GMC Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, though rooted in its 2019 design, continued to impress with its bold styling and diverse trim levels, ranging from the fleet-focused Pro to the luxurious Denali Ultimate. The truck's imposing exterior, characterized by a tall hood and broad grille, made a statement, albeit at the cost of some parking challenges. The Denali Ultimate model, with its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, stood out, while the AT4 and AT4X models emphasized off-road prowess. Inside, the Sierra's design was less remarkable, with materials that felt dated, but it compensated with a wealth of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power sunroof.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado offered a wide range of exterior looks depending on the trim level, from the work-oriented WT with its black plastic grille to the off-road-ready ZR2 with its unique hood and high-tech shocks. The ZR2 Bison package added even more rugged features, such as beadlock-capable wheels and boron steel skid plates. Inside, the Colorado boasted a digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with options for cloth or leather seating. The truck's interior was designed for practicality, with easy-to-reach controls and a comfortable front seating position, though rear-seat space was limited compared to some competitors.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both RWD and 4WD configurations. For those seeking more power, two V8 options were available: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Both V8s featured Dynamic Fuel Management and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra also offered a Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, standard on the AT4 and AT4X models. The diesel engine was praised for its smooth power delivery and towing capability, while the chassis provided a comfortable ride for a full-size truck.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine, generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided strong performance, with quick power delivery and smooth shifts. The Colorado's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum rating of 7,700 pounds, tying with the Jeep Gladiator for best-in-class. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the Trail Boss or ZR2 models, which offered increased ground clearance and advanced off-road features. The ZR2 Bison, in particular, provided over a foot of ground clearance and boron steel skid plates for ultimate off-road capability. The Colorado's Multimatic DSSV shocks and selectable drive modes further enhanced its off-road performance, while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered multiple cab and bed configurations, including a two-door regular cab with either a 6.6-foot or 8.1-foot bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with full-size rear doors and a choice of a 5.7-foot short bed or a standard bed. The Sierra's interior dimensions matched its Chevy Silverado twin, providing ample front headroom and legroom. However, the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips due to hard cushions and an awkward seating angle. The Sierra's Multi-Pro tailgate, available on SLE and higher models, offered six configurations for added versatility. Towing capacity ranged from 9,200 pounds for 4WD turbo-four models to 13,200 pounds for diesel trucks with RWD, while payload capacity reached a maximum of 2,240 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado featured a single cab and bed configuration: a four-door crew cab with a five-foot, two-inch short bed. This setup was popular among buyers, though those needing a longer bed had to look elsewhere. Inside, the Colorado's controls were easily accessible, with a clear digital gauge cluster and multiple display options. The front seats offered a comfortable, car-like seating position with sufficient headroom for tall occupants. However, the rear seat was more cramped, making it less suitable for taller passengers. The ZR2 Bison's suspension lift added a significant step up into the cabin, and its payload and towing capacities were reduced compared to other trims.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500's base Pro models featured a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, while SLE and higher models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Google-based interface provided seamless integration with Google apps, though Apple users could still enjoy their preferred experience. The touchscreen was well-sized for the cabin, with large icons and intuitive controls, complemented by analog controls for essential functions.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado's infotainment system was built on Google software, featuring an 11.3-inch touchscreen that integrated Google apps and services. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice recognition and Alexa Built-In connectivity. The dashboard included numerous buttons, dials, and switches, providing easy control over audio volume and interior temperature. While the abundance of buttons seemed outdated, it added to the truck's appeal for some buyers.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 received mixed results in IIHS testing, with a "Good" score in the driver-side small overlap front crash test but a "Marginal" score in the passenger-side version. It performed better in NHTSA testing, earning a five-star overall safety rating for crew cab models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Denali models could be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assistance system, which provided smooth and confident lane keeping.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado had not yet been rated by the IIHS, but it received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Chevy Safety Assist, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Additional features like blind-zone steering assist and a 360-degree camera system were optional. Chevy's Teen Driver technology was standard across all models, allowing parents to set speed and audio volume limits for other drivers.