearts if not races:
- Classic V8 soundtrack
- Linear power delivery
- Lightest truck in test by 400 lbs
- Most affected by payload weight
Real-World Takeaways
Performance Insights
- Modern trucks rival sports car acceleration
- Payload impacts acceleration more than braking
- Drive modes significantly affect performance
- Turbos require different driving techniques
Owner Considerations
- Ram: Ultimate straight-line performance
- Ford: Best balanced capability
- GMC: Most engaging driving experience
- All: Need increased caution with payload
The Paradox of Modern Truck Performance
While the Ram posted astonishing numbers, our testers found the GMC's V8 character more rewarding in daily driving. The Ford split the difference with competent, if clinical, performance. This illustrates that spec sheets don't tell the whole story of a truck's personality.
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Final Rankings
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unloaded Acceleration | Ram | Ford | GMC |
| Loaded Acceleration | Ram | Ford | GMC |
| Unloaded Braking | Ford | Ram | GMC |
| Loaded Braking | GMC | Ford | Ram |
| Driver Engagement | GMC | Ford | Ram |
Conclusion: More Than Numbers
This test revealed three distinct approaches to modern pickup performance:
- The Tech Powerhouse (Ram): Brutal acceleration through forced induction
- The Efficient Performer (Ford): Hybrid sophistication with consistent results
- The Emotional Choice (GMC): Classic V8 character in a modern package
While the Ram's numbers are objectively impressive, each truck makes a compelling case depending on buyer priorities. One thing is certain: today's pickups offer performance that would have been unthinkable just a generation ago.
