Jan 12, 2023

If you’re looking to tow heavy objects for work or leisure, then you need a well-engineered truck to help you do so. The towing capacity on the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is fantastic. Both trucks deliver with hardiness, strength, and versatility to support any need. If you’re trying to decide between these two vehicles, then it’s essential to understand the nuances between the towing capacities so you can find the one that best suits your needs. We’ve outlined the main differences below, and then the choice is up to you.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

GMC 2023 Sierra 1500

2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is another excellent choice as a towing vehicle, offering best-in-class diesel horsepower and a four-wheel drive towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds, only slightly less than the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s maximum.

While its attractive re-engineered design comprises a fiber-cargo bed that is lighter and stronger than steel and comes with the choice of a brand-new turbo diesel engine, it still offers many of last year’s favorites such as Super Cruise technology and a 15-inch head up display. New owners can also expect a choice of nine exterior color options and an AT4X off-road trim for adventures.

Towing Capacity

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds with its brand-new turbo diesel engine when properly equipped and a maximum payload rating of 2,270 pounds. The full towing capacity depends on a variety of factors, including whether the car is two- or four-wheel drive, what cab structure it has and the engine and trailering equipment it comes with.

Tow Package

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with an optional trailering package that allows you to get the highest tow rating from your truck which is the full 13,300 pounds capacity. It comes complete with the following:

  • A more efficient radiator for maximum cooling.
  • A 3.42 axle ratio
  • A 9.76-inch rear axle
  • A redesigned shock tuning
  • A 220-amp alternator
  • An automatic locking rear differential
  • Heavy-duty springs at the back

Towing Capacity by Engine Type

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is a fifth-generation light-duty pickup truck that comes with a choice of four engine types. The baseline engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter gasoline. Next up is the 5.3-liter V-8 gasoline engine, followed by the 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Finally, all new for the 2023 model, there’s the 3.0-liter turbo diesel Duramax. The towing capacity, horsepower, and torque for each engine are as follows:

  • 2.7-liter turbo high-output four-cylinder: 9,400 pounds of towing capacity, 310 horsepower, 430 lb-ft of torque
  • 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 AFM: 11,200 pounds of towing capacity, 355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque
  • 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8: 13,000 pounds of towing capacity, 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel: 13,000 pounds of towing capacity, 305 horsepower, 495 lb-ft of torque

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevrolet 2023 Silverado 1500

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-sized pickup truck with various customizable options to suit your needs. Whether it’s for an ideal camping holiday or work vehicle, it promises four-wheel drive for managing off-road terrain, three cab options, which are regular, double, or crew cab, and a choice between a short, standard, or long bed truck. With four engine selections, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 delivers an impressive towing capacity and comes with hands-free driving technology for peace of mind.

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. This capacity depends on various factors, such as the truck’s engine type and whether your vehicle comes with a tow package.

Tow Package

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn’t include a tow package as part of the standard package. However, you can add the towing package to haul a trailer or other items with your truck. If you’re planning to use your Silverado for towing, you should consider the tow package when purchasing your vehicle. It comes complete with the following:

  • A trailer brake controller
  • A trailering hitch platform
  • A 2-inch hitch receiver
  • A four-pin connector
  • An automatic locking rear differential
  • A seven-pin wiring harness with a seven-way sealed connector

Towing Capacity by Engine Type

The towing capacity of each vehicle depends on the type of engine you go for as part of your package. The good news is that the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers four engine types that range from a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a 6.2-liter V-8 engine, all of which deliver an impressive amount of towing power. The towing capacity, horsepower, and torque for each engine are as follows:

  • 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: 9,500 pounds of towing capacity, 310 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel inline six-cylinder: 13,300 pounds of towing capacity, 305 horsepower, 495 lb-ft of torque
  • 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8: 11,500 pounds of towing capacity, 355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque
  • 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8: 13,300 pounds of towing capacity, 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque

Which Truck Is the Best?

Deciding whether the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is best is a personal choice. It depends on what towing capacity you’re looking for that will best suit your needs.

For example, if you’re towing heavy equipment for work and you’re looking for the absolute maximum towing capacity, then you may wish to opt for the Chevrolet Silverado’s most powerful 6.2-liter engine that offers 13,300 pounds of towing power. Whereas, if you’re only looking to tow a trailer or a caravan on holiday several times a year, then the GMC Sierra 2.7-liter turbo engine will be more than sufficient for your needs.

Check out our inventory online of new trucks to see what we currently have in stock. If you’re still not sure which of these pickup trucks is best suited to your needs? Come down to our dealership in Seminole, Oklahoma and our experienced sales team will be more than happy to show you both trucks in greater detail and answer any further questions so you can decide which one is best for you.