History/Overview
The Sierra 1500 is GMC’s long-running full-size pickup model, and one of General Motors’ two quarter-ton trucks, the other being the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. GMC introduced the current generation in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, GMC has added available features to make trailer towing easier. They include a jack-knife alert system and a trailer-length indicator.
Available Trims
GMC offers the Sierra 1500 in base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. You can choose from regular cab/short bed, double cab/standard bed, crew cab/short bed, and crew cab/standard bed configurations.
There’s a similarly wide range of engines: choose from a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder; a 4.3L V6; a 3.0L inline-six diesel; a 5.3L V8; and a 6.2L V8.
Transmission choices are between 6-, 8- and 10-speed automatics, and rear- or four-wheel drive.
Standard Features
In base trim, the Sierra’s exterior wears 17-inch painted silver wheels, black door handles and side mirrors, chrome bumpers, rear bumper with corner steps, front LED signature lighting, LED headlights and taillights, cargo bed lighting, and a locking tailgate.
Inside, there’s a 3.5-inch driver info display, manual front seat adjustments, a 12-volt power outlet, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tilt-only steering, power windows/door locks/mirrors, vinyl flooring and seat upholstery, and air conditioning.
Sierra’s standard safety features include tire pressure monitoring, a rear seat reminder, and a teen driver system.
SLE trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colour door handles, LED cargo bed lighting, chrome exterior trim, tinted glass, heated side mirrors, a locking rear differential, remote engine start, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, passive keyless entry, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, tilt-and-telescopic steering, an EZ lift tailgate, a rear 12-volt power outlet, a trailering package, a 4.2-inch colour driver info display, carpeted flooring with vinyl mats, cloth seats, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, hitch guidance, and OnStar.
Elevation trim brings 20-inch wheels, body-colour bumpers, a heated steering wheel, LED fog lights, rear-window defroster, and an anti-theft system.
SLT trim downsizes to 18-inch wheels and adds back chrome bumpers, a MultiPro tailgate, power-folding/auto-dimming side mirrors, ProGrade trailering, rear signature LED lighting, a 10-way power front passenger seat, 120-volt power outlets, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, carpeted floor mats, an HD backup camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather upholstery, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone integration.
AT4 trim also gets 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, black exterior trim, a spray-on bedliner, front bucket seats with centre console, heated rear seats, premium floor liners, and ventilated front seats.
Finally, Denali trim once again upgrades to 20-inch wheels and chrome exterior trim, and also brings chrome assist steps, blind spot monitoring with lane change alert, front rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, perimeter lighting, a power sliding rear window, navigation, an 8.0-inch driver info display, an upgraded stereo, premium perforated leather seating, GM’s safety alert seat, and wireless smartphone charging.
Key Options
Upscale features standard in many of Sierra’s upper trims are available in lower-end models. Denali can be had with an Ultimate package of power side steps, sunroof, adaptive cruise, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. It also bundles in a Tech package of a rear camera mirror, bed-view camera, and a head-up display.
Fuel Economy
GMC’s fuel consumption estimates for the Sierra 1500 vary widely. All figures cited here are for 4WD models.
The 3.0L diesel is most efficient, at 10.6/9.2 L/100 (city/highway); next is the 2.7L four-cylinder, rated at 13.0/11.4 L/100 km; the 5.3L V8’s estimates are 14.3/10.7 L/100 km, but the AT4 is rated for 14.7/11.2 L/100 km; finally, the 6.2L V8’s ratings are 15.1/11.5 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The GMC Sierra 1500’s competition comes from the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, as well as the GM’s own Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Other competitors are the Nissan Titan, and Toyota’s Tundra.
