2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 maintained its robust and commanding presence with a styling update that included a wider grille and updated headlights. While these changes were subtle, they continued to enhance the truck's already appealing design. The interior, however, marked a significant shift from its predecessor, embracing a more complex layout with a large screen and modern infotainment system. This evolution aligned with the trend of making truck cabins more akin to daily driver cars and SUVs, though it might have been seen as unnecessarily complicated for those who preferred a straightforward work truck. The Sierra offered a range of trims, from the basic Pro with its simpler infotainment system to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, which boasted features like a Kicker sound system, massaging front seats, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive look, characterized by a blocky front end and a family resemblance to other Ford trucks. The introduction of the Tremor package added off-road capability and unique styling elements, such as blacked-out logos and special colour options like Avalanche Grey. The Maverick's interior was utilitarian, with a lot of hard plastic, but it offered a surprising amount of space and comfort. The Tremor package also included enhancements like tow hooks, updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents, making it a sporty and rugged option for those seeking adventure.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a variety of powertrain options, including a standard 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 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, providing a lively and powerful driving experience. 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 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) with the diesel engine, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds) with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The truck's steering was light, and its brakes were responsive, offering a smooth and composed ride.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its standard hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model featured a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Tremor package introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, enhancing the Maverick's off-road capabilities. The EcoBoost engine's 277 lb-ft of torque allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,814 kilograms (4,000 lbs) with the 4K Tow Package, though the Tremor package reduced towing and payload capacities.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with a standard-size bed, a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a full four-door 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 for both rows. The interior boasted large storage trays in the doors and a well-organized centre console. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer than other models but maintained consistent legroom across configurations. The gas engine models offered 1,088 millimetres of front legroom and 937 mm in the second row, while the hybrid powertrain reduced rear legroom to 912 mm. The Maverick's interior was practical, with options to upgrade features like the steering wheel and seats. The XLT trim's Luxury Package added heated elements and power adjustments, while the Lariat trim offered additional tech and safety features.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with a carryover infotainment system in the base Pro trim, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other trims received an updated 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and Google-connected apps. The system's layout was logical, with large icons and a home button for easy navigation. The Denali Ultimate trim included a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though its placement was less convenient due to the large screen.

The 2023 Ford Maverick's tech offerings were modest, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen providing Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. FordPass Connect enabled a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a subscription. The driver-information display varied by trim, with the Lariat offering a larger 6.5-inch LED screen. The Lariat trim also added features like a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and push-button start. The Luxury Package on the Lariat trim included an upgraded sound system, wireless charging pad, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra's rear headrests could be flipped down for improved visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a clear view even at night.

The 2023 Ford Maverick included the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite as standard, offering automatic high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns noted in crash tests. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention as Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle and Advanced for vehicle-to-pedestrian in daytime.