At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $30,100
- Towing capacity: 7,400 to 18,510 lbs
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
- Bed length: 69.6” to 98.4″
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 30 highway
- Engine: 2.7 L 4-cylinder , 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel , 4.3 L V6 , 5.3 L V8 , 6.2 L V8
The highly configurable, handsome, and powerful GMC Sierra tries hard to be everything to everybody, but does it succeed? For the most part, we say yes.
Interior
The Sierra receives top marks in two critical categories. In similarly priced trucks, it leads the pack for head/leg room and we also found its cabin noise to be hushed and peaceful. Other plusses include available seatback and under seat storage bins, wireless changing, and gorgeous leather in higher-priced models.
The truck is due for a refresh otherwise. Its cluttered (aka old-fashioned) dash controls and the generally simple interior (Denali/AT4 model excluded) need to be modernized in order to keep up with equally-priced but better styled competitors such as the Dodge Ram.
Exterior
If you can call a truck beautiful, this is the one. We love its exterior styling with contoured and muscular lines, a bold front grill, and unique head and tail light shapes. Sierra is such a looker, it took not one, but 2 of the top 5 ratings in JD Power’s Top-Rated 2021 Trucks in Appeal analysis. While it’s not so pretty on the inside, passers-by will turn heads when you meet them on the road or dirt.
But if you really want to get their attention, check out the MultiPro Audio System, cleverly built into the tailgate. This Bluetooth, 100-watt, exterior audio/speaker system has enough kick to provide music for you, and the rest of the parking lot, at your next tailgate party. Available on the SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali.
Features
Within the Sierra 1500’s 6 trims, there are nearly 40 available and standard features, as well as 19 different package options that offer everything from ventilated front seats to a carbon-fiber composite truck bed. The base model is predictably stripped down, but you can easily, if expensively, pick from a Chinese menu of items that will make your ride more enjoyable, safe, and capable.
While some features are trim-specific, we suggest every buyer make sure they get the driver alert packages for overall safety. Features in that package include front and rear park assist, lane change alert, blind zone alert, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
We also highly recommend the ProGrade Trailering System available in the heavy-duty series, whether you’re towing loads daily for work or just a weekend-boat and camper hauler. The system boasts 15 different camera views for monitoring hitch and load, as well as an industry-first “transparent” view that helps you to see “through” your trailer. In 2021, GMC also added a feature to the system that lets drivers see the predicted path of the trailer when backing up.
When it comes to harnessing power into handling, the Sierra performs adequately. Acceleration was smooth and steady and was at least on par with other vehicles in the class (e.g. Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado). Within the Sierra family, the ride is comfortable across the range. From the top-end Denali model to the base 1500, the trucks share a good road feel and, even amongst vehicles equipped for off-road use, have steady handling characteristics. Cornering is only ok, and the truck does have a “floaty” feel that some drivers will dislike.
Power & Handling
As we alluded to earlier, there’s a Sierra model/engine combo for nearly every kind of buyer out there. The 1500 comes standard with a 285-horsepower 4.3L V6 engine that delivers 305 lb. -ft. of torque and the most mileage efficiency in the range.
If you’re greedy for more power, the only question is how much can you handle? The 2500HD features a 401-horsepower 6.6L Flex Fuel V8 motor that generates 464 lb.-ft. of torque and is also available a 6.6-litre V8 Diesel Turbo engine that delivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft of torque. The 2500HD can tow up to 18,510 lbs., compared to the relatively modest 9,500 lbs. max the 1500 tops out at.
But why stop there? The 3500HD, which also comes in a chassis cab (CC) configuration, includes the same engine options of the 2500HD, but offers a dual-rear wheel version that, impressively, nearly doubles the max payload of the 2500.
All above models are available in 4 wheel drive and, with 6 trims and 3 cab configurations in the Sierra family, we hope you’re hungry for a smorgasbord of options. Our advice? Visit your dealer and plainly state your wants and needs. They will help you parse through your choices and land on the vehicle that meets your requirements.
Final Thought
The GMC Sierra is one of the most popular work trucks on the market for a reason. It has a handsome exterior, spacious cabin and enough engine and trim options to meet the needs of the most finicky truck buyer. Check out the brochure and visit your dealer prepared to be impressed.
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