2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which maintained its already appealing design for a full-size truck. The changes included a wider grille and updated headlights, which, while enhancing its sharp look, felt more like a lateral move rather than a significant redesign. The interior, however, marked a notable shift from its predecessor, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. This evolution introduced a large screen, replacing the simpler layout of the previous model, which might have been seen as unnecessarily complex for those seeking a straightforward work truck. The new infotainment system, while modern, moved controls further down the dash but retained traditional climate controls and a conventional volume dial.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of trims and configurations, with the off-road-specific ZR2 model standing out in the crew cab, short bed setup. The Silverado's exterior, refreshed in 2022, remained attractive with its angular daytime running lights and a large grille that varied in style depending on the trim. Inside, the Silverado boasted a modern cabin with improved materials and a plethora of screens, while still maintaining physical controls for essential functions. The ZR2 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured a two-inch lift, differential lockers, and advanced Multimatic shocks, providing an adaptable ride across various terrains. The ZR2 Bison package further enhanced its off-road capabilities with additional protective features.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, with a boost in both horsepower and torque for 2023. Two gas V8 engines were also available: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines used a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 13,200 pounds with the diesel engine and RWD, and its maximum payload capacity was 2,240 pounds with the turbo-four and 5.3-liter V8 engines. The Sierra's diesel engine provided a lively driving experience, aided by the 10-speed automatic transmission, and the truck's steering and braking were well-balanced for a full-size pickup.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also offered four engine choices, with the standard being a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The two V8 options included a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter, the latter delivering 420 horsepower. The Silverado's new 3.0-liter six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine matched the Sierra's output with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine provided strong performance, with smooth shifts from the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Silverado ZR2 trim, designed for off-road use, featured a two-inch lift, differential lockers, and Multimatic shocks, offering a versatile ride across different terrains. The ZR2 Bison package added further off-road enhancements, including steel bumpers and skid plates.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring the crew cab/short-bed setup, providing ample cabin space. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for water bottles, and a center console with cup holders and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench could be folded up for additional storage space. The Denali Ultimate trim came with GMC's MultiPro tailgate, offering multiple configurations for convenience, and all trims featured bed steps for easy access.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranged from basic to luxurious, with the WT trim offering vinyl seats and a small infotainment screen, while the High Country trim included power seats, a Bose stereo, and heated seats. The ZR2 trim, close to the High Country in terms of features, lacked some luxury items but offered a spacious crew cab with 43.4 inches of rear legroom. The Silverado's towing capacity reached 13,300 pounds with the diesel engine, though the ZR2 trim's unique suspension limited it to 9,000 pounds. The payload capacity varied, with the four-cylinder engine in a regular cab offering the best rating at 2,260 pounds, while the ZR2 trim had a lower capacity of around 1,800 pounds. The Silverado also featured 12 tie-downs in the bed and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate for added versatility.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and Google-connected apps. The infotainment system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Sierra Denali Ultimate included a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though the outlet's placement was less convenient. All trims except the base Pro had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's lower trims featured a seven-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the LT trim and above offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive controls. Google integration provided access to maps and voice recognition. The Silverado excelled in trailering technology, offering up to 14 camera views, a rear camera mirror, and a 15-inch head-up display.

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 trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and GM's Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra's rear-vision camera mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and parking ease.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional safety features included a vibrating safety alert seat, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The Silverado's adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise technology provided advanced driving assistance. The NHTSA gave the Silverado a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in driver’s side crashworthiness but "Marginal" in passenger side crashes.