2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 exhibited a design that some might have found controversial. The compact headlights combined with a piece of body panel jutting into the grille area provided an unusual appearance. While this aggressiveness might have struck some as overcompensation, it aligned with the current Chevrolet vehicle portfolio, resembling designs straight out of a Transformers collection. The Silverado 1500 featured several appearance packages such as the Rally Edition, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition, adding extra visual flair.

Inside, the Silverado's cabin was a more functional and palatable space. The layout placed controls where drivers expected them, prioritizing functionality over fashion. Two distinct interior layouts existed depending on the trim. The WT (Work Truck) and Custom trims retained interiors from before the 2022 facelift with smaller screens and more manual controls. Other trims offered a high-tech dash with a large, intuitive touchscreen. The WT featured basic vinyl upholstery and analog instrument panels, while the Custom upgraded to cloth upholstery and added more modern conveniences like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Higher trims like the LT introduced a more sophisticated infotainment system, a fully digital instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, chrome bumpers, and LED in-bed lighting. The luxury-level High Country trim encapsulated Silverado's top-tier amenities with features like power-sliding rear windows and ventilated front seats.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 carried forward the exterior changes from its 2022 styling update, making it appear even more imposing with a wider grille and updated headlights. The Sierra maintained its sharp look, with changes feeling more lateral rather than revolutionary.

However, the interior transformation marked a significant departure. The new dashboard layout introduced a large screen but perhaps cluttered the simplicity of prior models. Traditional truck enthusiasts might have found the new design overly complicated, despite the traditional knobs for climate control and volume.

Trim levels like the Pro carried over the older, simpler infotainment system, whereas higher trims like the Denali and Denali Ultimate sported plush interiors with a digital instrument panel, premium audio systems, and advanced features like massaging front seats and topographical map designs in the wood interior panels.

The Silverado 1500 offered a range of engines to cater to different needs. The base model featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 5.3-liter V8 provided 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and the 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. For diesel enthusiasts, a 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six engine produced 305 hp and a robust 495 lb-ft of torque.

The base four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Silverado could tow up to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8, with a payload capacity of 2,260 pounds for the base four-cylinder with RWD.

Performance-wise, the turbo-four engine offered solid pickup with a bit of an aggressive mechanical noise. The V8 engines delivered expectedly energetic performance, with the 10-speed automatic transmission providing smooth and precise gear changes. The Silverado handled trails effectively, though its size could be cumbersome on narrow paths.

The Sierra 1500 also offered an array of powertrains. The base model came with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Two available gas V8 engines included a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

Like the Silverado, the four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic. The diesel engine with RWD allowed the Sierra to tow up to 13,200 pounds, with a payload capacity reaching 2,240 pounds when equipped with the turbo-four and the 5.3-liter V8.

The diesel engine provided a robust sound and lively performance, making for an engaging driving experience thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra’s steering felt lighter, yet responded well in various driving conditions. The Denali Ultimate trim exemplified smooth and composed rides, handling corners well and braking efficiently.

The Silverado 1500 presented multiple body styles: regular cab with a standard or long bed, double cab with a standard bed, and crew cab with either a short or standard bed. The short bed measured 5 feet 8 inches, the standard bed 6 feet 6 inches, and the long bed spanned 8 feet.

Regular cabs, often paired with WT and Custom trims, featured a front bench seat for up to three passengers. The double cab offered conventional car doors, making rear seat access easy, although rear legroom was slightly cramped. The crew cab version provided a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom, with rear seats that folded up to create additional cargo space inside the cabin.

The Sierra 1500 also offered various body configurations: regular cab with a standard or long bed, double cab with a standard bed, and crew cab with either a short or standard bed. Trim availability was dependent on the cab/bed combination selected.

Our crew cab with a short bed tester provided extensive cabin space. It included large door storage trays, multiple water bottle spots, a center console with ample storage and cup holders, and a fold-up rear bench for added secure storage. The Denali Ultimate trim further enhanced functionality with the MultiPro tailgate, allowing for multiple configurations like a bed step-up or fold-out workstation.

The base infotainment system of the Silverado 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen bolstered by straightforward yet functional graphics. Higher trim levels upgraded to a more modern dash layout with a vivid 13.4-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional perks like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging appeared in higher trims, making the Silverado accommodating for tech-savvy users. The fully digital instrument panel on these trims made critical information easily accessible.

The Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, but higher trims introduced a 13.4-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system incorporated Google-connected apps, though it sometimes pushed connectivity features excessively. The Sierra Denali Ultimate offered a well-rounded tech experience, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports. The layout was user-friendly and included a handy home button but lacked a tuning knob.

The Silverado came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. Options like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and GM’s Super Cruise system were also available. The Silverado received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

Standard safety features on the GMC Sierra 1500 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and the Teen Driver system. Higher trims or optional packages added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving. Rear headrests could fold down for visibility, complemented by a rear-vision camera mirror for clear views even with obstacles. The Denali Ultimate included the surround-view camera system and sensors to help maneuver in tight spaces.