2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2023 GMC Sierra 2500: What’s the Difference?

At Buick GMC Brooksville, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of Buick and GMC vehicles in all shapes and sizes, designed to match as many budgets and driving needs as possible! If you’re looking to upgrade your Spring Hill commute with a powerful new pickup truck, we’ve got the perfect model for you: the GMC Sierra! The Sierra is the flagship pickup truck from GMC and is available in two distinct models: the light-duty 1500 and the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500. Today, we’re going to be comparing the details of the GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500, so you can stay informed as you shop for your next truck.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2500: Price & Trims

If you’re on the fence deciding between the GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500, price is a good place to start! As a light-duty truck, the Sierra 1500 is naturally more affordable than the heavy-duty 2500. The Sierra 1500 also gives you the advantage of choice, with eight available trim levels–including the all-new AT4X trim! The Sierra 2500 offers the five classic GMC trim levels–SLE, SLT, Pro, AT4, and Denali–and compensates its higher price with more powerful specs and capabilities. Compare starting prices below:

• 2023 GMC Sierra 1500: MSRP from $37,200
• 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD: MSRP from $42,200

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2500: Performance Specs 

Another key difference between the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500 is their engine options. As with trim levels, the GMC Sierra 1500 wins out in terms of number of choices, offering four available powertrains to the two offered by the 2500. However, the Sierra 2500 is the only model where you’ll find the top-level 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8, offering the most horsepower found between the two models as well as a staggering 910 lb-ft of torque! Here are the engine specs for both trucks:

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options

• 2.7L Turbo Engine: 310 hp / 420 lb-ft of torque 
• 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 Engine: 277 hp / 460 lb ft of torque 
• 5.3L V8 Engine: 355 hp / 383 lb-ft of torque 
• 6.2L V8 engine: 420 hp / 460 lb-ft of torque 

2023 GMC Sierra 2500 Engine Options

• 6.2L V8 Engine: 401 hp / 464 lb-ft of torque
• 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 Engine: 445 hp / 910 lb-ft of torque

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2500: Towing Capability

Finally, let’s see how the GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500 stack up in terms of towing capacity. Both models can haul plenty of cargo behind them, whether you’re commuting to and from a Inverness worksite or heading out on a road trip. But the Sierra 2500 is the clear winner here, offering 5,500 pounds more tow power than its light-duty counterpart.

• 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity: Up to 13,000 pounds
• 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing Capacity: Up to 18,500 pounds

Compare GMC Trucks in Brooksville at Buick GMC Brooksville!

If you’re still deciding between the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 or 2500, check out how they handle on the Hernando Beach roads for yourself! Just contact our office to see what we have available, and we’ll set up a test drive for you. You can also check out our model research hub if you want to learn more about the other Buick and GMC vehicles in our current lineup.