The GMC Sierra stands out with its helpful technology and all-around utility. We also like its available 6.2-liter V8 and rugged off-road upgrades. Better value can be had elsewhere for a light-duty pickup, but the Sierra is certainly the best interpretation of the GM family of trucks.
The GMC Sierra 1500 had a rough start when it was redesigned in 2019. It fell well short of expectations for interior quality, technology and ride comfort when compared to its contemporaries. A significant overhaul for 2022 helped to address many of those drawbacks but not enough to surpass its primary rivals.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 continues largely unchanged from last year. The AT4 trim gains several standard safety features and some new paint and wheel choices. A new AEV Edition package is available on the AT4X trim, featuring a front-bumper winch, additional steel skid plates and black 18-inch wheels. Despite these latest enhancements, the Sierra 1500 and its less luxurious Chevrolet Silverado twin remain somewhat compromised choices against the leading Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. We lay out all of its upsides and flaws in the Expert Rating below. As accomplished as the Sierra 1500 is, we're confident you'll agree the competition holds a slight edge.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.7
out of 10
We drove the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Sierra 1500 drive? Our test truck came as a crew cab with four-wheel drive and the optional 6.2-liter V8. At our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly and promptly. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to come to smooth stops in routine driving.
We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra's front seats aren't quite as plush as those in the F-150 and Ram 1500, but they're comfortable and good for long trips. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck absorbs most small impacts well. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.
The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the heated split front seats — offering separate settings for the seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive, too. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments, and dialing in a pleasing driving position wasn't an issue for drivers tall or short.
We like the Sierra's latest interior control layout. Knobs, buttons and switches are easy to find and satisfying to press, click or turn. The touchscreen boots up quickly and is responsive to commands. But visibility can be a challenge in full-size trucks, and the Sierra's styling does it no favors. Shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the truck's hood, and thick side pillars can also impede your sight lines. It's a good thing an excellent surround-view camera system is available.
Technology
9/10
How’s the tech? Technology is a strong point in the Sierra. An available 13.4-inch touchscreen offers a wide range of capability without confusing the user, and the high-resolution screen responds quickly to presses or swipes. The maps are clear, and navigation finds addresses and points of interest quickly. Plus, the Google-powered voice recognition system understands natural language and reads your commands back to you on the screen. With your voice, you can change the station, adjust the climate control and more.
Our test truck came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, both with wireless connectivity. CarPlay looked great on the massive screen. There's a dedicated storage space for your smartphone, and some models include a wireless charger. Driver aids are abundant, with several available exterior cameras that help when parking this behemoth of a truck. The rear cross-traffic warning system and its helpful buzzes in the seat bottom are effective too.
Adaptive cruise control generally works well, particularly for such a large vehicle. However, we did experience some aggressive and abrupt braking in our test truck when driving in stop-and-go traffic. GM's hands-free driver assist technology, Super Cruise, is available, but only on the range-topping Denali Ultimate trim — Ford offers its similar BlueCruise system on several F-150 trims.
Towing and Storage
8/10
How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is big, with tie-downs galore, and the bed steps are useful. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best in class but are very respectable.
Inside, the large center console provides sufficient space for your small items, though it does take up a lot of room between the seats. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says a Sierra with the big V8 and 4WD should get 17 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is respectable, though you can get higher fuel efficiency from the hybrid powertrains in the F-150 and Toyota Tundra. On our mixed-driving evaluation route, our test truck posted 17.6 mpg, indicating that the EPA estimates are realistic.
Value
7/10
Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricier trim levels. The interior is well built and sturdy, and the quality of materials feels much nicer than in years past. But other than the split-and-folding MultiPro tailgate, there's not a whole lot in truck terms that can justify the big price premium. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.
GMC's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.
Wildcard
7/10
These days, a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas, with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, and it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better and often at less expense.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in eight trim levels: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate. The Sierra 1500 is also available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (it's a crew cab but with less rear seat space) and crew cab. Not all trims are available in all configurations. There are also three bed lengths available depending on the cab configuration.
Which Sierra 1500 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The SLE trim finds an optimal balance between features and price. It adds a lot of items that transform the basic work rig into a truck more appropriate for personal and family use. These include cruise control, carpeting, heated seats and the versatile MultiPro tailgate.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
We purchased a 2023 GMC Sierra Denali recently and have been experiencing a shudder and shaking when driving since day one. We took it to the dealer to have it checked out. The service manager acknowledged the shudder and told us that it was in an acceptable range and that GMC has bad transmissions. When talking with the sales staff and sales manager, they also indicated that many people … have had the same complaints. The sales manager took my information and told me he would check into things and get back to me. That was almost a month ago and still no call. I have since talked to my sales person and she also told me that she would get back to me. That has been several weeks now. I didn’t expect when paying $75,000 for a new truck that we would feel like we are driving down a cobblestone road. Very disappointed. No calls, no response. Don’t NOT buy a GMC!
2023 1500 Duramax. Towed to dealer twice.
1 out of 5 stars
seatoskyguy, 05/22/2023
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A)
The fit and finish is good, fuel mileage is good, but had DEF sensor failure within the first week of ownership, towed to dealer. Two days ago left stranded in the bush, with full shut down while driving and no restart, the truck has 3000 kms on it. Had to hike out 10 kms to get signal to get a pick up. Will be without a truck again. Complete bullsh*t that a brand new truck has full … failures like this. When talking with GMC Roadside assistance, huge hassle to get the truck recovered. I have owned a 2019 1500, 2021 3500 and now this lump. Will never buy a GMC again. I know Dodge and Ford are no better, but sick of issues with brand new trucks.
Why has GM become so cheap.
2 out of 5 stars
Jim, 04/05/2023
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
I just recently bought a 2023 GMC Sierra. I have driven GM vehicles all of my life and this is actually the third new truck I've bought since 2018 and several before that. I have always liked them and was always happy with the way that GM did business until now. To my surprise they don't include an Owners manual or maintenance manual with a truck that you paid $63,000 for. As I contacted … them about this I learned that I could purchase one for $50. I could understand it if you lost it or bought a used one and it didn't have one in it. I just think it's pretty cheap not to provide one with a $63,000 vehicle. It makes me wonder where else they are cutting corners. The next time I trade, I will look at other brands.
Former RAM owner
5 out of 5 stars
NewGMCOwner, 06/05/2023
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
As a former RAM owner (since 1991) I would like to offer the following comparisons. The GMC has a better feel when driving. The RAM with Hemi has more horsepower but the GMC is no slouch with the 5.3 engine. The GMC SLT trim looks to be more luxurious than the RAM Laramie trim. Gas mileage is slightly better on the GMC. So far I am well pleased with the GMC.
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