The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is the perfect example of how trucks have changed for the better in the past decade or so. The Sierra got a complete overhaul for the 2022 model year when the manufacturer decided to implement a lot of the feedback it gathered from its customer base, so most features stay the same for the new model year.
The result is a powerful, highly versatile, comfortable, and spacious pickup truck that looks every bit as attractive as the average crossover on the market.
Engine options
While almost every other vehicle presentation out there begins by discussing exterior design, for trucks it’s more appropriate to start things off by looking at what’s under the hood.
The 2023 Sierra 1500 can be ordered with one of four different engines. The lineup includes three gas engines, two of which are V8s, and a turbodiesel aimed at drivers that are interested in saving fuel.
The base engine is a tried-and-true turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can belt out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic and it can tow up to 9,100 pounds.
The next available gas engine is a mighty 5.3-liter V8 that will up the output to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Depending on whether you order it with Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the 5.3-liter comes with an 8- or 10-speed automatic and can tow up to a whopping 11,200 pounds.
Finally, the biggest gas engine available is the 6.2-liter V8 that can churn out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter is also the strongest gas engine when it comes to towing ability with a maximum capacity of 13,000 pounds.
If you’re looking for better fuel economy paired with an even greater towing capacity, then the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine is the answer to your needs. It can produce 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and with the right configuration it will tow up to 13,200 pounds.
The Sierra 1500 comes with many powertrain options, all designed to cater to different needs. From fuel-conscious to raw power and anything in between, there’s a perfect Sierra engine for everyone.
Exterior design
The days of boxy, no-nonsense trucks are long gone. The modern truck needs to look good while getting the job done. With buyer expectations continuously on the rise, manufacturers everywhere have adapted their models to the new needs of the market. And that’s why, for its 2022 overhaul, the Sierra 1500 got a modern, almost premium exterior look.
Still every bit as imposing as it always was, the latest rendition of the Sierra comes with a huge front grille that’s flanked by two C-shaped LED headlights. The higher trims get draped in chrome and the model’s big dimensions are well-balanced from front to back.
Standard features and trims
One of Sierra’s biggest selling points is just how versatile it is. With 4 engines and three cab configurations to choose from, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 can also be ordered in eight different trims that span from very affordable, spartan trims to downright luxurious ones.
The base model is dubbed the Sierra 1500 Pro and it’s as close to an old-school truck as they come these days. Order it and you’ll get the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine plus 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beams, chrome bumpers, heated exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, vinyl floor coverings, a tilt-only steering wheel, cloth or vinyl upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, a 7-inch color touch, plus both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The 2023 Sierra also comes with some high-tech safety features as standard, the most notable of which are the Frontal Collision Mitigation and the Lane Keeping Assist systems.
The most sought-after trim is the middle Elevation. It is about 25% more expensive than the base trim but it offers great value for money as it includes everything listed under the Pro trim plus 20-inch alloy wheels, body-color door handles, LED bed lighting and fog lights, a trailer hitch receiver, the MultiPro configurable tailgate with power lock/release, a rearview camera with trailer hitch guidelines, an automatic-locking rear differential, remote start, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, carpeted flooring, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a full-color digital gauge cluster, a much bigger 13.4-inch color touchscreen infotainment display, a digital instrument panel, two extra USB ports, dual 120-volt power outlets, a state-of-the-art heated, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, satellite radio, and cloth upholstery. The Elevation also comes with increased towing capacity and a single-speed transfer case on 4WD models. Even more, the Elevation can also be fitted with the 5.3-liter V8 or the diesel turbocharged engine, both options being absent from the base trim.
Visit us here at Northwest Hills Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac in Torrington, Connecticut to see just how good modern trucks have gotten. If you pay us a visit not only will you be able to see the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 in real life but you’ll also get guidance from our dedicated sales team and what’s better, you’ll be able to take the model out for a test drive.