2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 maintained its bold and imposing exterior design, which had been updated in 2022 with a wider grille and modernized headlights. While these changes were more of a lateral move, the interior saw a significant transformation. The cabin shifted towards a more complex setup, featuring a large screen and a new infotainment system, which some found unnecessarily complicated for a work-focused truck. However, the base Pro trim retained the simpler, more straightforward layout, appealing to those who preferred the previous design.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick retained its familiar look, with a blocky front end and distinctive headlights. The Tremor package added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements like blacked-out logos and special color options. Inside, the Maverick's cabin was utilitarian, with a lot of hard plastic, but it offered a surprising amount of space and comfort. The interior could be upgraded with packages that added features like heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, providing a robust and lively driving experience. Two V8 options were also available: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 13,200 pounds with the diesel engine, and it offered a smooth and composed ride, although maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2023 Ford Maverick stood out with its standard hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid came with a CVT and FWD, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine offered 250 hp and the option for AWD. The Tremor package introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, enhancing off-road capabilities. The Maverick's towing capacity varied, with the EcoBoost engine capable of pulling up to 4,000 pounds, while the Tremor package reduced it to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab and short bed. This setup provided ample cabin space, with large storage trays and multiple compartments for convenience. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with its multiple configurations, including a step-up and workstation. The Sierra's design focused on practicality and functionality, making it a suitable choice for those needing a spacious and adaptable truck.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, even with the Tremor package, maintained its compact size, offering 42.8 inches of front legroom and 36.9 inches in the second row with the gas engine. The hybrid version slightly reduced rear legroom. Despite the abundance of plastic, the Maverick's interior was functional and could be upgraded with packages that added comfort features. The truck's compact dimensions made it a practical choice for urban environments, while still providing enough space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system, while higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated system included Google-connected apps and a logical layout, although some found the forced interconnectivity frustrating. The Denali Ultimate trim offered additional tech features like a wireless charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Maverick's tech offerings were modest, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that felt dated but functional. Standard features included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch LED driver-information display and additional USB ports. The Lariat's Luxury Package further enhanced the tech experience with an eight-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and GM's Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra's rear-vision camera mirror and surround-view camera system improved visibility and parking ease.

The 2023 Ford Maverick featured Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, offering standard safety technologies like automatic high beams and pre-collision assist. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns noted in crash tests. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention as Superior, but it received a Basic rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian at night.