2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 underwent a styling update in 2022, which maintained its status as an attractive full-size truck. The changes included a wider grille and updated headlights, but these were more of a lateral move rather than a significant redesign. The interior, however, marked a departure from the previous model, with a more complex cabin experience that aligned with the trend of making trucks feel more like daily driver cars. The new infotainment system featured a large screen, moving controls further down the dash, yet retaining traditional climate controls and a volume dial. The Sierra 1500 offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the base Pro with a simpler infotainment system to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, which boasted nearly every available feature.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, though all-new, retained a familiar look with a blockier and more angular design. The hexagonal grille gave it a more aggressive appearance, while the interior saw a significant shift, influenced by the Ford F-Series. The dash was squared off, and the gear shift knob was more geometric. MOLLE panels emphasized a function-over-form approach, providing spots for accessories. The Premium packages offered heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, but still featured plastic grids where soft-touch materials might be expected. The Tacoma's interior updates aimed to enhance functionality, with the hybrid versions potentially offering further improvements.

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 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 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines were paired with 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 performance, aided by the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra's steering was light, and the brakes were effective, offering a smooth and composed ride. The Denali Ultimate trim excelled on-road, while the AT4 and AT4X trims were designed for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma featured an all-turbo lineup, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, 4WD was standard. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed auto, providing smooth and timely shifts. A six-speed manual transmission was also available, though it had a high bite point. Toyota focused on differentiating the Tacoma's packages, with multiple suspensions tailored to each option. The TRD Sport had sport-tuned shocks, while the TRD Off-Road featured monotube Bilstein shocks. The Tacoma's on-road performance was satisfactory across configurations. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were scarce. Updates included standard disc brakes and electric power steering, enhancing driver-assistance features and addressing previous steering vagueness.

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. Trim availability depended on the chosen configuration. The crew cab/short-bed setup provided ample cabin space, with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior featured large storage trays in the doors and multiple spots for large water bottles. The centre console included two large cup holders, a tray ahead of the shifter, and a deep 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. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners provided easy access to the cargo bed.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma eliminated the Access Cab, making the four-door Double Cab configuration standard in Canada. The updated seat shape offered improved comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures for 2024. The Double Cab provided 1,061 millimetres of legroom up front and 856 mm in the back. Gas-powered four-door Tacoma models had three times more storage capacity beneath the flat-folding rear seats compared to the previous generation. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with a 440-watt outlet available on gas models and a 2400-watt version expected for hybrids. The bed depth increased, raising total bed volume by seven percent, allowing a camp fridge to fit beneath the optional tonneau cover. Toyota dealers offered various Tacoma accessories, including camp fridges, rooftop tents, high-lift jacks, and wireless trailer cameras.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro came 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, though it lacked a tuning knob. It included Google-connected apps, with a Google icon at the top of the page. The infotainment system offered trailering status apps and average fuel economy when connected to a trailer. The Sierra Denali Ultimate featured a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro had a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, which worked well with the available head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant improvements in technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a 14-inch centre display available in Premium packages. Both screens ran Toyota's Audio Multimedia system, which was responsive and legible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a Qi wireless charging pad could be added, along with dual front and rear USB-C charging ports. The optional 10-speaker JBL sound system included a removable portable speaker, and pre-wired auxiliary switches allowed for accessory operation. The Tacoma offered a trailer brake controller and a Panoramic View Monitor, enhancing towing capabilities. A wireless trailer camera accessory was also available.

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 driver assistance features, including 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's rear headrests flipped down for improved rearward visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided added visibility. The Denali Ultimate trim featured a surround-view camera system and parking sensors for easier maneuverability.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with its standard electric power steering. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist, and more. The Tacoma also offered road-sign assist and an emergency stop system. Adaptive cruise control was enhanced with four following distance choices. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Official safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Toyota aimed for a Top Safety Pick award with the new standard features.