2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, evolving an already great design for a full-size truck. Its wider, more imposing grille and revamped headlights sharpened the overall appearance. Although some might say the change felt mostly lateral, the Sierra managed to retain its good looks. The interior, however, saw a significant shift away from simplicity. A large screen and a more elaborate infotainment system replaced the straightforward design of earlier models. For those seeking a no-nonsense, work-focused truck, this new setup might have seemed overly complicated. Still, the new system retained some traditional elements, such as conventional climate controls and a volume dial, making it easier to use than some more modern alternatives.

The Sierra 1500 offered multiple trims: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. Each trim brought an array of features suited to different needs. The Sierra 1500 Pro, for example, retained much of the pre-facelift interior and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ideal for those who preferred a simpler layout. The higher trims added various luxuries, from heated seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat to leather upholstery and advanced off-road capabilities in the AT4X.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, particularly the Trail Boss trim, sported a rugged look complete with a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and a deeply sculpted hood. Even in Radiant Red, the truck emphasized its off-road intentions. The Colorado’s design struck a balance between an assertive stance and tasteful detailing, extending to the interior, which boasted Camaro-inspired elements like dashboard toggle switches and round outboard air vents.

Yet, in the base WT and Trail Boss trims, the Colorado’s relentlessly gray fascia and utilitarian interior materials dulled enthusiasm for its design. While the Trail Boss featured a purposeful front skid plate, the overall use of plastic and lack of color contrast inside the cabin made it feel stark. However, higher trims such as the LT, Z71, and ZR2 improved aesthetics with body color accents and more refined cabins.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 provided diverse powertrain options. Base models came with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine boosted output to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. GMC also offered two gas V8 engines: a 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 hp and 383 lb-ft and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

Most engines, except the base gas four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, were matched with a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard, and four-wheel drive was optional. Impressively, the Sierra's diesel engine with rear-wheel drive allowed for a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds.

In terms of drivability, the Sierra excelled. The diesel engine’s robust sound and lively performance, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a delightful driving experience. The Sierra’s steering was light, and the braking was effective, making it surprisingly agile for a full-size truck, albeit cumbersome in tight urban spaces. Off-road, the AT4 and AT4X trims proved capable but were best suited for open trails rather than dense woodland paths.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a single powertrain scenario: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in various outputs depending on the trim. The WT and LT trims offered 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims upgraded that to 310 hp and 391 lb-ft, while the ZR2 maintained the 310 hp but increased torque to 430 lb-ft. All engine options came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and various 4WD systems, depending on the trim.

The Colorado Trail Boss featured a 2-inch suspension lift for better off-road capability, dual Autotrac transfer cases for versatile 4WD control, and all-terrain tires. It also provided several driving modes, including Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja (exclusive to the ZR2). On rugged paths, the Trail Boss impressed with its ability to handle various terrains, aided by its robust construction and driving modes. However, the ride was stiff over ruts, occasionally leading to impacts with the underbody skid plate. On pavement, the Colorado offered a quiet, comfortable experience but lacked the spirited engine note and rapid acceleration performance of some competitors.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered numerous cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with a standard-size bed, a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and both short and standard beds for the crew cab. Our test vehicle featured the crew cab with a short bed, delivering ample interior space and practical storage solutions. The doors accommodated large water bottles, and the center console boasted two cup holders, a tray, and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for extra secure storage. The MultiPro tailgate offered various configurations, enhancing the bed’s functionality with features such as a step-up, a fold-out workstation, and passages for long items.

Regarding cargo capabilities, the Sierra, when properly equipped with the diesel engine, could tow up to 13,200 pounds and had a maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds, showcasing its utility for heavy-duty tasks.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a squeeze-in option for a fifth, albeit suitable only for children. The standard cloth upholstery magnetized pet hair and dust, but it offered the comfort of adjustable lumbar support in the eight-way power driver’s seat. The front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, but this wasn’t an issue for shorter passengers.

The back seat allowed just enough space for six-footers, with good thigh support and padded front seatbacks for added comfort. Despite a utilitarian interior, the Trail Boss’s air-conditioning proved effective in cooling the cabin quickly during hot weather. Storage solutions in the Colorado were adequate but limited, with small trays, a deep but narrow center armrest compartment, and more cupholders than seat belts.

The Colorado’s bed cargo capacity was 41.9 cubic feet with a bed length of just over five feet, featuring an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with the StowFlex storage panel for added utility. The Mid-Position tailgate could support up to 500 pounds, enabling the transport of long items.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500’s trim levels included advanced technology tailored to various needs. The base Pro trim featured a simpler, yet intuitive, 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity options and Google-connected apps. The Sierra wasn’t without its quirks—initial app prompts might frustrate but were balanced by useful features like the trailering status apps and a logical layout. This larger system also integrated a full digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, providing vital driving information at a glance.

In addition to the infotainment system, the Sierra Denali Ultimate came equipped with a plethora of charging options, including a wireless pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. However, the placement of the wall outlet had moved to the center console storage, making it less convenient. An updated digital instrument panel enhanced user experience, logically working in tandem with the head-up display.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado provided an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology across all trims, even the basic WT. The digital instrumentation ranged from an 8-inch screen in most trims to an 11-inch in the ZR2. Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play enhanced the infotainment experience, offering natural voice recognition and access to a variety of apps, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the interface was polished, adapting to Google Assistant required time. The Colorado also included upgraded trailer-towing technology with high-definition cameras for easier hitching and a comprehensive surround-view for better spatial awareness. Wireless charging was available in higher trims, alongside a decent six-speaker stereo, with the ZR2 upgrade featuring a seven-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims featured additional driver assistance technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Safety Alert seat. The Denali Ultimate trim also included GM’s Super Cruise, which allowed hands-free highway driving and hands-free lane changes with a tap of the turn-signal indicator.

Visibility in the Sierra was bolstered by rear headrests that could flip down and a rearview camera mirror, providing vivid imagery even at night. The truck’s increased size necessitated these aids, particularly for parking.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. OnStar provided SOS emergency calling and automatic crash notification, and the Teen Driver system offered a driving report card for young drivers. The Buckle to Drive system prevented vehicle movement if occupants weren’t buckled.

Chevy Safety Assist included forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The forward collision warning system utilized audible and visual alerts. Optional advanced driver assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with active steering assist, rear cross-traffic and pedestrian alert with automatic braking, and rear parking sensors. However, our test revealed frequent false alerts from the forward collision warning system, requiring gap adjustment for improved functionality.