GM Features You Wish Ford Had

[Polo08816]

My wife has the new GX550. It has effectively adopted the Ecoboost TT 3.5L format along with the rest of Toyota. It is a major improvement over their old small block 4.7L V-8, which I felt had serious underpower at the low revs. New one has better pep with the TT.

I was generally impressed by the GX550.

My mom is interested in getting it but we're holding out a bit longer. We don't need to replace a vehicle yet and I want Lexus to be able to get through that initial pent up demand for the GX550.

I also expect that Toyota will pull a bit of demand away from the GX550 when they start dropping 100+k units of the 6th Gen 4Runner on Toyota dealer lots in early February 2025.

When I talked to a close friend who is an auto broker that sells GX550s, he did mention he felt demand was decreasing now that we're almost over that initial model year.

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[Tremor403]

Previous: 2015 Silverado 1500 LT double cab 5.3
Current: 2023 F150 Tremor 402a ecoboost

Silverado benefits:
Bumper corner steps
Better auto climate control (having it on defrost while still on auto for ex). Ford isn't as good
Column shifter (bigger center console)
Honorable mention. 4a in the LT on the gm. I have it anyways though so it doesn't matter to me.

 

[js312]

For those of you complaining about the F-150's climate control, I think the issues are specific to the 14th gen. My 2020's auto climate control was flawless, but my 2023 is a disaster.

I do wish Ford put 4 Auto on more trims like GM does. It's the main reason I won't step down to an XLT.

I also liked a friend's 22 Silverado's digital instrument cluster better than mine - it just looked nicer, but I think the 24 F-150 improved on this.

The bed being a little wider and having some extra tie downs is nice on the GM trucks.

 

[Samson16]

I am not convinced that a 5.3 can't keep up with regular traffic flow (especially in your bumper to bumper traffic conditions) after having driven a 2024 Suburban with the 5.3L. Next time a Tahoe PPV with the 5.3L is behind you on that on-ramp, you should just gun it because there's no way it's going to be able to keep up.

Your experience confirms that Ford has work to do with its shift algorithm. You really shouldn't need to change modes just to get the acceleration to keep up with traffic. I don't experience the need to change the powertrain modes on any vehicles equipped with the ZF 8HP transmissions either. That transmission (when programmed correctly by the OEM) will usually downshift before even going into a corner or sweeper to get you closer to the right gear when you need to accelerate/track out of that corner. I think this is where GM has done better than Ford, but not as good as the ZF 8HP.

With that being said, I think there are various areas where the driver can mitigate this shift algorithm deficiency by altering their driving style. You could try to enter that turn (turn in later) later in order to be able to get on the throttle earlier to account for the downshift hesitation. The other thing you can also do is left foot brake if you aren't already. If you use your left foot to brake and have your right foot either hovering over the accelerator pedal or providing minimal maintenance throttle, you should be able to actuated the throttle anywhere from 0.25-0.50s faster. (You wouldn't have to re-position your right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal which saves 0.25-0.50s from being able to get on it).

Perhaps I didn’t paint the picture properly. We’re bumper to bumper through the turn and then must climb and accelerate in order to merge smoothly into fast moving traffic. 570 lb/ft of torque in sport mode transforms a difficult rush hour transition into an absolute joy if the slow ass Sierra would just move to the side! I can hear it trying and struggling while my PB is chomping at the bit to go. I enjoy the power. It makes difficult moments easier out there. I’m not blowing smoke. The PB is a wonderfully powerful pickup.

 

[v8440]

Some vehicles have more power than others. Got it. Not trying to be funny, but that's really what you're saying.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

What about a knob seems unmanly? I just want more space in the console.

Not to mention the janky, clunky, cheap feeling operation of the lay flat shifter. Worst feature of this truck for sure. I'd take a dial in a minute over this Fisher Price turd

 

[mxwrk]

Curious why so many people love or want 4A? I have it, and I've literally never used it. My truck stays in 2H until I need 4x4 off-road. Most times on the trail I can even get by with 2H or throw on the rear diff lock. Maybe people that drive in snow a lot want it? Why not just hit the 4H when that happens?

 

[v8440]

Curious why so many people love or want 4A? I have it, and I've literally never used it. My truck stays in 2H until I need 4x4 off-road. Most times on the trail I can even get by with 2H or throw on the rear diff lock. Maybe people that drive in snow a lot want it? Why not just hit the 4H when that happens?

I've wondered that myself. I drive in snow a fair amount in winter, and I guess it would engage the front axle upon the beginning of traction loss before I do, I dunno. I've never really seen an overriding need for it myself.

 

[Samson16]

Some vehicles have more power than others. Got it. Not trying to be funny, but that's really what you're saying.

Yes. Specifically the 2022 F-150 PowerBoost over any GM offering in the half ton class. Moreover it gets better fuel economy than all but the diesel model, and even then it’s close when you factor in regular unleaded vs diesel/def and other diesel maintenance.

I’m sure they’re lamenting these facts over on the GM forums.

Can you imagine not being able to idle for hours in perfect comfort for pennies, or not being able to boondock quietly with 7.2kW of super clean power?

I know I can’t! Eww. Perish the thought!

 

[v8440]

Cool deal.

 

[Polo08816]

I am not convinced that a 5.3 can't keep up with regular traffic flow (especially in your bumper to bumper traffic conditions) after having driven a 2024 Suburban with the 5.3L. Next time a Tahoe PPV with the 5.3L is behind you on that on-ramp, you should just gun it because there's no way it's going to be able to keep up.

Your experience confirms that Ford has work to do with its shift algorithm. You really shouldn't need to change modes just to get the acceleration to keep up with traffic. I don't experience the need to change the powertrain modes on any vehicles equipped with the ZF 8HP transmissions either. That transmission (when programmed correctly by the OEM) will usually downshift before even going into a corner or sweeper to get you closer to the right gear when you need to accelerate/track out of that corner. I think this is where GM has done better than Ford, but not as good as the ZF 8HP.

With that being said, I think there are various areas where the driver can mitigate this shift algorithm deficiency by altering their driving style. You could try to enter that turn (turn in later) later in order to be able to get on the throttle earlier to account for the downshift hesitation. The other thing you can also do is left foot brake if you aren't already. If you use your left foot to brake and have your right foot either hovering over the accelerator pedal or providing minimal maintenance throttle, you should be able to actuated the throttle anywhere from 0.25-0.50s faster. (You wouldn't have to re-position your right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal which saves 0.25-0.50s from being able to get on it).

Perhaps I didn’t paint the picture properly. We’re bumper to bumper through the turn and then must climb and accelerate in order to merge smoothly into fast moving traffic. 570 lb/ft of torque in sport mode transforms a difficult rush hour transition into an absolute joy if the slow ass Sierra would just move to the side! I can hear it trying and struggling while my PB is chomping at the bit to go. I enjoy the power. It makes difficult moments easier out there. I’m not blowing smoke. The PB is a wonderfully powerful pickup.

But if you're in bumper to bumper traffic through a turn, is the GM with the 5.3L not able to keep up with traffic? If he's also on the bumper of someone in front of him and he's not in the passing lane, where exactly do you want him to move to?

 

[Samson16]

But if you're in bumper to bumper traffic through a turn, is the GM with the 5.3L not able to keep up with traffic? If he's also on the bumper of someone in front of him and he's not in the passing lane, where exactly do you want him to move to?

Ahh. I see my mistake. He’s first in line and accelerating much slower than I am capable of therefore I must wait and merge much later than I otherwise would. He’s trying which I both respect and sympathize with.

 

[Samson16]

Cool deal.

Indeed it is sir. You’ll find that often the more expensive vehicle is equipped with a more powerful engine. Even GM realizes this by not offering the 6.2L in lower trim vehicles. The fact that the PB is more powerful than any GM half ton is significant.

 

[Pelican]

Not a GMC item (I think) but I do know this a feature for Hyundia. My dad has a new Sante Fe and the HUD gives all BLIS information. It also displays the speed limit sign that turns orange when over the limit 1-5 mph. Then it turns red at 6+ over. Outstanding quick little safety feature that I found to be outstanding. I hope Ford incorporates something like this in its HUD.

It's a thing in my 24 Lariat PB

 

[Polo08816]

But if you're in bumper to bumper traffic through a turn, is the GM with the 5.3L not able to keep up with traffic? If he's also on the bumper of someone in front of him and he's not in the passing lane, where exactly do you want him to move to?

Ahh. I see my mistake. He’s first in line and accelerating much slower than I am capable of therefore I must wait and merge much later than I otherwise would. He’s trying which I both respect and sympathize with.

Ok, so you're behind a 5.3L on an on-ramp with no one ahead of him and he's not exiting the on-ramp and merging at a reasonable pace? (Now here's where we need clarification - at a reasonable pace or simply a pace that you believe you're capable of?).

I think what you're observing is simply a lack of driving ability/skill or just situational awareness that's prevalent in the general driver population.

The point that I'm trying to make is that all these vehicles don't have such a power output delta that it would overcome driver ability.

For example, if I am able to exit a corner and I'm at 10-15mph faster than the car behind me at the track out point at 40mph, you won't be able to catch me before we both hit 80mph (imaginary speed limiter) because the power delta simply isn't large enough in this segment.

If the 5.3 were so terrible, you would think there would be significant demand for the 6.2 in the police fleet market - or at least to detune the 6.2 to run regular gas. I see Tahoe PPVs with the 5.3L having no trouble merging onto highway traffic both from on-ramps and from a dead stop on the median.

I would always prefer the 6.2 over the 5.3, but based on my experience as a driver and track enthusiast, I know I could adjust to the 5.3 to make it work and still be substantially faster than the general population in most real world driving situations other than a straight line acceleration test from a dig.

Some vehicles have more power than others. Got it. Not trying to be funny, but that's really what you're saying.

Agreed.

If that were the most important criteria, add a Ford Performance supercharger onto a F150 with the 5.0. You'll have 700hp and you'll be able to call it a day.

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