2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, which included a wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights. While these changes were subtle, they maintained the truck's already sharp appearance. The interior, however, saw a significant departure from its predecessor, featuring a large screen and a more complex layout. This shift aimed to align the Sierra with the trend of making truck cabins more like daily driver cars and SUVs. The new infotainment system moved controls further down the dash but retained traditional climate controls, a volume dial, and a home button.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, underwent a bold redesign, adopting a "Camaro-ify Everything" approach. This gave the truck aggressive, futuristic styling with rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. Inside, the Colorado featured a clean, horizontal dashboard layout with Camaro-inspired circular climate control vents. The design was ergonomic and visually appealing, making it easy to use.

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. Another option was the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, which delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, buyers could choose between two gas V8 engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, or a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines came 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 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came exclusively with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base version produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo Max version offered 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison trim, designed for off-road capability, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption and a well-rounded driving experience on paved roads.

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, and a full four-door crew cab with either a short or standard bed. 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 a passage for longer items. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper provided easy access to the bed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a single body style: a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. The bed provided decent space but was not as spacious as a full-size pickup. The Colorado's car-like seating position made for a comfortable driving experience, with plenty of front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. However, second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The high bed wall and floor made loading items more challenging, but the larger bed steps in the rear bumper were designed to accommodate large work boots. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire mounted in the bed reduced usable space.

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 updated system included Google-connected apps, a volume dial, and a home button. 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 head-up display.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had a logical layout, a digital dock of buttons, and a home button. Other standard tech features included an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, two front USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The LT trim added wireless device charging and a rear USB port, while the LT Convenience Package included additional USB ports and wall-style power outlets.

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 features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The rear headrests could flip down for better rearward visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a clear view at night.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado included standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ZR2 trim offered an underbody camera feature, and adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims. The Colorado earned four out of five stars for frontal crash testing, five out of five stars for side crash testing, and three out of five stars for the rollover test from the NHTSA.