2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights gave it a sharp appearance, although it was more of a lateral move in terms of exterior aesthetics. The interior, however, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, aligning with the trend of making truck cabins more like those of daily driver cars and SUVs. The new dash featured a large screen, moving away from the simpler layout of the past, which might have been seen as unnecessarily complicated for those seeking a straightforward work truck. Despite this, the Sierra retained traditional climate controls, a conventional volume dial, and a home button, offering some familiarity.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tundra's design was driven by engineering goals, resulting in a large grille intended to improve powertrain cooling and ensure long-term reliability. While the exterior might not have been universally appealing, the Tundra's industrial design theme with camo-pattern detailing conveyed durability and strength. However, the use of plastic in the cabin detracted from the overall sense of quality, with creaking and clattering sounds impacting confidence in its build. The Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax styles with various bed lengths, and its trim levels ranged from the base SR to the loaded Capstone. Despite its robust design, the Tundra's cabin had some compromises, particularly due to the i-Force Max's battery, which affected rear underseat storage and the flat rear cab floor.

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 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic. 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 the 10-speed automatic transmission kept it in its optimal power range. The Sierra was smooth and composed at all speeds, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging due to its wide turning radius.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was built for off-road excellence but was equally pleasing on-road. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro's hybrid version of the V6, known as the i-Force Max powertrain, delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro had a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. A 10-speed automatic transmission was standard, along with a part-time 4WD system and various off-roading features. The Tundra excelled in desert environments, though its size and turning radius were less ideal in densely forested areas. Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Tundra averaged 17.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 19 mpg.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with trim availability depending on the setup. The crew cab/short-bed configuration provided ample cabin space, with large storage trays in the doors and a deep center storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage, and the MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations for convenience. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners provided easy access without moving parts.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra's interior was spacious, but the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This posed challenges for in-cab storage, as demonstrated during a family outing. The Tundra lacked some of the helpful features found in rival trucks, such as bumper corner steps or a trick step from the tailgate. Despite these compromises, the Tundra offered decent storage space and wide seats, though getting in and out of the TRD Pro was somewhat challenging. The driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives, but the heated and ventilated front seats were appreciated.

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 connectivity. The new system included Google-connected apps and a logical layout, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Denali Ultimate trim featured a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though its placement was less ideal.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Toyota offered generous trial subscriptions to connected services, including Safety Connect, which provided important safety features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance.

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, and GM's Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra's rear-vision camera mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and parking maneuverability.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trims. The TRD Pro's driver aids generally worked well, though the lane-centering assist feature was less reliable. The Tundra received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.