2023 Toyota Tundra 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 was considered one of the better-looking heavy-duty trucks, the interior had some shortcomings. Material quality, especially in top trims, didn't match up to competitors like Ram and Ford. The cabin, though not cramped, wasn't as spacious as the Ram 1500 and Ford Super Duty. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, each with a distinct look and feel, and offered in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab body styles. The AT4 trim, which we tested, featured off-road-focused elements like black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a rugged interior with Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery, making it a handsome luxury off-roader.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, with its massive grille and interlocking design elements, presented a purposeful and solid appearance. Its slim, high-mounted headlights and character line down the side profile added visual length, while the rear featured a three-dimensional stamped design. Available in ten trim levels in Canada, the Tundra offered a variety of configurations. The TRD Pro trim, which we tested, stood out with its Solar Octane paint, black interior, and off-road enhancements like clearance lamps and a skid plate. Inside, the Tundra boasted expansive seats and a massive 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims, providing ample space and comfort. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior delivered everything one could want in a truck.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with its 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, offered impressive capabilities, including a maximum payload capacity of 1,637 kilograms and a maximum trailering weight of 8,391 kilograms on the AT4 trim. While not the most powerful in its class, the Sierra's 6.6-litre V8 engines, both gas and turbodiesel, were strong performers. The Duramax diesel engine, paired with the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power, making the truck feel quick even when unladen. The AT4 trim excelled in off-roading, thanks to features like an automatic-locking rear differential, X31 off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. However, the ride could be jittery on uneven pavement, improving with added weight.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, with its new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivered 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The Tundra Hybrid, available on select trims, offered even more power with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed the power smoothly, and the multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality over various terrains. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 5,045 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 880 kilograms. The TRD Pro trim, with its off-road enhancements like a 28-millimetre lift and 33-inch tires, handled technical terrain with ease, though its size could be a challenge on narrow trails.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two pickup bed lengths, and available 4WD, making it a highly functional truck. It could seat up to six passengers, with abundant space in both front and rear seats. The AT4 package added extra lift, requiring some effort to get into the truck, but the side assist step aided traction. Inside, the Sierra featured a wide centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments. The optional 120-volt power outlet and USB ports provided convenience, while the MultiPro tailgate offered six functions for improved cargo access.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra blended technology with simple controls, featuring a large centre console bin with a sliding door for easy access. The Tundra's interior offered ample space, with the CrewMax configuration providing room for tall and wide adults. The rear seats flipped up for additional storage. The Tundra was available in various size specifications, with different bed lengths depending on the trim. The TRD Pro and Capstone trims were available with the CrewMax body and short bed, offering versatility for different needs.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with a navigation system available on higher trims. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The Sierra's 15 available camera views, including the "transparent trailer" view, made towing easier and improved visibility.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 14-inch multimedia screen standard on Limited grade and higher. The new software offered crisp graphics and fast response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless phone charger available on higher trims. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel impressed with its resolution and brightness, making the new Tundra a technological marvel compared to its predecessors.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system was standard, helping parents monitor their teen's driving habits. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra wasn't rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but its mass provided both safety and risk in collisions.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The Tundra CrewMax received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS in 2023, highlighting its safety credentials.