2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

For the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, the design was an evolution rather than a revolution. The styling update in 2022 enhanced a truck that was already visually appealing. The new features included a wider and more aggressive grille, updated headlights, and subtle changes that maintained the truck’s sharp look. It was a lateral move, maintaining the robust and attractive aesthetics without significantly deviating from its previous design.

The interior of the Sierra 1500, however, marked a significant shift from earlier models. GMC aimed to make the cabin resemble that of daily commuter cars and SUVs more closely. The new design introduced a large screen that abandoned the simplicity of its predecessor, making it feel elaborate and potentially overcomplicated for traditional truck tasks. While some appreciated the modern flair, others might have found it unnecessarily complex for a work-oriented vehicle. The updated infotainment system moved controls lower on the dash but retained traditional climate controls, a conventional volume dial, and a home button, striving to balance innovation with practicality.

The Sierra 1500 offered an extensive range of trims: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. Each trim catered to different needs, from the base Pro, which featured a simpler interior and a 7-inch touchscreen, to the ultra-luxurious Denali Ultimate, which offered nearly every available feature, including a Kicker sound system, distinctive interior designs, and massaging front seats. Notably, the AT4X trim partnered with American Expeditionary Vehicles (AEV) to cater to off-road enthusiasts, showcasing rugged enhancements like steel bumpers, a winch, and mud-terrain tires.

On the other side, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD showcased its own distinctive look and feel, offering buyers a bevy of choices in terms of cab and bed configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with bed lengths of seven or eight feet. Standing imposingly, the Silverado 2500HD sported a variety of trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. Each trim featured unique front fascia styling, such as the plain but handsome work truck, the body-colored bar of the Custom, and the chrome implements of the LT, LTZ, and High Country. The blacked-out grille and flow tie badge of the ZR2 added a rugged appeal.

For 2024, new touches included standard tow hooks, wheel options up to 22 inches, and a broader color palette, though these changes weren't radical. Inside, the High Country trim tester offered a luxurious feel with open-pore wood, rich leather trim, and tasteful metal accents. It managed to escape Chevrolet's previous struggles with cheaper materials, presenting a high-quality interior.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 presented a versatile lineup of four powertrains. The base model featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For diesel aficionados, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine offered 305 hp and a robust 495 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could also opt for two gasoline V8 engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque or a 6.2-liter V8 generating an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines came with a 10-speed automatic.

The Sierra 1500 excelled in towing and payload capabilities. When equipped with the diesel engine and rear-wheel drive, it could tow up to 13,200 pounds. The maximum payload capacity reached 2,240 pounds with the four-cylinder and 5.3-liter V8 engines. The overall driving experience was smooth and composed, with effective steering and confident braking. Maneuverability in tight spaces, however, was a challenge due to the truck's wide turning radius and blocky design. For off-road enthusiasts, the AT4 and AT4X trims offered dependable capability, albeit with some limitations in densely wooded trails.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD took performance to another level with its standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine, delivering 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 significantly upped the ante with 470 hp and a staggering 975 lb-ft of torque, both combined with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This diesel engine was notably quiet and smooth, offering quick acceleration and steady cruising.

Fuel economy varied depending on the use of two-wheel or four-wheel drive modes. In 2WD, it returned a respectable 20.3 miles per gallon, while a mix of 2WD and Auto 4WD netted about 17 mpg. Equipped for off-road prowess, the ZR2 Bison trim included features like Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks and 35-inch tires that handled rough terrains effortlessly. The Silverado 2500HD's towing capacity maxed out at 22,430 pounds, with our tester managing around 19,000 pounds. Payload capacity could reach 3,700 pounds, though our test model managed about 3,000 pounds.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 catered to various needs with multiple cab and bed configurations. Options included a regular cab with a standard bed, single cab with a long bed, double cab with a standard bed, four-door crew cab with a short bed, and a crew cab with a standard bed. The trim availability was specific to cab and bed combinations. Our tested crew cab/short-bed setup provided ample interior space with thoughtful storage solutions like large door trays and a well-organized center console. The rear bench could fold up to offer additional secure storage.

The Sierra's innovative MultiPro tailgate, present in our Denali Ultimate tester, offered multiple configurations, such as a bed step-up, fold-out workstation, and a passage for longer items. Additionally, bed steps integrated into the rear bumper corners provided easy access to the bed without moving parts.

In comparison, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD emphasized form and function through its impressive towing and payload capacities. While a 3500HD could tow a mammoth 36,000 pounds, the 2500HD maxed out at 22,430 pounds, with our test model capable of around 19,000 pounds. Payload capacity varied up to 3,700 pounds, with our model managing 3,000 pounds.

Towing with the Silverado 2500HD was facilitated by advanced camera views, making maneuvering large loads simpler. Features like the transparent trailer camera, side-view cameras, and 360-degree view cameras provided extensive visibility, easing towing operations. The truck also included practical touches like a side step for bed access and the MultiFlex tailgate, which offered multiple utility configurations. High Country trims enhanced comfort with features like heated and ventilated front seats, power-retractable running boards, and a heated steering wheel.

Technologically, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 showcased its modern flair through a 7-inch touchscreen (standard on the base Pro trim) and an updated 13.4-inch touchscreen on other trims. The carryover system was intuitive and user-friendly, while the updated system featured Google-connected apps, pushing for seamless interactivity. This system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, large icons for ease of use, and a home button for navigation. Traditional USB-A and USB-C ports, along with a wall-style power outlet, ensured connectivity and charging options. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel further enhanced the technological appeal, providing clear and accessible information.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD embraced advanced tech with a standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen from the LT trim upward. The screen's thoughtful design, canted toward the driver, facilitated easier interaction. Featuring Google Maps and Google Assistant, the system offered comprehensive navigation and user-friendly interfaces. Though the split-screen mode was a minor drawback, the Silverado compensated with abundant charging options, including USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging. A Wi-Fi hotspot ensured connectivity, while the 15-inch HUD and rear camera mirror provided key information and enhanced visibility.

Safety was paramount in the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, which came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and GM's Teen Driver system. Higher trims or optional packages added features like 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, enabling hands-free highway driving and hands-free lane changes.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD's standard safety features included front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. Our test truck featured GM's Safety Seat, which provided tactile feedback to alert the driver of potential hazards. Adaptive cruise control, though optional, worked effectively even while towing. The Silverado also included configurable safety settings, a Buckle to Drive feature, and the Teen Driver technology. Though it hadn't been rated by key safety organizations, its suite of safety features ensured a confident driving experience.