2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 maintained its sharp exterior design with a wider grille and updated headlights, following a styling update from the previous year. While these changes were more of a lateral move, the interior saw a significant transformation. The cabin evolved to resemble more of a daily driver car or SUV, featuring a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of its predecessor. This new setup, while modern, might have been seen as unnecessarily complicated for those seeking a straightforward work truck. The base Pro trim retained the simpler infotainment system, while higher trims like the Denali Ultimate offered luxurious features such as full-grain leather, massaging front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution rather than a complete redesign. The truck was available in several trims, each offering varying levels of luxury and functionality. The King Ranch trim, for instance, featured 20-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint job, and a beautifully styled interior with two-tone brown leather. The F-250's design was more about subtle sophistication, with less chrome and more dark tones. The truck's interior was equipped with modern amenities like an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system and auxiliary switches for electronic add-ons. The Super Duty's design was both functional and stylish, catering to those who needed a heavy-duty truck with a touch of luxury.

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, providing a lively driving experience thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra also offered two gas V8 engines: 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 truck's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) with the diesel engine, and its maximum payload capacity was 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds) with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The Sierra was smooth and composed on the road, though its maneuverability was limited in tight spaces.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered four engine options, including a base 6.8-litre gas V8 with 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. For more power, buyers could opt for a 7.3-litre V8 with 430 hp and 485 lb-ft. The diesel options included a 6.7-litre PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft, and a high-output version with 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured optimal power delivery, making the Super Duty lively from a standstill. The truck's towing capacity maxed out at 18,140 kg (40,000 lbs) with specific configurations, while its payload capacity reached 3,628 kg (8,000 lbs) with the right setup. The Super Duty was manageable in traffic, though its large size made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

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, multiple cup holders, and a deep centre storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage, and the MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations for convenience.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed. The SuperCab featured rear-hinged clamshell doors, providing a wide opening for the entire cab. Our test model included an optional Warn winch and a soft-opening tailgate, with bed steps for easy access. Inside, the F-250 offered numerous cupholders, a massive centre storage bin, dual glove boxes, and ample door storage. The Super Crew's rear seats folded up for a large cargo area, making it a practical choice for those needing extra space.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Pro trim, while other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The updated infotainment system included Google-connected apps and trailering status apps, though some users found the forced interconnectivity frustrating. The Sierra Denali Ultimate offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though its placement was less than ideal. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display were also available on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base model, while higher trims featured a 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The larger screen offered a logical layout and redundant dials for radio and climate controls. The F-250 also provided multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford's Trailer Navigation system allowed drivers to input trailer weight and dimensions for optimized routing, enhancing the truck's towing capabilities.

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 a surround-view camera system. GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system was also available, allowing for hands-free highway driving. The Sierra's rear-vision camera mirror and parking sensors aided in maneuverability and visibility.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, starting at the XLT trim, offered the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree parking camera system was particularly useful for navigating tight spaces. Our test model featured power-adjustable trailer mirrors and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system. Ford also offered a backup camera for when the tailgate was lowered, enhancing safety during towing and loading.