GMC Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in nine trims, offering a variety of configurations to suit different needs. Buyers could choose from a two-door regular cab with either a standard or long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, or the popular crew cab with options for a standard or short bed. The off-road-focused ZR2 model was exclusively available in the crew cab, short bed configuration. The Silverado's exterior, refreshed in 2022, maintained its appeal with squinty headlamps, angular daytime running lights, and a large grille that varied in style depending on the trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch steelies on the base model to 22-inch chrome wheels on the High Country trim. Inside, the Silverado boasted a modern cabin with improved materials, leather upholstery on higher trims, and open-pore wood trim. The truck featured numerous screens but retained physical controls for essential functions.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, dating back to the 2019 model year, had been consistently updated, with minimal changes for 2024. The lineup included Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate models. The Sierra's bold styling featured a tall, flat hood and broad grille, which, while distinctive, posed challenges when parking. The Denali Ultimate model's 360-degree camera system helped mitigate visibility issues. The Sierra's interior design was blocky, and even in the Denali Ultimate trim, materials were unremarkable. However, the truck offered numerous creature comforts, including a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered four engine choices. The standard engine was a turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two V8 options were available: a 5.3-litre and a 6.2-litre, with the latter producing 420 horsepower. Both V8s were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Silverado ZR2 model tested featured a 3.0-litre six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine, delivering 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. This diesel engine provided strong performance and smooth shifts, making it a standout choice for towing. The ZR2 trim included a 5-centimetre lift, front and rear differential lockers, and Multimatic shocks for excellent off-road capability. The ZR2 Bison package added steel bumpers, skid plates, rock rails, and smaller 18-inch wheels for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two V8 options were available: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both V8s featured Dynamic Fuel Management and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra also offered a Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine was standard on AT4 off-road models and provided excellent torque for towing. The Sierra's chassis offered a comfortable ride, but it couldn't match the refinement of a luxury car or SUV. Off-road variants included the AT4 with a lift kit, Rancho shocks, and skid plates, and the AT4X with additional features like a front locker and Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of configurations, from basic to luxurious. The WT trim featured vinyl seats, a small infotainment screen, and manual seats, while the High Country trim boasted 10-way power seats, a Bose stereo system, ventilated front seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ZR2 trim was similar to the High Country but lacked some features like power-adjustable steering and power-retracting side steps. The crew cab configuration provided 1,102 mm of rear legroom, making it ideal for adults, while the double cab was better suited for children or cargo. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the diesel engine allowing for a maximum of 6,032 kilograms, while the ZR2 model could tow 4,082 kilograms. Payload capacity also varied, with the four-cylinder engine offering the best rating at 1,025 kilograms, while the ZR2 model had a payload capacity of 816 kilograms. The Silverado featured 12 tie-downs in the bed and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate for added versatility.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered multiple cab and bed-length configurations, including a regular cab with standard or long beds, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with full-size rear doors and more rear-seat room. The crew cab could also be paired with a short bed for easier manoeuvrability. The Sierra's dimensions matched its Silverado sibling, offering higher cargo-box volume than competitors. The crew cab's second row was spacious but lacked comfort due to hard cushions and an awkward seating angle. The Multi-Pro tailgate, available on SLE and higher models, offered six configurations, including a bed step and a centre section for securing longer items. The Sierra's towing capacity ranged from 4,173 kilograms for turbo-four models to 5,987 kilograms for diesel trucks. The Sierra's maximum payload capacity was 1,016 kilograms, slightly less than the Silverado's. The Sierra's CarbonPro bed was available on select models, offering added durability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a seven-inch touchscreen and an analog gauge cluster on the two bottom-level trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims, starting with the LT, offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and clear graphics. Google was integrated into the system, providing access to Google Maps and voice recognition. The Silverado excelled in trailering technology, offering up to 14 camera views, including hitch and parking views, and a towing checklist. An available rear camera mirror provided a wide-angle view, and a 15-inch colour head-up display projected driving and navigation information onto the windshield.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500's base Pro models featured a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SLE and higher models offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Google Built-In features. The Google-based interface provided access to Google apps, while Apple CarPlay offered a familiar experience for non-Android users. The 13.4-inch touchscreen was well-suited to the cabin, with large icons and easy navigation. GMC retained analog controls for essential functions like audio volume and climate control, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The Teen Driver program allowed parents to set parameters and access a driving report card. Optional safety features included a vibrating safety alert driver's seat, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available, and the High Country trim offered Super Cruise for hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads. The NHTSA awarded the Silverado a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave mixed ratings, with "Good" for driver-side crashworthiness but lower scores for passenger-side and front crashes.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 demonstrated that size doesn't always equate to superior crash protection. In IIHS testing, the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab received a "Good" score in the driver-side small overlap front crash test but a "Marginal" score in the passenger-side version. It also received "Good" scores in moderate overlap front and side crash tests, but an "Acceptable" score in the updated side crash test. The Sierra performed better in NHTSA testing, earning a five-star overall safety rating and five stars for side-crash protection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and park assist. Denali models offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assistance system, with an active lane-change feature.