2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, which maintained its status as a well-designed full-size truck. The changes included a wider grille and updated headlights, but these were more of a lateral move rather than a significant transformation. The interior, however, marked a departure from its predecessor, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. The new dashboard featured a large screen, moving away from the simpler layout of the past. While this added complexity might not appeal to those seeking a straightforward work truck, it retained traditional climate controls and a conventional volume dial.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss exuded a rugged off-road persona with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and sculpted hood. The design was well-balanced, both inside and out, with hints of Camaro styling in the dashboard. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims had a somewhat drab front fascia and interior. The Trail Boss did feature a purposeful skid plate, but the interior's plastic-heavy design lacked colour contrast. Higher trims like the LT, Z71, and ZR2 offered more vibrant styling and improved cabin quality.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with a boost in power for 2023. Two gas V8 engines were also available: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine across all trims. The WT and LT trims produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 offered 310 hp and 391 lb-ft. The ZR2 trim had a high-output version with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 featuring a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road capability. The Trail Boss had a 5-centimetre suspension lift, while the ZR2 boasted a 7.6-cm lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Colorado offered five driving modes, including a Baja mode exclusive to the ZR2.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with a standard bed, a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a short or standard bed. Our test model featured the crew cab/short-bed setup, providing ample cabin space with generous head and legroom. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for water bottles, and a centre console with cup holders and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage, and the MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations for added convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss provided comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The standard cloth upholstery attracted pet hair, but the eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support ensured a proper driving position. The back seat offered adequate headroom and legroom, with softly padded front seatbacks. The Trail Boss featured a manually adjustable air conditioning system, which quickly cooled the cabin. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and a narrow centre storage compartment. The cargo bed measured 1,186 litres, with an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and a StowFlex storage panel.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro came with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system, while other trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated system included Google-connected apps, trailering status apps, and a logical layout with large icons. The Denali Ultimate trim offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on all trims except the base Pro.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. The Trail Boss featured an 8-inch screen, while the ZR2 had an 11-inch display. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, OnStar, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless charging was available, and the ZR2 offered a seven-speaker Bose audio system. The system also provided real-time off-roading data and enhanced trailer-towing technology.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and GM's Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Denali Ultimate trim featured GM's Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including OnStar emergency calling, a Teen Driver system, and Chevy Safety Assist. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, which could be mitigated by adjusting the gap setting.