TEST DRIVE | Heavy-duty pickups: Right tool for the job

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas -- The sun was beginning to set but the outside temperature clung doggedly to 105 degrees.

Inside the cabin of the 2024 GMC Denali Ultimate, all was cool, even reassuring. On the agenda was a quick run to Royse City and I was all too happy to sit up high and take in the view from the luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup. The Denali's powerful air conditioning cooled plush leather seats, and robust sound system please even royal senses.

Still, I worried how many gallons of diesel, at $4 apiece, the 6.6L V-8 Duramax® Turbodiesel might lap up.

Running my usual errands around town during the week, the big truck struggled to deliver 14 mpg. I fretted that the fuel cost of the 260-mile round trip might eclipse even the immense sums lavished upon me by my editors for my concise and brilliant sports reporting.

After the first 50 or so miles, however, it was apparent that if I maintained a speed modestly proximate to the speed limit, the powerful diesel and slick 10-speed Allison® transmission delivered close to 22 mpg. That meant yours truly would not be footing the $145 cost of refilling the big rig.

Still, the fact that this little business trip cost somebody 75 dollars and spewed 50 times as much particulate material into the atmosphere as a midsize sedan underscores the truth about HD pickups: If you need one, get a good one. If you do not need one, do yourself and all the rest of us a favor and find something else to use for grocery shopping.

Why HD?

Heavy-duty and regular pickups have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the buyer. Things to think about include:

1. Towing Capacity

One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a heavy-duty pickup truck is its impressive towing capacity. Heavy-duty trucks manage substantial loads and trailers, making them ideal for individuals who need to haul heavy equipment, boats, RVs, or livestock trailers. These trucks often come equipped with powerful engines, reinforced frames, and specialized towing features like integrated trailer brake controllers, making towing a breeze.

2. Payload Capacity

Heavy-duty pickup trucks also excel when it comes to carrying stuff. If you require a work vehicle that involves carrying heavy tools, construction materials, or other substantial loads, a heavy-duty truck is your best bet. Higher payload ratings mean having everything needed on a job site.

3. Durability and Longevity

Engineers equip heavy-duty trucks to withstand the toughest conditions and endure years of heavy use. They often feature more robust components, thicker frames, and heavy-duty suspension systems. This extra durability translates into a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs over time. If you plan to put your truck through rigorous work or need it to last for decades, a heavy-duty option is a wise investment.

4. Enhanced Traction and Off-Roading Capability

Heavy-duty pickup trucks come with four-wheel-drive or even all-wheel-drive systems as standard or available options. Although this adds about $3,000 to the cost, it makes no sense not to have this feature. Whether pulling a boat out of water or parking a horse trailer in a pasture, it is sure to pay for itself. Enhanced traction makes them well-suited for off-roading, navigating rough terrain, or working in adverse weather conditions.

5. Upgraded Braking Systems

Safety is a top priority, especially when towing heavy loads. Heavy-duty trucks often feature upgraded braking systems, including larger brake rotors and more robust calipers. This extra stopping power enhances safety when towing heavy trailers. Even empty, these big trucks need extra stopping power, and learning to hit the brakes earlier is a necessary transition from driving a standard passenger vehicle.

6. Increased Towing Stability

Heavy-duty trucks tend to have longer wheelbases and wider stances compared to regular pickups. This extended wheelbase improves stability when towing, reducing the risk of trailer sway and making the overall towing experience safer and more controlled.

7. Resale Value

Due to their durability and capability, heavy-duty trucks retain their value better than regular pickups. The higher initial cost of a heavy-duty truck can is by its strong resale value. This is also why it is worth it to spend the extra $10,000 to go with a diesel engine, which pays for itself with longevity and reduced fuel consumption.

Choose your brand

Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ram all make solid HD pickups, and this writer is not aware of any single feature or argument that would strongly favor one over the other. An immense array of packages is available and, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, it does come down to personal preference.

Our tester, a GMC Denali Ultimate, came with a sticker price of $94,895 and it did what GMC does best, which is to provide an upscale, refined experience. Goodies include:

Full-grain leather-wrapped door panels with etched stainless-steel speaker grilles

Full-grain leather front and rear seats with the Denali Ultimate badge on the front seatbacks and center console lid

All-new 16-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats.

Premium microsuede headliner, visors, and A- and B-pillar trim along with leather-wrapped A- and B-pillar handles

12-speaker Bose® Premium series with surround sound

Standard rear camera mirror6, with full camera display

Standard 15-inch-diagonal multicolor head-up display

Standard power sunroof

Our least favorite item on that list was the Chrome badge on the center console. That is where I put my arm when I climbed into the cab. In the middle of the hottest of Texas summers, I had to check the backside of my forearm for branding marks. It is not like I am applying for work as a ranch hand on Yellowstone.

The truck comes equipped with a wide array of safety features, including a sophisticated camera system that can see the hitch, see down the side of the trailer when a turn signal and can see through the trailer on the highway.

Dynamic cruise control works when trailering, a step forward. The truck cannot, however, keep itself in its lane, though it is all too willing to warn of lane departure with sounds and haptic senses through the seat bottom. That is more irritating than useful.

The GMC Denali Ultimate is a handsome rig, distinguished by a unique grille and GMC badging in exclusive Vader chrome, along with 20-inch, ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with high gloss black accents. It includes a six-way MultiPro Tailgate with a standard Kicker audio system, perfect for tailgating. Power assist steps also come standard.

The competitors

Pickups are all about numbers, and the manufacturers are quick to equalize a competitor's advantages. Here are links to the technical pages of four HD brands: Ford Chevrolet GMC RAM

The relevant comparisons:

Ford F-250

Starting price: $52,555

Towing capacity: Up to 22,000 pounds

Hauling capacity: Up to 7,850 pounds

Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel

Horsepower: 475 hp

Torque: 1050 lb-ft

EPA mpg: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Fuel tank capacity: 33.2 gallons

Fuel range: 664 miles

Ride quality: Smooth and comfortable

Handling: Maneuverable and responsive

Cab comfort: Spacious and luxurious

Digital displays: Large and easy to read.

Available driver-assist technologies: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain

Reliability: Good reliability ratings

Predicted resale value: High resale value.

Ram 2500

Starting price: $48,145

Towing capacity: Up to 20,000 pounds

Hauling capacity: Up to 7,260 pounds

Engine: 6.7L Cummins I6 diesel

Horsepower: 420 hp

Torque: 1075 lb-ft

EPA mpg: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway

Fuel tank capacity: 33.2 gallons

Fuel range: 664 miles

Ride quality: Firm and truck-like

Handling: Not as maneuverable as the others

Cab comfort: Spacious and comfortable

Digital displays: Large and easy to read.

Available driver-assist technologies: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 6 years/72,000 miles powertrain

Reliability: Good reliability ratings

Predicted resale value: High resale value.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Starting price: $49,600

Towing capacity: Up to 20,000 pounds

Hauling capacity: Up to 7,640 pounds

Engine: 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel

Horsepower: 445 hp

Torque: 910 lb-ft

EPA mpg: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Fuel tank capacity: 33.7 gallons

Fuel range: 677 miles

Ride quality: Smooth and comfortable

Handling: Maneuverable and responsive

Cab comfort: Spacious and comfortable

Digital displays: Large and easy to read.

Available driver-assist technologies: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain

Reliability: Good reliability ratings

Predicted resale value: High resale value.

GMC Sierra 2500

Starting price: $50,100

Towing capacity: Up to 20,000 pounds

Hauling capacity: Up to 7,640 pounds

Engine: 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel

Horsepower: 445 hp

Torque: 910 lb-ft

EPA mpg: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Fuel tank capacity: 33.7 gallons

Fuel range: 677 miles

Ride quality: Smooth and comfortable

Handling: Maneuverable and responsive

Cab comfort: Spacious and comfortable

Digital displays: Large and easy to read.

Available driver-assist technologies: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain

Reliability: Good reliability ratings

Predicted resale value: High resale value.

Leasing vs. Purchasing

Financially, HD pickups have a huge advantage because they retain a much greater percentage of value. That means buyers have equity when they trade. It also sharply reduces monthly costs for those who lease, because a lease agreement finances the cost of anticipated depreciation.

If a lease term and warranty terms coincide, monthly operating costs on an HD truck for business purposes are both predictable and deductible.

Assuming a 36-month lease term with a 3% interest rate (lease money factor) and a residual value of 60% (typical for a diesel pickup with strong resale value):

1. Calculate the depreciation amount: $75,000 (initial cost) - ($75,000 * 0.60) (residual value) = $30,000.

2. Divide the depreciation amount by the lease term: $30,000 / 36 months = $833.33 per month.

3. Add the monthly interest: $75,000 * 0.03 (lease money factor) = $2,250 / 36 months = $62.50 per month.

4. The estimated total monthly lease payment would be approximately $833.33 + $62.50 = $895.83.

Now assume a 60-month loan term with a 4% interest rate:

1. Calculate the monthly interest: ($75,000 * 0.04) / 60 months = $500 per month.

2. Calculate the monthly principal payment: ($75,000 / 60 months) = $1,250 per month.

3. The estimated total monthly loan payment would be approximately $1,250 + $500 = $1,750.

The difference between buying and leasing, then, almost covers the monthly fuel bite.