2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel

　　

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.94 per gallon for diesel in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$225/mo  for Sierra 1500 AT4

　　Sierra 1500 AT4

　　AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A) (Most Popular) - $66,700 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $67,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below