2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Comparison Study

Design & Exterior

Ford F-150 Exterior

The 2023 Ford F150 measures approximately 231 inches in length and 80 inches in width. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design with chrome accents and a large grille.

The F-150 offers three cab options, each with its own bed size, allowing for a variety of configurations. The Regular Cab has a three-person bench seat, while the SuperCab has full-size front doors and a small second row that can accommodate five to six passengers. The SuperCrew offers the most legroom with a larger second row.

The F-150 bed has a standard depth of 21.4 inches and a width of 51.1 inches at its narrowest point. In other trim levels with larger beds, the 8.0-foot bed provides 77.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the 6.5-foot and 5.5-foot beds offer 62.3 and 52.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, respectively.

GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 measures approximately 229 inches in length and 80 inches in width. It has a bold and rugged look with angular lines and a large GMC emblem. The truck also boasts a class-exclusive carbon fiber reinforced cargo bed, providing a lightweight alternative to steel.

The Sierra's appearance can be customized based on the trim level. For instance, the Elevation trim features a monochromatic exterior with black grille and wheels, giving it a sleek and modern look. Meanwhile, the AT4 models offer a more rugged appearance while still maintaining a clean aesthetic, with highlights like red tow hooks and a 2-inch lift.

Finally, the Denali models show a more comfortable pickup truck vibe, thanks to chrome appointments, upgraded rims/wheels, and “Vader Chrome” on the Denali Ultimate trim package.

Engine & Performance

Both trucks reviewed are known for their engine and performance, with the F-150 being more renowned. Let's break down each to show the similarities and differences.

F-150 Engine Performance

The 2023 Ford F150 measures approximately 231 inches in length and 80 inches in width. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design with chrome accents and a large grille.

The F-150 offers three cab options, each with its own bed size, allowing for a variety of configurations. The Regular Cab has a three-person bench seat, while the SuperCab has full-size front doors and a small second row that can accommodate five to six passengers. The SuperCrew offers the most legroom with a larger second row.

The F-150 bed has a standard depth of 21.4 inches and a width of 51.1 inches at its narrowest point. In other trim levels with larger beds, the 8.0-foot bed provides 77.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the 6.5-foot and 5.5-foot beds offer 62.3 and 52.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, respectively.

Sierra 1500 Engine Performance

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a range of engine options as well, including a 2.7L Turbo, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds.

The Sierra 1500 offers varied customization options, with four engines, two transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive. The base configuration features a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The available V-8 engines include a 355-hp 5.3-liter and a 420-hp 6.2-liter, while a diesel six-cylinder option generates 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the 6.2-liter V-8 reaching 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The Sierra 1500 can also be equipped with adaptive dampers and large wheels up to 22 inches. While not as off-road capable as the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Sierra offers two dedicated off-road versions. The AT4 model features a 2.0-inch suspension lift and other off-road equipment, while the AT4X shares features with the Silverado ZR2, including spool-valve dampers, locking differentials, skid plates, and off-road tires. The AT4X AEV package adds even more serious off-road accessories.

Compared to the F-150, the Sierra 1500 has a rougher ride, but it handles satisfactorily with responsive steering and somewhat limited body roll.

Technology Features

F-150 Technology

The 2023 Ford F-150 comes standard with an incredibly user-friendly SYNC 4 infotainment system that's easy to navigate, thanks to logical menus and functions. The center stack features large buttons and knobs for quick adjustments on the fly.

While the standard 8-inch touch screen looks good, the optional 12-inch display is a standout feature, with crisp graphics that pop. The fully digital instrument cluster is another tech-forward highlight, putting the F-150 among the leaders in its segment.

The 2023 F-150's standard infotainment features include an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also opt for available upgrades like a 12-inch touch screen, navigation, and an eight- or 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Other features include satellite radio, HD Radio, and wireless device charging.

Beyond infotainment, the F-150 also offers additional available features that add to the truck's comfort and convenience. You can choose a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote start, and a moonroof to enhance your driving experience.

With its advanced infotainment and available features, the 2023 Ford F-150 is a top pick for drivers who want the latest in technology and driving convenience. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on an adventure, this truck has what you need to stay connected and comfortable on the road.

Sierra 1500 Technology

The 2023 Sierra 1500 also offers a range of technology and safety features, including a rearview camera, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. It also has a 13.4-inch touch screen display and a premium sound system.

The Sierra prioritizes driving with controls and improved materials across higher trim levels. The SLE model comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the top-tier trims offer additional features such as a heads-up display and power-adjustable steering column. The Denali Ultimate is the luxury-focused model, offering open-pore wood trim, leather surfaces, and massaging front seats with power adjustments. The Sierra 1500 also provides adequate interior storage space, including the option of a multi-configurable tailgate.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2023 Ford F150 has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds. On the other hand, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,010 pounds.

F-150 Towing & Payload Capacity Details

The Ford F-150 is a highly capable full-size pickup truck with impressive towing and payload capacities. It can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds, which are both exceptional figures for its class. However, it's worth noting that you can't achieve the maximum towing and hauling capacities in the same model, so you'll have to choose which one is more important to you.

If you're looking for maximum towing, you'll need to opt for the 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine and either the Super Cab with an 8-foot bed or the SuperCrew with the 6.5- or 5.5-foot bed. On the other hand, the maximum payload capacity is available in a Regular Cab model with the 8-foot bed and V8 engine.

For a well-rounded compromise between towing and payload capacity, the Super Cab or SuperCrew with either of the aforementioned engines are great choices. Most of those combinations yield more than 13,000 pounds of towing capacity and more than 2,900 pounds of payload capacity, making them excellent options for those who want a balanced full-size pickup truck.

Sierra 1500 Towing and Payload Capacity Details

The 2023 GMC Sierra offers a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds when equipped with the standard (6.6-foot) box, turbodiesel engine, and rear-wheel drive. The least expensive model capable of towing at this capacity is the Sierra SLE Double Cab Standard Box model with optional turbodiesel engine, 18-inch wheels, rear-wheel drive, and the Max Trailering package.

For the maximum payload capacity of 2,240 pounds, the Sierra Pro Regular Cab Standard Box with rear-wheel drive is required.

Safety & Driver Assist Technology

Ford F-150 Safety Features

If you're looking for a truck with advanced driver assist systems, the F-150 might just be your best bet. While the base XL doesn't offer advanced safety options, starting with the XLT, you'll get a comprehensive set of features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors. And if you upgrade to the Co-Pilot360 Assist system, you'll get even more driver assistance, like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering assist, evasive steering system, and speed-sign recognition. The Blue Cruise hands-free driving system is also available on higher trims.

It's not just the safety features that make the F-150 stand out. This truck also excels in government crash tests, earning a perfect five-star rating for overall, frontal, and side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick, highlighting its performance in various crash tests and its crash-prevention technologies.

GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Features

The half-ton Sierra also has a set of driver-assistance technologies. It's also available with nifty off-road assists, such as a Terrain Mode that allows one-pedal driving in low-speed situations. The GMC can be fitted with a multi-camera system that even has views where the driver can virtually see through a trailer if they're pulling one.

The Denali can be equipped with GM's Super Cruise hands-free-driving tech, which operates on a network of roads across the country and can even be put to use with a trailer attached. However, it'll only change lanes on its own if there's nothing hooked up to the truck.

For more information about the Sierra's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert