Professionals: Quiet and torque-rich Duramax diesel; premium inside; huge touchscreen on most trims; nice trailering tech
Cons: Worse trip than most rivals; AT4X priced like a Raptor however does not go like a Raptor
The 2023 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup is a barely extra upscale cousin of the Chevy Silverado, however didn’t at all times really feel prefer it. After a refresh final yr, the Sierra truly delivers on the upscale half, for probably the most a part of the equation with a cushty, high-quality inside and higher expertise in most trim ranges. It’s massively configurable, with 4 out there engines and 5 completely different cab/field combos. It’s additionally fairly succesful off-road with that AT4, AT4X and the soon-to-arrive AT4X AEV Version.
We’re keen on the range of tech out there within the Sierra, whether or not it’s the Google-powered infotainment with giant, easy-to-use screens, a transparent head-up show, quite a few digital camera feeds for trailering and off-roading, or GM’s Tremendous Cruise superior driver help system. We simply want that final one was out there on extra than simply the Denali trims.
When you’re in search of a truck whose functionality is matched by its livability, the GMC Sierra is worthy of your consideration, although yow will discover higher trip high quality in different manufacturers (we loved the trip within the AT4X, nonetheless). And whereas the AT4X has some true off-road functionality, if you happen to’re in search of a Baja-blasting supertruck, although, you’ll discover higher with the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram Insurgent TRX. When you don’t want the nicer inside or additional tech, you would possibly discover one thing extra matching your wants and pocketbook with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and even GM’s personal Chevy Silverado. It’s exhausting to go incorrect with any of these nameplates.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gasoline Economic system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2023?
After some nice updates for the 2022 mannequin yr, the adjustments for 2023 are comparatively minor. The value went up, sadly. The out there 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel has been revised for extra energy and effectivity. Later within the yr, the AT4X AEV Version will add much more off-road functionality to this luxury pickup. There are additionally some new exterior colours out there, a brand new Graphite Version for the Professional trim, and new 22-inch ultra-bright wheels for the Denali Final. GMC additionally did a bit of tinkering with which engines come commonplace or elective with which trims.
What are the Sierra inside and in-car expertise like?
There are literally three Sierra interiors. The bottom Professional (image above, beneath proper) will get the outdated ho-hum inside and 7-inch touchscreen interface (it has a completely acceptable GM interface), which is simply advantageous for a primary work truck just like the Professional. No complaints. The SLE, SLT and Elevation then get the identical new inside design as higher Chevy Silverado trim ranges (image above, beneath left), together with a extra interesting design, a console-mounted digital shifter for five-passenger interiors, higher switchgear, an upgraded instrument panel and, most notably, a 13.4-inch widescreen touchscreen working Google’s Android Automotive tech interface skinned specifically for GMC. The Sierra’s rival vehicles at these worth ranges come commonplace with smaller screens.
Apart from its accompanying display dimension, we’ve discovered the Android Automotive system to be straightforward sufficient to determine and admire how properly built-in it’s with Google Maps (versus streaming it by means of your cellphone from Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, that are each included BTW). You would have some points if you happen to’re making an attempt to navigate in an space with out cell information, so understanding obtain map content material beforehand might be wanted. Apart from that wrinkle, this interface is among the higher ones available on the market, although it’s additionally competing with Ram’s distinctive Uconnect and Ford’s strong Sync methods.
OK, so up to now, the whole lot we’ve mentioned would principally apply to the Chevy Silverado. The Sierra Denali, AT4 and range-topping AT4X and Denali Final trim ranges get a special-to-GMC inside design, every with their very own taste of luxurious. The AT4 trims preserve it severe with an all-black motif and gloss-black trim – the bottom AT4 will get some camel-colored seat accents, whereas the AT4X will get prolonged leather-based trim and extra characteristic content material. The Denali is ritzier, gaining wooden trim, prolonged leather-based and further alloy-look trim, plus the choice for a brown inside scheme. The Denali Final (pictured above, prime) then actually steps issues up with a novel “Alpine Umber” colour scheme accented with baseball-like stitching, distinction piping and a really cool topographic map of Denali (the mountain) embossed on numerous leather-based surfaces and etched into the gorgeous darkish wooden sprint trim. We take a deeper dive into it in our Sierra Denali Final Inside Evaluation.
How huge is the Sierra?
The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab affords limo-like sprawl-out area in its again seat aided by a colossal rear door. As anticipated, the Double Cab’s rear seatback is extra upright and fewer snug. Legroom could also be class-leading, however it’s nonetheless tight behind a tall driver, which means the Double Cab’s again seat is in the end finest suited to occasional use, or youngsters. At the very least its front-hinged rear doorways are a greater setup than the F-150 Tremendous Cab’s annoying clamshells. As ordinary, you may get a three-person 40/20/40 break up bench up entrance (all trims however AT4 and Denali) or bucket seats with a full middle console (not out there base or SLE).
What concerning the mattress? The thinner, taller partitions launched again in 2019 have resulted in a mattress that in the end holds greater than the rest within the phase not named Silverado. Higher nonetheless, most payload ranges from 1,550 to 2,250 kilos, which is usually a couple of hundred kilos greater than an F-150 (although the precise configuration from Ford affords extra) or Ram 1500. But, there may be extra to contemplate with the Sierra’s mattress than simply its quantity and payload. For starters, it affords the MultiPro tailgate, which offers myriad configurations which are significantly helpful when loading and unloading. You possibly can even outfit it with a devoted Kicker sound system. However wait, there’s extra! The Denali and AT4 trims will be geared up with the CarbonPro carbon fiber composite mattress that GMC says offers added “power, sturdiness and scratch resistance” to go along with a possible 59-pound weight discount relying on configuration. Mainly, it is a mattress and liner in a single.
What are the Sierra gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The bottom engine on the Professional, SLE and Elevation is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It has an eight-speed computerized and will get cylinder deactivation (sure, it could run on simply two cylinders). It achieves between 19 miles per gallon metropolis, 22 mpg freeway and 20 mpg mixed with 2WD. With 4WD, it will get 18/20/19 mpg. Trim ranges with mud tires lowers these estimates to 17/18/17.
Commonplace on the SLT and Denali, and elective on Professional, SLE and Elevation, is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed computerized transmission. With 2WD, it will get 16/21/18 mpg. With 4WD, it will get 16/20/18 mpg. Once more, mud tires drop gasoline financial system, this time to 16 or 17 mpg mixed relying on trim degree.
Commonplace on the AT4X and Denali Final, and elective on the SLT, AT4 and Denali, is a 6.2-liter V8 that displaces 6.2 liters and produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed transmission. It will get 15/19/17 mpg in all however the AT4 and AT4X, through which it will get 14/17/15 mpg due to these mud tires.
A 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six that produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque is commonplace on the AT4 and elective all different trims besides Professional and AT4X. It too will get the 10-speed computerized. It returns 24/29/26 mpg with 2WD, 22/27/24 mpg with 4WD or 21/23/22 mpg within the AT4.
What is the Sierra wish to drive?
Like each American full-size truck, the Sierra and Silverado’s driving expertise relies upon drastically on the engine you select – and as GM affords extra engines than anybody else, the unfold of distinction is even larger. Even earlier than the turbocharged four-cylinder was significantly upgraded for 2022, we discovered it to be as beefy and environment friendly as marketed, simply assuaging considerations that you may’t put a four-cylinder in a full-size truck. Nonetheless, if you happen to can swing the fee, the Duramax diesel engine is a more sensible choice – its torque matches the large 6.2-liter V8, its gasoline financial system might be vastly superior, and it is shockingly quiet.
However we’re guessing most Sierra patrons might be taking a look at a V8. In that case, we have discovered that 6.2-liter is clearly stronger than the 5.3-liter truck, however you additionally do not strictly want it. We have towed hefty hundreds with each, and the 6.2-liter is extra an instance of overkill than necessity. The supply of the Max Tow bundle on the Duramax diesel mannequin improves its max tow score to 13,200 kilos, making it a fair higher various to the large V8.
Up to now, nonetheless, the whole lot we have written additionally applies to the Silverado. The Sierra’s breadth of driving experiences is definitely even larger as a result of Denali trim’s adaptive dampers that present superior trip and physique management to the usual suspension. We have famous that Silverado/Sierra vehicles tend when driving over imperfect pavement for both punishing harshness (huge wheels) or unusually nautical bounding (small wheels). Neither happens with the extra civilized, big-wheeled Denali. When you’re in search of a purpose to decide on Sierra over Silverado and have the cash for a big-dollar truck, that is it.
As for the brand new AT4X, it’s off-road-ready ruggedness doesn’t imply you’re in for a tough trip. Its Multimatic DSSV shocks which are shared with the Silverado ZR2 make this beast extremely nice to dwell with, particularly contemplating the mannequin’s off-road pretensions. The trip is quiet and properly managed whether or not you’re cruising down a dry freeway or navigating a cratered gravel highway within the lifeless of winter. Commonplace tools contains some knobby all-terrain tires and digital locking entrance and rear differentials. When you plan to go off-pavement, GMC clearly now affords a greater choice than earlier than, whereas nonetheless offering the consolation you crave in on a regular basis driving. You possibly can’t get Tremendous Cruise within the AT4X, although.
What different GMC Sierra evaluations can I learn?
2022 GMC Sierra AT4X First Drive Evaluation
A deeper dive into what you get with the brand new Sierra AT4X, together with a prolonged off-road drive.
2022 GMC Sierra Denali Final Inside Evaluation
A deep dive into the brand new Denali Final inside, which positively lives as much as its final identify with considerably higher design and high quality.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: Are you able to sleep in it?
Autoblog Producer Christopher McGraw has a bizarre factor about sleeping in vehicles, so he made a video about sleeping within the Sierra AT4X. He goes in-depth within the accompanying article, too.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Driveway Check | Easy methods to use the GMC MultiPro Tailgate
Is it helpful utility, a advertising gimmick to promote extra vehicles, or a combination of each?
2022 GMC Sierra Tremendous Cruise First Drive | Now with trailering and computerized lane-changing
We take a look at out the Sierra with GM’s Tremendous Cruise superior driver help system, which lets you take your palms off the wheel and automates sure driving features on the freeway.
2019 GMC Sierra AT4 First Drive | Off-road overkill
We take a look at the off-road-oriented Sierra AT4 when geared up with the 6.2-liter V8 and Dynamic Gasoline Administration.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali First Drive | The extra issues change …
Our first drive of the current-generation Sierra Denali, together with extra in-depth details about its design and engineering. Though there have clearly been adjustments since then, the underlying engineering and mechanicals stay constant.
What’s the 2023 Sierra worth?
The 2023 GMC Sierra begins at $38,995 (together with $1,895 in vacation spot charges) for the bottom Professional trim in 2WD with the common cab and commonplace field. Costs differ wildly based mostly on configurations, trims and engines. The very best trims, the Denali Final and AT4X, Begin nearer to the mid-$80,000 level.
GM has repeatedly modified costs for the Sierra, however what you’ll see beneath is updated as of March 7, 2023. All embrace the $1,895 vacation spot cost, and are for rear-wheel drive until four-wheel drive is commonplace (AT4, AT4X and Denali Final). The engine in parentheses is commonplace energy plant for every trim degree.
- Professional: $38,995 (2.7-liter)
- SLE: $52,095 (2.7-liter)
- Elevation: $53,795 (2.7-liter)
- SLT: $57,745 (5.3-liter)
- AT4: $68,595 (Duramax)
- Denali: $67,595 (5.3-liter)
- AT4X: $83,595 (6.2-liter, just one out there)
- Denali Final: $83,995 (5.3-liter)
What are the Sierra security rankings and driver help options?
Each 2023 Sierra comes commonplace with ahead collision warning and computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help and computerized headlights. Blind-spot warning, together with protection whereas trailering, is elective on all trim ranges, aside from the Denalis and AT4X, which have it commonplace. Adaptive cruise management is elective as part of packages on all trims however the AT4X and Denali Final, which have it commonplace. GM’s glorious hands-free model of adaptive cruise management, generally known as Tremendous Cruise, is commonplace on the Denali Final. It additionally brings with it an enhanced computerized emergency braking system.
Whereas NHTSA hasn’t rated the 2023 mannequin, each cab model of the 2022 Sierra obtained the identical crash rankings from the federal government: 4 stars general, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars facet and 4 stars rollover. We don’t count on these to vary for 2023. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security provides the 2023 Sierra prime marks of “Good” in all however the small overlap entrance: passenger-side take a look at the place it obtained a second-worst “Marginal” rating. It additionally gave its LATCH youngster seat restraint system a rating of “Marginal” for ease of use. The IIHS hasn’t rated the Sierra’s headlights since its 2022 refresh.
