2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Overview | |
MSRP$28,600 | MSRP$37,700 |
Average price$36,440 | Average price$56,551 |
Listings3479 | Listings6985 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2023 Toyota Tacoma Reviews SummaryThe Toyota Tacoma has reached “Legend” status: it’s the default choice for many shoppers, and for good reason. The Tacoma enjoys a hard-earned reputation for bullet-proof reliability. It’s the ideal size for many situations. It looks cool and, in TRD Pro trim, it can back up those looks with genuine off-road brilliance. But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the current Tacoma may be starting to buckle under the weight. With more powerful and more efficient options emerging in the compact and midsize truck space, Toyota is no longer the one-stop shop for shoppers. Luckily, a new Tacoma may be just over the horizon. | |
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews SummaryVerdict: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that can be configured as a basic work vehicle, an off-roader, or a luxurious long-distance cruiser. However, that can also be said of the rival Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra, as well as the GMC’s twin—the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. In order to stay competitive with its rivals, the Sierra 1500 offers a number of notable features that combine for a well-executed pickup. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.7L 159 hp I4 | Engine2.7L 310 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway22 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.7L 159 hp I4 | Engine Name2.7L 310 hp I4 |
Torque180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | Torque430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway22 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length73.7 in | Bed Length79.4 in |
Curb Weight3915 lbs | Curb Weight4440 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height75.7 in |
Length212.3 in | Length211.0 in |
Width74.4 in | Width81.1 in |
Wheelbase127.4 in | Wheelbase126.5 in |
Maximum Payload1685 lbs | Maximum Payload2230 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity9100 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity9100 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,600 | $37,700 |
Average price | $36,440 | $56,551 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Toyota Tacoma has reached “Legend” status: it’s the default choice for many shoppers, and for good reason. The Tacoma enjoys a hard-earned reputation for bullet-proof reliability. It’s the ideal size for many situations. It looks cool and, in TRD Pro trim, it can back up those looks with genuine off-road brilliance. But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the current Tacoma may be starting to buckle under the weight. With more powerful and more efficient options emerging in the compact and midsize truck space, Toyota is no longer the one-stop shop for shoppers. Luckily, a new Tacoma may be just over the horizon. | Verdict: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that can be configured as a basic work vehicle, an off-roader, or a luxurious long-distance cruiser. However, that can also be said of the rival Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra, as well as the GMC’s twin—the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. In order to stay competitive with its rivals, the Sierra 1500 offers a number of notable features that combine for a well-executed pickup. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.7L 159 hp I4 | 2.7L 310 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 3 |
Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm | 310 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 22 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.7L 159 hp I4 | 2.7L 310 hp I4 |
Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm | 310 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 22 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 73.7 in | 79.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3915 lbs | 4440 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 75.7 in |
Length | 212.3 in | 211.0 in |
Width | 74.4 in | 81.1 in |
Wheelbase | 127.4 in | 126.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1685 lbs | 2230 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 9100 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 9100 lbs | |
When considering midsize trucks, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma stood out for its practicality and robust design. Shorter by nearly two feet compared to a full-size pickup like the Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma managed to look assertive without appearing bulky. Its upright grille and tall bed added to its substantial look.
The Tacoma came in several trim levels, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro, along with the Trail Special Edition and, although not featured in Toyota's shopping materials, the Nightshade Edition. New for 2023, the SR5 SX package included black overfenders, black wheels, and blacked-out trim and badging. Conversely, the new Chrome Package added chrome trim and badging, trading the standard 16-inch wheels for 18-inch chrome-finished alloys.
During a snowy week in Salt Lake City, Utah, the bright Solar Octane-painted TRD Pro trim level on test stood out against the snowy backdrop. The TRD Pro trim added underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, a TRD sport exhaust, a unique grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out prominently, hood scoop, and blacked-out badging, solidifying its cool factor.
Inside, the Tacoma ranged from the basic SR trim with fabric and plastic to the more luxurious Limited trim with leather upholstery and soft-touch materials. The TRD Pro featured Softex leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, and all-weather floor mats. The physical knobs for climate control and buttons flanking the infotainment system were user-friendly, even with gloves on.
In contrast, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, dating back to the 2019 model year, saw minimal changes for 2024 but retained its bold and aggressive pickup styling. The tall, flat hood and broad grille distinguished the Sierra from its Chevrolet Silverado 1500 sibling, but posed challenges while parking, which were mitigated by the front-view camera in the Denali Ultimate test truck.
The Sierra came in variants like Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate, each offering unique styling elements. The basic Sierra 1500 Pro featured a black grille and painted 17-inch wheels, while the Denali and Denali Ultimate stood out with large chrome grilles, 22-inch wheels, and power running boards. The AT4 and AT4X off-road models, however, were less visually striking. Inside, despite the blockish design, the Denali Ultimate featured creature comforts like a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control, although it lagged in premium materials.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma provided two engine choices. The lower-level Tacomas featured a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The V6, coupled with the automatic transmission and 4WD on the TRD Pro test truck, provided decent acceleration but wasn't particularly quick. Wind and engine noise were noticeable at highway speeds, and the all-terrain tires contributed to more road noise. The off-road-oriented suspension handled rough city streets well but exhibited vague steering. Fuel economy was a drawback, with the TRD Pro achieving just 16.3 mpg in winter conditions.
On the other hand, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered multiple powertrains, starting with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (TurboMax) that delivered 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two V8 options included a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, both with Dynamic Fuel Management and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six provided 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque, also coupled with a 10-speed automatic. The diesel engine in the Denali Ultimate test truck stood out for its copious torque, smooth power delivery, and linear performance, making it suitable for towing without compromising drivability.
The Toyota Tacoma offered multiple configuration choices with the access-cab body style featuring clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and the double cab with either a long bed or a shorter, five-foot bed. The access cab was compact with tight rear seats lacking legroom, suitable mainly for small items. The double cab improved entry and exit, but rear legroom was still tight. The front seats had ample cubby space, but the limited steering wheel extension challenged taller drivers. Despite this, the five-foot bed managed to carry gear for four days of skiing.
In comparison, the GMC Sierra 1500 provided multiple cab and bed-length configurations, including a two-door regular cab with a 6.6-foot or 8.1-foot bed. A double cab with small rear doors paired with the standard bed, and a crew cab with full-size rear doors paired with either a 5.7-foot short bed or a standard bed, offered more rear-seat room. The Sierra excelled in cargo-box volume, front headroom, and legroom compared to competitors like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. The crew cab's second-row offered generous space but lacked comfort. GMC’s Multi-Pro tailgate, available on SLE and higher models, and the CarbonPro composite bed on AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate models with the short bed added to its utility.
The Sierra 1500 boasted impressive towing capacities ranging from 9,200 to 13,200 pounds, depending on the configuration, slightly trailing the Silverado’s maximum towing rating but surpassing the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. Its payload capacity range was competitive too, though falling short of the Ford F-150.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, while not class-leading in technology, provided an intuitive interface with a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The premium JBL audio system with six speakers and two USB-A ports were featured in the test truck. However, the Tacoma’s technology felt outdated compared to newer offerings from competitors.
Conversely, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro models started with a basic 7-inch touchscreen, while SLE and higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-In features. The 13.4-inch touchscreen was well integrated into the spacious cabin, providing easy access to functions with large icons and retained analog controls for vital features.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Additional features on the TRD Pro included blind-spot monitoring, rear- and side parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking, affecting its competitive edge. The Tacoma received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, missing top marks in frontal crash and rollover tests, and did not secure a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 exhibited mixed results in IIHS tests, with high marks in driver-side small overlap front crash tests but lower scores in other categories. It performed better in NHTSA tests, securing a five-star overall safety rating and excellent side-crash protection. The Sierra offered standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder, with options for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and park assist. The Denali models could be equipped with GM’s Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assistance system, adding to its safety credentials.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7.2 out of 10. Considering these ratings, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is the recommended choice. It offers diverse configuration options, off-road capabilities, and a range of safety features, making it a reliable and versatile pick in the midsize truck segment.
Choose the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
- You need a full-size truck with powerful engine options and excellent towing capacity.
- Advanced technology and a spacious, comfortable cabin with premium features are essential.
- Safety features and hands-free driving assistance (Super Cruise) add to your driving confidence.
Choose the 2023 Toyota Tacoma if:
- You prefer a midsize truck with multiple trim and configuration options.
- Off-road capability and rugged styling are top priorities.
- You value Toyota’s reputation for reliability and comprehensive standard safety features.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7.2 out of 10. Considering these ratings, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is the recommended choice. It offers diverse configuration options, off-road capabilities, and a range of safety features, making it a reliable and versatile pick in the midsize truck segment.
Choose the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- You need a full-size truck with powerful engine options and excellent towing capacity.
- Advanced technology and a spacious, comfortable cabin with premium features are essential.
- Safety features and hands-free driving assistance (Super Cruise) add to your driving confidence.
Choose the 2023 Toyota Tacoma if:
Shop Now- You prefer a midsize truck with multiple trim and configuration options.
- Off-road capability and rugged styling are top priorities.
- You value Toyota’s reputation for reliability and comprehensive standard safety features.

By: CarGurus + AI
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