2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a design update in the previous year, enhancing its already solid look. The new model featured a wider and more pronounced grille, complemented by refreshed headlights. While these changes contributed to a sharper appearance, they felt more like a lateral move than a significant redesign. The interior, on the other hand, experienced a substantial shift. The cabin now closely resembled those of daily driver cars and SUVs. A large touchscreen dominated the dash, replacing the simpler layout of previous models. This change might have seemed complex for those who preferred a straightforward truck dedicated to work.

For the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the truck went through a comprehensive redesign that still felt evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Trims available for the new Super Duty ranged from the work-focused XL to the luxurious Limited. Each trim aimed to offer an array of creature comforts, while maintaining the rugged capabilities expected from heavy-duty trucks. For instance, the King Ranch trim displayed a more refined side with two-tone paint jobs and styling updates that reduced chrome in favor of more subdued tones. Our test model featured the Super Crew configuration, blending utility and luxury seamlessly.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options. Base models came with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. We tested the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, which provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Diesel lovers appreciated its boosted power and torque for this model year. Additionally, there were two V8 options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines other than the base gas four-cylinder came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Diesel models had towing capacities reaching up to 13,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,240 pounds, making them suitable for a variety of tasks.

For the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the base engine was a powerful 6.8-liter gas V8, delivering 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could opt for a 7.3-liter V8 with 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque for an extra boost. Diesel enthusiasts had the option of a 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, which provided an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Our test model even featured a high-output version of this diesel engine, delivering 500 hp and a whopping 1,200 lb-ft of torque. All engines channeled power through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Impressively, the Super Duty's maximum towing capacity hit an incredible 22,000 pounds with specific configurations of the turbodiesel engine.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came with a variety of cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab, double cab, and full four-door crew cab. Depending on the trim, different bed sizes were available. Our test model had the crew cab/short-bed setup, which provided ample cabin space. The doors featured large storage trays, and the center console had various storage compartments. The rear bench seat could be folded up for additional interior storage. The MultiPro tailgate offered versatile configurations, such as a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. The Sierra also included convenient bed steps built into the rear bumper for extra accessibility.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty also offered multiple cab configurations, including a regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew. Bed options included a 6.75-foot and an 8-foot bed, with the longer bed available even in the Super Crew model. Our test unit featured various convenient features such as an integrated Warn winch in the front bumper, and soft-opening tailgates, making it user-friendly for various tasks. Despite its larger size, the F-250 featured multiple cupholders, large center storage, and dual glove boxes. The Super Crew offered rear folding seats for expanded interior storage, and grip handles inside the cab provided additional support for accessibility.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen offering modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless versions of these connectivity options. While the updated system featured a logical layout and large, easy-to-read icons, it came with a constant barrage of Google-connected apps. The setup included a volume dial but lacked a tuning knob. Other tech features included a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, although the screen's size forced the outlet's position to shift.

The base 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, designed for straightforward use. Higher trims upgraded to a 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity options. This screen also displayed additional information like fuel economy on a side panel. The tech layout maintained logical controls, with redundant dials for climate and radio settings. Multiple USB ports, a wall-style outlet, and wireless charging were available, ensuring that all devices could stay powered. Ford's Trailer Navigation system provided tailored routes based on trailer dimensions, adding another layer of utility to the tech package.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with essential safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also featured GM's Teen Driver system, enabling the owner to set speed and audio-volume limits for secondary drivers. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. Optional features included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system, which allowed for hands-free driving on highways. Rear headrests that flipped down for improved visibility, combined with a rearview camera mirror, enhanced the overall safety profile.

In the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, safety features began with the XLT trim and included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite. Depending on trim, this suite encompassed automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The parking camera system was crucial for such a large vehicle, especially in congested areas. The test model featured power-adjustable trailer mirrors and additional mirrors for blind spots. First-of-its-kind features like a backup camera for when the tailgate is lowered and trailer blind-spot monitoring added to the vehicle’s extensive safety options.