2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, which included a wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights. While these changes made the truck look sharper, they were more of a lateral move since the Sierra was already a good-looking vehicle. The interior, however, saw a significant departure from its predecessor, featuring a large screen and a more complex layout. This evolution aimed to make the cabin experience more like that of daily driver cars and SUVs, but it might have been unnecessarily complicated for those who preferred a straightforward truck.

The Sierra 1500 offered various trims, including the Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The base Pro trim retained the simpler infotainment system and included features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced off-road capabilities. The Denali Ultimate trim, in particular, came with nearly every feature optional on other trims, including a Kicker sound system, massaging front seats, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like the Sport S and new-for-2024 Mojave X and Rubicon X. All Gladiators came in a crew-cab, short-bed configuration with a removable fabric or hard top and doors. The 2024 model featured subtle styling updates, including a new black seven-slot grille and integrated whip antenna. The interior saw improvements with additional soft-touch surfaces, standard contrast stitching, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Gladiator Mojave X trim, which we tested, came with an automatic transmission, new Anvil paint, upgraded wheels, and a Sunrider fabric panel. The Mojave X was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. The interior was much nicer than before, but it remained loud on the highway and retained quirks like a center-mounted handbrake and power window switches on the dashboard.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options. The base model 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 delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine received a boost in horsepower and torque for 2023, while the gas turbo-four saw increased torque. Other options included 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. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional. The Sierra had a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds. The diesel engine provided a heavy-duty truck presence and lively performance, thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra Denali Ultimate was smooth and composed, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. However, maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging due to its wide turning radius and blocky styling.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued to offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 pounds, haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload, and provide up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential.

During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads confidently, crossing eroded sections at a slow pace and bounding along at higher speeds. The Gladiator was enjoyable to drive in urban settings, shrugging off pavement heaves and holes. However, freeway speeds produced significant wind noise, and the steering feel was sloppy. The Gladiator didn't encourage speeding, and its slower pace allowed for more scenic enjoyment. Fuel economy was not a strong point, averaging 16.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular cab with a standard-size bed, single cab with a long bed, double cab with a standard bed, and crew cab with short or standard beds. Our test model featured the crew cab/short-bed setup, providing ample cabin space and storage options. The MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations, including a bed step-up, fold-out workstation, and passage for longer items. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper provided easy access without moving parts.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Jeep Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension design. The five-foot steel cargo bed offered a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with upgrades like a spray-in bedliner and under-rail bed lighting. The interior lacked practical storage spots, with smaller items easily getting lost. Climbing into the Gladiator was a hassle, and exiting could be tricky. The new power-adjustable front seats provided reasonable comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding plastic hooks.

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 a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system included Google-connected apps, trailering status apps, and a logical layout with large icons. The Denali Ultimate trim featured a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro had a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, offering superior graphics, responsiveness, and features. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available. The improved microphone provided better voice recognition, though responses to complicated queries were hit-and-miss.

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, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Denali Ultimate trim included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving. The rear headrests flipped down for better rearward visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a vivid feed.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and poor ratings from IIHS for headlights, seatbelt warnings, and pedestrian detection. However, the 2024 model received safety-related improvements, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control starting with the Sport S trim. The Mojave X and Rubicon X added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Structural improvements enhanced occupant safety in side-impact collisions, and the roll cage now had front and rear side-curtain airbags.