2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, enhancing the already premium Denali and AT4 trims. With eight trim levels, the Sierra offered a bold and aggressive appearance, appearing larger and more imposing than its predecessor. The updated grille, front fascia, and split-C headlights contributed to a wider look, while the Denali's grille featured a "tri-linear" theme with thick chrome inserts. The Denali Ultimate replaced the chrome-heavy grille with dark-coloured "Vader bars," adding a unique touch. The Sierra's interior saw significant changes, with a redesigned dash and premium materials elevating the cabin's luxury feel. The AT4X trim focused on off-road capabilities while maintaining a luxurious interior with premium leather and wood trim.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra boasted a massive grille and interlocking design elements, creating a purposeful and solid appearance. The Tundra's design featured slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line down the side profile, adding visual length. In Canada, the Tundra was available in ten trim levels, with the TRD Pro trim offering off-road enhancements like clearance lamps, a skid plate, and a stamped "TOYOTA" grille. The Tundra's interior provided spacious seating and a massive 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior offered comfort and space, making it a practical choice for truck buyers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four engine options, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder and a 3.8-litre Duromax turbo-diesel inline-six, both enhanced for the model year. The turbo-four produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with improved gear ratios for smoother shifts. The diesel engine delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms for 2WD models. Other engine options included a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 with 420 hp. The Sierra's ride was smooth and comfortable, with the Denali Ultimate offering a high-end look and feel. The AT4X trim excelled in off-road conditions, with Multimatic DSSV dampers and e-locking differentials enhancing its capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured two engine choices: a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. The Tundra's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and consistent performance, while the multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 5,045 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 880 kilograms. The TRD Pro trim offered genuine off-road capabilities, with a 28-millimetre lift, Fox shocks, and 33-inch tires. The Tundra's size posed challenges on narrow trails, but its multi-terrain system and off-road tech provided confidence in challenging conditions.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a spacious and utilitarian interior, with best-in-class cargo capacity in its short bed. Front headroom measured 1,093 mm, while rear-seat headroom averaged just over 1 metre. Front legroom was 1,131 mm, with double-cab rear-seat passengers enjoying 894 mm of legroom and crew cab passengers 1,102 mm. The Sierra's cabin featured numerous storage compartments, though the gloveboxes were on the smaller side. The driver-oriented cockpit had a low centreline, with screens and controls positioned low, requiring more eye movement from the road. The Sierra's cabin was filled with knobs and buttons, providing a tactile experience but potentially overwhelming for some users.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra combined forward-looking technology with simple interface controls, making it easy to operate. The Tundra's interior featured big physical controls for volume, climate, and driving functions, with a large centre console bin and sliding door for easy access. The Tundra's rear seats offered ample space for tall and wide adults, with additional storage under the flip-up backseat. The Tundra was available in various size configurations, with the SR5 trim offering double-cab and CrewMax options. The TRD Pro and Capstone trims were available only with the CrewMax body and short bed.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured larger display screens, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen on most grades. The infotainment system included Google built-in, Bluetooth, OnStar, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Denali models had an interactive start-up screen, while the infotainment screen offered a clean display with large icons. The system allowed for personalization and dual modes, with wireless charging available on higher grades. Additional options included a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 14-inch multimedia screen standard on Limited grade and higher. The system featured new software, crisp graphics, and fast response times. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless phone charger available on Limited trims and above. A 12-speaker audio system was standard on higher trims, while lower trims had a 9-speaker or six-speaker system. The Tundra's 12.3-inch digital instrument panel impressed with its resolution and brightness, making it a technological marvel compared to older models.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving with automatic lane changes and trailering capability. The Sierra featured up to 14 camera views, a GCW Alert for overload detection, and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert. GMC Pro Safety included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Sierra received mostly "Good" crash safety ratings from the IIHS but had a "Marginal" grade in the front-passenger small overlap test and a "Poor" grade for headlights. NHTSA rated 2WD models four out of five stars for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for CrewMax models, though NHTSA had not rated it.