2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Ford F-150

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 underwent a styling update in 2022, which maintained its already appealing design for a full-size truck. The changes included a wider grille and updated headlights, which, while enhancing the truck's sharp appearance, felt more like a lateral move rather than a significant transformation. The interior, however, marked a notable shift from its predecessor, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. This evolution introduced a large screen, replacing the simpler layout of the previous model. While the new infotainment system moved controls further down the dash, it retained traditional climate controls, a volume dial, and a home button, which some users might find unnecessarily complex for a work-focused truck.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford F-150 offered a wide array of configurations and trim levels, including options for different cab styles, bed lengths, and drive types. The base XL model was quite basic, while the King Ranch trim provided a luxurious experience with features like heated and ventilated leather seats and wood trim. Despite some mid-trim models having cheaper-looking surfaces, the F-150 retained chunky buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly even with gloves on. The exterior saw subtle tweaks, particularly in higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum, with new wheel options and distinctive accents on models like the Tremor. The interior introduced new earth tones, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of certain trims.

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 a boost in both 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's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) with the diesel engine and RWD, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds) with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The diesel engine provided a lively performance, aided by the 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Sierra's steering and braking were well-balanced, offering a smooth and composed ride.

The 2024 Ford F-150 featured a standard turbocharged 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, but the PowerBoost Hybrid was a standout option, delivering 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 lacked a diesel option, unlike its competitors. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, though the truck could feel wobbly when unladen. The Tremor variant came with a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, along with off-road enhancements like a lift and off-road-tuned shocks. The Raptor R variant boasted a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 with 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, making it a formidable off-road performer. The Raptor R's suspension upgrades allowed for high-speed desert running, with impressive handling even at triple-digit speeds.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with different bed lengths. Our test model featured a crew cab with a short bed, providing ample cabin space and storage options. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for water bottles, and a centre console with cup holders and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage, and the MultiPro tailgate offered versatile configurations for easy access to the bed. Bed steps in the rear bumper provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2024 Ford F-150 continued to excel in its truck capabilities, introducing the Pro Access tailgate with a 20/60/20 split for easier bed access. The tailgate could stop at various angles to avoid obstacles, and the truck featured a rear bumper step and lockable bed storage boxes. The Pro Power Assist allowed for powering accessories and tools, with gas-powered trucks offering a 2.0-kW generator and the PowerBoost hybrid providing 2.4 kW of power. The F-150's towing and hauling capabilities were impressive, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,123 kilograms (13,500 pounds) and a payload capacity of 1,018 kilograms (2,445 pounds) in specific configurations. The hybrid engine offered a towing rating of 5,080 kilograms (11,200 pounds) and a payload of 796 kilograms (1,755 pounds), while the Raptor R prioritized off-road performance over towing capacity.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with a carryover infotainment system in the base Pro trim, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other trims received an updated infotainment system with a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google-connected apps. The system had a logical layout with large icons and a home button, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Denali Ultimate trim included a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though the outlet's placement was less convenient. All trims except the base Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an available head-up display.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4, offering a quick learning curve and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included satellite radio, a 5G LTE wireless hotspot, and wireless charging. A 12-inch digital gauge cluster was also standard, with an available head-up display providing information on towing, off-roading, and driving assistance. The F-150 offered Ford Stolen Vehicle Services for enhanced security, and features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch tech made towing easier. The truck could back itself up to a trailer coupler automatically, and the Onboard Scale displayed payload weight.

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 trim included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving. The Sierra's rear headrests could be flipped down for improved visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a clear view even at night.

The 2024 Ford F-150 featured the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and cross traffic alert. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera and the Blue Cruise driving-assist system with lane-change assist and lane-repositioning. The NHTSA awarded the F-150 a five-star overall safety rating, with five-star side-crash and frontal-crash ratings. The IIHS gave the F-150 SuperCrew top scores in crashworthiness, though front crash testing revealed potential rear-seat passenger injuries. Seatbelt reminders and child seat anchors received lower ratings.