The GMC Sierra 1500 comes in six different drivetrain configurations and one of five distinct body styles - regular cab with a long or standard bed, crew cab with a short or standard bed, and double cab with a standard bed. Beyond that, the 1500 can be equipped with configurations that include a 4.3L V6 that produces 285 horsepower, a 2.7L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, a 5.3L V8 making 335 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque and finally, a 3.0L inline-6 cylinder turbo diesel making 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque. The Sierra also offers a powerful 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 delivering up to 420-horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque, also capable of offering a payload capacity of 9400 lbs.
All 1500 and Sierras come with the option of 4-wheel drive except Denali where All-wheel drive is standard. Maximum tow ratings top out at 12,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Trim levels for the 1500 come in five different flavors. Sierra, SLE, SLT, Elevation and Denali.
In standard Sierra trim, the Sierra is fairly basic with automatic windows and door locks, air conditioning, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two USB ports and Teen Driver Safety suite as standard equipment.
SLE versions add OnStar, heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with audio controls, 8-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers, dual-zone climate control, SiriusXM radio capability, cruise control, two 12V power sockets, four USB ports, remote keyless entry with remote engine start and a EZ Lift/Lower tailgate.
The SLT trim includes leather upholstery seating, steering wheel mounted audio controls, power adjustable pedals and power-folding mirrors with tilt down function and GMC's MultiPro Tailgate.
Denali versions come in only one trim level and in crew cab and short-bed. Regardless of bed-length, the Sierra Denali includes an 8-inch color touch screen, 7-speaker, wireless phone charger, six USB ports, ventilated driver/front passenger seats, a rear-camera mirror, a surround view camera system. The Denali also comes with a unique grill and other selected trim. Standard safety features on the Denali include blind spot warning, rear collision warning front/rear parking sensors,
GMC's AT4 off-road model includes a 2-inch lift, off-road Rancho shock-absorbers, Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, high-clearance step, a standard V8 with four-wheel drive and special tires for back roads.
Available safety equipment includes front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, automatic braking, and lane-change alert with blind-zone alert. However, more common items such as a rear seat entertainment system, a navigation system, wireless mobile device charging, a remote locking tailgate and a sunroof are also available on the Sierra.
Many Configuration Possibilities
High Towing Capacity
Pro Grade Trailering System
Standard Luxury Options
For 2021, the GMC Sierra 1500 returns with many updates and changes, including new standard features, new exterior colors, new wheel options, enhanced trailer-assistance features and other package-related changes.
The GMC Sierra derives a lot of value from being extremely customizable. Even in its most basic form, the Sierra feels upscale, but still extremely capable. The Sierra is affordable enough that owners will feel comfortable using the truck in the utilitarian way it was intended. Furthermore, updates to the MultiPro tailgate and Prograde Trailering system are a real game-changer in this competitive truck market. Denali editions offer plenty of luxury for those who want a truck that both works hard and coddles its occupants. The Sierra competes with many other pickup trucks in its class, such as the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and its close sibling; the Chevrolet Silverado.
