2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The changes included a wider, more commanding grille and updated headlights, maintaining its sharp appearance. However, these exterior modifications were more of a lateral move, as the Sierra was already a good-looking vehicle. The interior, on the other hand, marked a significant departure from its predecessor. The cabin evolved to resemble more of a daily driver car or SUV, featuring a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of the previous model. While this setup might have been unnecessarily complex for those seeking a straightforward work truck, it retained traditional climate controls, a conventional volume dial, and a home button.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a choice between a quad cab or a larger crew cab, with various bed lengths. The Limited trim, which was near the top of the eight available trims, featured a $3,895 Night Edition for a stealthier look, complete with 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim boasted a luxurious interior with plenty of leather, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen provided a unique look, complemented by chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash. The steering wheel also featured wood and leather trim, adding to the upscale feel.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options. The base models came 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 increased horsepower and torque 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 engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines used a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra had a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) and a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds). The diesel engine provided a heavy-duty truck presence, and the 10-speed automatic transmission kept it in its optimal power range. The Sierra was smooth and composed, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrains, with engine options shared with other Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge products. The standard engine was a 3.6-litre V6 with Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, while a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 (optionally fitted with eTorque) was available on lower trims and standard on upper trims. A 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine was optional on all but the top TRX, which featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. All 1500 trucks had an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eTorque system provided better fuel economy and extra power, with the V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms (12,750 pounds) and a payload capacity of 1,043 kilograms (2,300 pounds). The truck offered a smooth ride, thanks to its coilover setup and available air suspension, with confident stopping power and accurate steering.

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, a full four-door crew cab with a short bed, and a crew cab with a 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 included large storage trays in the doors and multiple spots for large water bottles. The centre console had two large cup holders, a tray ahead of the shifter, and a deep centre storage compartment with an organizer. The rear bench folded up for additional storage space. The GMC MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and a fold-out workstation, while bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners provided easy access to the cargo bed.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured numerous storage cubbies throughout the cabin, including a two-tiered centre console with sliding upper-level cupholders and a storage bin. The centre console was spacious enough for a laptop, a purse, and a large box of Cheez-Its. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. The crew cab provided ample rear legroom, with a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The rear seats reclined up to eight degrees and flipped up for additional space, with tie-down rings for securing cargo. The multifunction tailgate could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate, and the optional air suspension lowered the open tailgate to 83.3 cm from the ground. The RamBox storage integrated into the rear quarter panel offered lockable storage for tools and other items.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other trims received an updated infotainment system with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button, along with Google-connected apps. The Sierra Denali Ultimate included a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro featured a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, which worked well with the available head-up display.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with a new available 12-inch gauge cluster, though it was not included in our tester. Lower trims had a 5-inch infotainment screen, while mid trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Upper-level trims offered a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, allowing for dual-function display. The Uconnect infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though there was some lag with the former. Our tester included the optional Equipment Group 1, adding a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The RAM 1500 Limited had multiple USB-A and USB-C outlets, a wireless charging pad, two 115-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet.

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, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra also offered a rear-vision camera mirror for improved visibility.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning being optional or part of a package. The blind-spot monitoring system could cover the length of a trailer. The NHTSA gave the RAM 1500 crew cab an overall safety rating of five stars, while the IIHS awarded it Good marks across most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.