2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior design was praised, the interior left something to be desired, especially in terms of material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD offered five trim levels, each with distinct features, from the basic Pro trim to the luxurious Denali. The AT4 trim, which we tested, was tailored for off-road enthusiasts, featuring rugged design elements and a well-equipped interior with premium materials and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a design that sparked mixed reactions, with some finding its aggressive styling reminiscent of a Transformers toy. However, the Silverado offered a variety of appearance packages to enhance its visual appeal. Inside, the Silverado's cabin was more functional, with two different interior layouts depending on the trim. The WT and Custom trims retained the pre-facelift interior, while other trims featured a modern dash with a large touchscreen. The Silverado's interior was praised for its functionality, with the Trail Boss trim offering off-road capabilities and the High Country trim providing luxury-level features.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with a powerful 6.6-litre V8 engine, available in both gas and turbodiesel variants. The Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. Despite its impressive power, the Sierra 2500HD was not the most capable in its class, with competitors like the Ford F-250 and Ram 2500 offering higher towing capacities. The Sierra 2500HD's AT4 trim excelled in off-road performance, thanks to features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires. However, the ride quality was somewhat jittery when unladen, improving with added weight.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Silverado offered two V8 engines: a 5.3-litre with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-litre with 420 horsepower. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available. The Silverado's maximum towing capacity reached 6,000 kilograms with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package. The Trail Boss trim, which we tested, impressed with its off-road capabilities, while the Silverado's handling was commendable for a truck of its size, though not quite on par with the Ram 1500.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two pickup bed lengths, providing ample passenger space and cargo capacity. The interior featured convenient storage solutions, including a wide centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The Sierra's MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, offered six functions to enhance loading and unloading. The truck's high ride height required some effort to enter, but the side assist step and corner-step rear bumper aided accessibility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in various body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with different bed lengths. The regular cab accommodated up to three passengers, while the double cab offered easy access to the rear seats with conventional doors. The crew cab provided generous headroom and legroom in both rows, with a fold-up rear bench for additional cargo space. The Silverado's interior was designed for practicality, with the crew cab offering the most spacious and versatile configuration.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured a range of infotainment options, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on higher trims, while a navigation system was available on select models. The Sierra's Bose premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though the voice-recognition system occasionally produced unexpected results. The truck's 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhanced safety and convenience when towing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a modern dash with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity. The Silverado's infotainment system was praised for its vivid display and responsiveness. Additional features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and a fully digital instrument panel on select trims, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly tech experience.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. Despite its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS. The truck's numerous camera views were essential for enhancing safety, given its size and weight.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS, making it a safe choice for buyers.