2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's design was an interesting mix of the timeless and the unconventional. Classic Chevy enthusiasts might have seen echoes of the 1990s and 2015 redesigns in its structure but grappled with its modern quirks. The small headlights intruded into the grille area, creating a somewhat polarizing aggressive front that aligned with a portfolio seemingly designed by someone fond of Transformers. Appearance packages like the Rally Edition, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition offered visual customization options.

Inside the Silverado, drivers found a more user-friendly, functional layout. Depending on the trim level, users encountered two distinct interior setups. Those driving the WT or Custom trims experienced a pre-2022 facelift interior with a smaller screen and traditional hard controls. Meanwhile, the LT, RST, LTZ, High Country, and the new-for-2023 ZR2 Bison trims boasted a modern, tech-centric dashboard with a large touchscreen interface.

The WT trim featured utilitarian elements like vinyl upholstery and rubberized flooring. Options increased with each trim level, with the Custom adding cloth upholstery and advanced connectivity options. The LT trim introduced higher tech with a fully digital instrument panel and dual-zone automatic climate control. For those who preferred off-road adventures, the Trail Boss provided enhancements like four-wheel drive (4WD), skid plates, and upgraded shocks. At the luxury end, the High Country trim offered high-end features like heated and ventilated front seats, affirming its status as a luxury-level pickup.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, though dating back to the 2019 model year, had been regularly updated. The 2024 model saw minimal changes but retained a robust range of trims including Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The Pro trim catered to commercial fleets, but the high-end Denali and Denali Ultimate models focused on luxury, while the AT4 and AT4X emphasized off-road capability.

Stylistically, the Sierra 1500 adhered to the bold, aggressive design trend prevalent among modern pickups. This started with a tall, flat hood and a broad grille, distinguishing it from its Silverado sibling. The Denali trims showcased a large chrome grille and optional 22-inch wheels. Meanwhile, off-road AT4 models had a subtler visual identity.

Inside, the Sierra 1500's interior design felt somewhat dated. Even in the Denali Ultimate trim, the materials, especially the wood trim, seemed reminiscent of older vehicles. However, the Sierra compensated with a plethora of creature comforts, such as a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring a pleasant cabin atmosphere.

Performance metrics in the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 began with the base turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those desiring more muscle, two V8 options were available: the 5.3-liter V8 offered 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 brought 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Additionally, the six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, and 4WD could be added as an option. Most engines, except for the base four-cylinder with its eight-speed automatic transmission, used a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Silverado could tow up to 13,300 pounds, thanks to the 6.2-liter V8 and the Max Towing package. The 5.3-liter V8 could tow up to 11,000 pounds, and the maximum payload capacity stood at 2,260 pounds for the base four-cylinder with RWD.

Driving the turbocharged four-cylinder Trail Boss model was a pleasant surprise. Its pickup ability and eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth acceleration, though the engine sounded somewhat rough, similar to a diesel. The V8 engines brought considerable energy, particularly the robust 6.2-liter V8. Steering, while not as communication-rich as some competitors, compensated with off-road prowess, making the Silverado adept at navigating challenging terrains.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 also provided multiple powertrain choices. Base models featured a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine generating the same 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra followed with two V8 engines—a 5.3-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8—delivering 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, respectively. The 10-speed automatic transmission accompanied both V8 options.

A standout in the Sierra lineup was the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which, while producing less horsepower at 305 hp, delivered 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine became standard on the AT4 and AT4X models for 2024. In the Sierra Denali Ultimate test truck, the diesel engine demonstrated smooth, linear power delivery and handled both daily driving and towing tasks well, aided by the well-mannered 10-speed automatic transmission.

Chassis dynamics were typical for a body-on-frame pickup, with the ride quality competent but not as refined as a luxury SUV. The Sierra offered several off-road variants, including the AT4 with its lift kit and Rancho shocks, the AT4X with added front locker and improved dampers, and the AT4X AEV Edition with special bodywork and larger tires, providing credible off-road performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including a regular cab with standard or long bed, double cab with standard bed, and crew cab with either short or standard bed. The short bed measured 5 feet 8 inches, the standard bed 6 feet 6 inches, and the long bed 8 feet. The regular cab was typical for work-focused trims like the WT and Custom, with a front bench seat accommodating three passengers. The double cab featured conventional doors for easier rear-seat access but had limited legroom. The crew cab provided exceptional space in both rows, with an easily foldable rear bench for added cargo versatility.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 similarly followed a varied cab and bed-length setup. The regular cab was available with either a 6.6-foot standard bed or an 8.1-foot long bed. A double cab with smaller rear doors could also be paired with a standard bed, while the crew cab offered full-size rear doors and was available with either a 5.7-foot short bed or a standard bed. Cargo-box volume in the Sierra 1500 was among the highest in its class, offering a bit more headroom and legroom than immediate rivals.

Despite similarities with the Silverado in payload and towing, crucial differences persisted. The Sierra 1500's towing capacity ranged from 9,200 to 13,200 pounds, depending on configuration, slightly behind the Silverado's 13,300 pounds. Payload capacity varied slightly, with the Sierra topping out at 2,240 pounds versus the Silverado's 2,260 pounds. Nonetheless, both trucks edged ahead of the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra but fell slightly short of the upcoming 2024 Ford F-150's quoted figures.

In terms of infotainment, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 began with a basic 7-inch touchscreen unit with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto featured in WT and Custom trims. These trims retained a simpler dashboard layout from prior models. In contrast, most other trims boasted a modern 13.4-inch touchscreen with vibrant display quality, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like a digital instrument panel, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging, ensuring comprehensive tech coverage across the range.

Similarly, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a 7-inch touchscreen system in base Pro models with Bluetooth and wired smartphone connectivity. Higher trims upgraded to a more sophisticated 13.4-inch touchscreen, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-In features. The larger screen was well-suited for the spacious cabin, providing a user-friendly interface with large, easily accessible icons. Analog controls remained conveniently available for crucial functions, complementing the digital experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with numerous advanced driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The Teen Driver system provided additional safety by limiting speed and volume for secondary drivers. Higher trims introduced further safety mechanisms such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise highway driving system. The Silverado earned high marks from safety organizations, garnering five stars from the NHTSA and favorable scores from the IIHS.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 also incorporated robust safety features. Standard elements included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and forward collision warning. Higher trims could opt for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and GM’s Safety Alert seat. Super Cruise, available on Denali trims, provided a sophisticated hands-free driving experience. The Sierra also achieved positive NHTSA scores, including a five-star overall safety rating and strong performance in side-crash protection. However, it received mixed results from the IIHS, indicating room for improvement.