2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more manageable size compared to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra. With a length nearly two feet shorter than the Tundra, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance thanks to its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial look without appearing overly large. Toyota offered the Tacoma in various trim levels, from the base SR to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, providing multiple powertrain options, bed lengths, and cab configurations. New for 2023 were the SR5 SX and Chrome Packages, adding unique styling elements to the mix.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was a behemoth with a road presence rivaling 18-wheelers. Finished in Onyx Black paint and Alpine Umber tan interior, our tester rode on 20-inch aluminum alloys with gloss black inserts. The updated front bumper and grille assembly, along with standard LED headlights and taillights, gave the Sierra HD a refreshed look. The Denali Ultimate trim came exclusively in a six-passenger Crew Cab configuration, with a choice between two bed lengths. The MultiPro Tailgate, which could flip and fold into six different configurations, added versatility to this already imposing truck.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an option for a six-speed manual. The Tacoma was available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. Despite the V6's power advantage, the Tacoma wasn't particularly quick and struggled with wind and engine noise at highway speeds. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the V6 4WD model delivering an EPA-estimated 18/22/20 mpg.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate, on the other hand, was powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 engine, producing 470 horsepower and a staggering 975 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission and came standard with 4WD. Additional mechanical features included a locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, all-terrain tires, and a diesel exhaust brake. The Sierra HD offered strong highway passing power and a refined powertrain, although its size made it less agile in tight spaces. The firm ride and tough suspension settings were designed for towing and hauling, but rough roads could unsettle the unladen suspension.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configurations, including the access-cab body style with clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and the double cab with a choice between a long bed and a shorter, five-foot bed. The access cab's rear seats were tight and uncomfortable, making the double cab a better choice for those needing more interior space. The front seats provided ample cubby space, legroom, and headroom, although the steering wheel's limited extension made it challenging for tall drivers to get comfortable. The five-foot bed was large enough to carry gear for a four-day skiing trip, including multiple bags, groceries, and skis.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate featured a luxurious interior with full-grain leather seats, leather-covered door panels, a microsuede headliner, wood trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The power-operated running boards made entry and exit easier, and the front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with a massage function. The rear seat offered limo-like legroom and ample headroom, making it comfortable for three adults on long road trips. Storage space was excellent, with a spacious center console and various nooks and crannies for smaller items. However, the front door pockets were difficult to access while driving.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen in base SR trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. All models came with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was simple but outdated, and our test truck included a premium six-speaker JBL audio system and two USB-A ports. While the Tacoma offered essential tech features, it lagged behind competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline in terms of advanced technology.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen, a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, Google built-in, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, and split-screen navigation. The navigation system was sharp and accurate, and the climate control system featured convenient buttons and dials. However, the steering-column-mounted gearshift stalk obstructed the view of the center screen. The Denali Ultimate also came with a range of trailer aids, including a trailer-brake controller, hitch guidance, and the ProGrade trailering system with 14 different camera views.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Our TRD Pro model also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear- and side parking distance sensors, and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. It received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was not awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-facing cargo bed camera. The power-operated side mirrors provided an expansive view and could be extended for a wider angle, although they needed to be retracted on narrow roads or during car washes.