2024 Ford Ranger vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The changes included a wider, more commanding grille and updated headlights, maintaining its sharp appearance. However, these exterior modifications were more of a lateral move rather than a significant transformation. Inside, the Sierra took a bold step away from its previous design, aligning with the trend of making truck cabins more like those of daily driver cars and SUVs. This shift introduced a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of its predecessor, potentially complicating the setup for those who preferred a straightforward truck experience. Despite this, the new infotainment system retained traditional climate controls, a conventional volume dial, and a home button, offering some familiarity amidst the changes.

The 2024 Ford Ranger adopted a design reminiscent of a smaller F-150, featuring C-shaped daytime running lights and double chrome bars intersecting the headlights and grille. The XLT model with the Chrome Appearance Package even extended this design to the fog lights. While the Ranger presented a handsome and basic look, it lacked the ruggedness of competitors like the Colorado or Canyon. The Ranger Raptor, despite its 33-inch all-terrain tires, didn't exude the menacing presence of its Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor counterparts. The Ranger's design was subtle, appealing to those seeking a more understated midsize truck. The Ranger's crew cab configuration with a five-foot bed was the only option, reflecting the trend of using pickups more like cars. The Azure Gray Metallic paint on the XLT model, complemented by chrome accents, added a touch of elegance, though the FX4 Off-Road Package's fixed side steps seemed impractical for off-road use.

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 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with a boost in both horsepower and torque for 2023. Two gas V8 engines were also available: a 5.3-liter V8 generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines came with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 13,200 pounds with the diesel engine and RWD, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds with the turbo-four and 5.3-liter V8 engines. The diesel engine's sound added a heavy-duty truck presence, and the 10-speed automatic transmission kept it in its optimal power range. The Sierra excelled in power delivery, steering, and braking, offering a smooth and composed ride, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2024 Ford Ranger catered to American tastes with three engine choices. The standard 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with a 10-speed automatic transmission provided 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine offered 315 hp and 400 lb-ft, ideal for towing. The Ranger's towing capacity was 7,500 pounds, with payloads of 1,711 pounds for 4WD trims and 1,805 pounds for RWD. The Ranger Raptor, with its race-ready suspension and larger engine, towed up to 5,510 pounds and carried up to 1,375 pounds. Its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 delivered 405 hp and 430 lb-ft, with an available software remap boosting it to 455 hp and 536 lb-ft. The FX4 package added a locking rear differential and smaller all-terrain tires. On-road, the Ranger was quiet and comfortable, with nicely weighted steering. Fuel economy was decent, with the base four-cylinder achieving 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the V6 returned 19/23/20. The Raptor's fuel economy was lower, with ratings of 16/18/17.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various 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, a full four-door crew cab with a short bed, and a crew cab with a standard bed. Trim availability depended on the chosen configuration. The crew cab/short-bed setup provided ample cabin space, with large storage trays in the doors and multiple spots for large water bottles. The center console featured two large cup holders, a tray ahead of the shifter, and a deep center storage compartment with an organizer. The rear bench folded up, offering secure storage space. The Denali Ultimate model included GMC's MultiPro tailgate, which provided multiple configurations, including a bed step-up, fold-out workstation, and a passage for longer items. All Sierra 1500 trims featured bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners for easy access.

The 2024 Ford Ranger boasted a longer wheelbase and a 2.2-inch wider body, with a base ground clearance of 9.3 inches. The wheelbase extension provided more rear seat room, and the seatbacks folded flat for a higher loading floor. The Ranger's back seat felt roomier than any other truck in its class. Up front, visibility was excellent, with physical climate controls and a volume knob. However, some climate features were duplicated on the touchscreen, which couldn't be changed. The PRNDL gear selector was preferred over the Maverick's rotary dial. Ample storage was available in door pockets, a center cubby, and a wireless charging pad. The bed featured two side bumper cutouts for easy access, a damped tailgate, and an optional 400-watt AC outlet. Ford's Zone Lighting illuminated the headlights, reverse lights, and cargo light for extended periods with the ignition off.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims received an updated infotainment system with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button, though it lacked a tuning knob. It included Google-connected apps, with a Google icon at the top of the page. The infotainment system offered trailering status apps and average fuel economy when connected to a trailer. The Sierra Denali Ultimate featured a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though the outlet's placement was less ideal. All trims except the base Pro had a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, which worked well with the head-up display.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's Lariat trim featured a short, widened gear selector and push-button engine start, integrating with automatic parking and trailer reversing systems. The Lariat also had a 12.4-inch instrument panel with crisp animations and unique gauges. The XLT trim had an 8-inch panel, which was sufficient and easy to use. A 10-inch portrait touchscreen was standard on the XL, while a 12-inch screen was available on other trims. The layout mimicked the Mustang Mach-E, though the F-150's landscape layout was preferred. The tall screen was helpful for map viewing, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto resized to take up most of the display. The menus were slow to load, and BlueCruise handsfree driving assist was unavailable. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and 360-degree cameras were standard on the Lariat and Raptor.

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 driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Safety Alert seat. The Denali Ultimate included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving. The crew-cab Sierra featured rear headrests that flipped down for improved rearward visibility, and a rear-vision camera mirror provided added visibility. The surround-view camera system and parking sensors aided in maneuvering the large truck in tight spaces.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and previous model years were not comparable. The base XL trim lacked driver assists, but the XLT and above trims included forward and reverse emergency braking, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, front cross-traffic braking, and evasive steering assist. Adaptive cruise control was optional on the XLT and standard on Lariat and Raptor.