2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights gave it a sharp appearance, although the changes felt more like a lateral move rather than a significant leap forward. The interior, however, marked a notable departure from its predecessor, aligning with the trend of making truck cabins more like those of daily driver cars and SUVs. The new dash featured a large screen, moving away from the simpler layout of the past, which might have been seen as unnecessarily complicated for those seeking a straightforward work truck. Despite this, traditional climate controls and a conventional volume dial were retained.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tundra presented a massive and imposing presence, characterized by its large grille and interlocking design elements that created a purposeful and solid look. The Tundra's design was not just about brute force; it also featured slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The interior of the Tundra was spacious and comfortable, with big, expansive seats and a massive 14-inch touchscreen available from the Limited trim upwards. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior offered everything one could want in a truck, emphasizing space and comfort.

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. A 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine was also available, delivering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, two gas V8 engines were offered: 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 Sierra's diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a lively performance and a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms. The Sierra's steering was light, and its brakes were responsive, making it smooth and composed at all speeds. However, its maneuverability in tight spaces was limited due to its wide turning radius.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, replaced its previous V8 engines with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Tundra Hybrid offered 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. The Tundra's 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth and consistent engine performance, with no sudden power surges. The Tundra's new multi-link rear suspension improved its composure over various terrains. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,045 kilograms and a payload capacity of 880 kilograms, the Tundra was competitive in its class. The TRD Pro trim, equipped with off-road features like a 28-millimetre lift and 33-inch tires, excelled in tackling technical terrain, although its size could be a limitation on narrower trails.

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. The interior boasted large storage trays in the doors and a deep centre console with multiple storage options. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with its multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra emphasized practicality and thoughtful design, with a blend of forward-looking technology and simple interface controls. The Tundra's interior featured big physical controls for volume, climate, and seat heaters, along with a large centre console bin with a sliding door for easy access. The Tundra CrewMax offered spacious rear seats, accommodating tall and wide adults comfortably. The Tundra was available in various size specifications, with the SR5 trim offering a double-cab configuration with either a 1,982 mm or 2,469 mm bed, while the CrewMax body could be equipped with a 1,677 mm or 1,982 mm bed length.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base Pro trim, while other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated infotainment system, although less intuitive than the carryover system, offered a logical layout with large icons and a home button. The Sierra Denali Ultimate included a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, although the outlet's placement was less than ideal. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel was standard on all trims except the base Pro, complementing the available head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra's standout feature was its available 14-inch multimedia screen, standard on Limited grade and higher. The system boasted crisp graphics and fast response times, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. A 12-speaker audio system was standard on higher trims, while lower trims featured a 9-speaker or six-speaker stereo. The Tundra also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with impressive resolution and brightness, marking a significant technological advancement over previous models.

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

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. A sway warning system was also standard, aiding those who frequently tow. While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available, they were not standard across all trims. The Tundra CrewMax received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2023, although the NHTSA had not yet rated it.