2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior design was widely appreciated, the interior had some shortcomings, particularly in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The cabin, though functional and spacious, didn't quite match the luxury standards set by its rivals.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update for the 2022 model year, enhancing an already great design with a wider grille and updated headlights. The interior saw a significant departure from the previous model, featuring a large screen and a more complex layout. While this evolution aligned with the trend of making truck cabins more like daily driver cars, it might have felt unnecessarily complicated for those seeking straightforward functionality. The new infotainment system, though advanced, moved controls further down the dash, retaining traditional climate controls and a volume dial.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD boasted impressive figures with its 6.6-liter V8 engines—standard gas and optional turbodiesel—delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. Despite these numbers, it lagged behind competitors in maximum towing capacity, with a maximum trailering weight of 18,500 pounds. The Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power, making the truck feel quick even when unladen. The ride, however, was jittery over uneven pavement, improving with added weight. The AT4 trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust equipment, including an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, including a gas 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a lively performance and a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds. The Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate trim showcased smooth and composed handling, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. While maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging, the truck excelled in on-road comfort and off-road capability, particularly in the AT4 and AT4X trims.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two pickup bed lengths, and available 4WD, making it highly functional. It could seat up to six passengers, with abundant space in both the front and rear seats. The truck's height and the AT4 package's extra lift required effort to get in, but the side assist step and corner-step rear bumper aided access. Inside, the wide and deep center console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats provided ample storage. The MultiPro tailgate, available on the base Pro trim and standard on SLE and above, offered six distinct functions for improved loading and unloading.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 provided various cab and bed configurations, with trim availability depending on the setup. Our test model, a crew cab with a short bed, offered extensive cabin space, large storage trays in the doors, and a deep center storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for secure storage, and the MultiPro tailgate provided multiple helpful configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. All trims featured bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners for easy access.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD came with a range of infotainment systems, featuring either a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with a navigation system available on SLT and AT4 trims. The Bose premium audio system delivered rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The truck's 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, made towing easier and enhanced safety.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base Pro trim, with a more intuitive layout. Other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system included Google-connected apps and a logical layout, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Denali Ultimate trim offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro featured a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and front and rear park assist. Standard items included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder system, a driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher-level trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The rear-vision camera mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and parking-lot maneuverability.