2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 underwent a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design. The truck featured a wider, more commanding grille and updated headlights, maintaining its sharp appearance. However, these changes were more of a lateral move rather than a significant transformation. The interior, on the other hand, marked a notable departure from its predecessor. The cabin was redesigned to resemble more of a daily driver car or SUV, with a large screen replacing the simpler layout of the previous model. While this evolution aligned with industry trends, it might have been seen as unnecessarily complex for those seeking a straightforward work truck. The new infotainment system relocated controls further down the dash but retained traditional climate controls, a volume dial, and a home button.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was available in various configurations, including regular, double, or crew cabs with seven-foot or eight-foot beds. It came in six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. The truck's size was imposing, with a wheelbase reaching up to 4.25 metres and an overall length of 6.7 metres. Each trim had distinct front fascia styling, with the ZR2 featuring a blacked-out grille and Chevrolet "flow tie" badging. For 2024, Chevrolet introduced standard tow hooks and wheel options up to 22 inches. The High Country trim boasted an upscale interior with open-pore wood, leather trim, and metal accents, while the ZR2 excelled in off-road capabilities with features like Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks and 35-inch tires.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options. The base model came with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, two gas V8 engines were available: a 5.3-litre V8 generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines used a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra had a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms and a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms. The diesel engine provided a lively and smooth driving experience, with the 10-speed automatic transmission optimizing power delivery. The Sierra excelled in on-road comfort and handling, though its size made maneuverability challenging in tight spaces.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-litre V8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 offered 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains were paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was notably quiet and well-matched to the transmission, providing smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD offered standard rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available on all trims. The ZR2 and High Country trims came with standard 4WD. The truck's fuel efficiency varied, with the diesel engine achieving 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres in 2WD and 13.8 L/100 km in mixed driving. The ZR2 Bison package enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Multimatic DSSV shocks, 35-inch tires, and skid plating, making it a formidable off-road performer.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular, single, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. Our test model featured a crew cab with a short bed, providing ample cabin space and storage options. The interior boasted large storage trays, cup holders, and a deep centre storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage. The GMC MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. Bed steps in the rear bumper provided easy access to the cargo bed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and payload capabilities. While the 3500HD model could tow up to 16,330 kilograms, the 2500HD had a maximum towing capacity of 10,175 kilograms. Our tester managed 8,600 kilograms. The Silverado 2500HD featured advanced camera technology for towing, including transparent trailer views and a 360-degree camera system. The MultiFlex tailgate offered versatility, serving as a desk, bed extender, or step. The High Country trim included power-operated tailgate, power-retractable running boards, and heated and ventilated seats. The interior provided comfort with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though the audio system was limited to six speakers.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Pro trim. Other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The updated infotainment system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button. It included Google-connected apps and trailering status apps. The Sierra Denali Ultimate offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard on the LT trim. The system featured Google maps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Charging options included USB ports, wireless charging, and a power outlet. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available. The Silverado offered a 15-inch head-up display and a rear camera mirror. However, it lacked an on-board generator, which could have added versatility.

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 offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Denali Ultimate included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving. The rear headrests could be flipped down for improved visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a clear view.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The Safety Seat provided alerts through seat vibrations. Adaptive cruise control was optional and worked while towing. The Silverado included GM's Buckle to Drive feature and Teen Driver technology. However, it had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.