2021 GMC Sierra 1500

Picking a full-size truck to buy in the USA is a tricky thing. Cast aside the allegiances you might have to your favorite brands and there really are no truly bad trucks in the full-size segment. However, a few have somewhat fallen behind the best, like the GMC Sierra 1500. How can it be that the Sierra 1500 isn't one of the top dogs when it constantly contributes towards GM being one of the biggest truck-sellers in the US? Simple, the competition includes the Ram 1500 and the all-new Ford F-150, both of which have moved the game on substantially since the fifth-gen Sierra debuted in late 2018. But the Sierra isn't a truck without its merits, boasting a broad array of engines including a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six with 277 horsepower, a 4.3L gasoline V6, and your choice of two V8s measuring up to 6.2 liters in displacement. A towing capacity of up to 11,800 lbs is also handy, as are three cab styles and a host of new technologies geared towards making towing easier. But with a relatively drab interior and less comfort and tech than some rivals, can the Sierra 1500 still hold its own against newer trucks?

If you want to buy a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, best to keep away from crows and magpies. The one thing you do get as standard across the range is chrome. It is available in three different cab configurations and two load bed options, but even the most basic regular cab workhorse has a massive piece of chrome surrounding the grille. The higher up you go, the more chrome GMC adds. LED exterior lights are standard across the range, and wheel sizes range from 17-inch on the workhorses to optional 22-inch alloys on Denali and Elevation models.

The only static measurement across the entire range is the width of 81.2 inches, with the rest of the dimensions changing based on a number of factors. Overall length is 229.6 inches on the Regular Cab with an eight-foot bed, 231.7 inches for Double Cabs with a 6.6-foot bed and Crew Cabs with a 5.8-foot box, and 241.3 inches for a Crew Cab with a 6.6-foot bed. The Regular Cab has a 139.5-inch wheelbase, while the Double Cab rides on a 147.4-inch wheelbase. The same figures count for the Crew Cab in standard and AT4 format, but with a 6.6-foot bed, the wheelbase increases to 157 inches. The AT4 trim adds another 0.1 inches to the wheelbase. Heights vary substantially, too, ranging from 75.4 inches on a Crew Cab 2WD with the medium-sized box to 78.5 for the Double Cab AT4.

The Sierra is a substantial piece of machinery, with a curb weight to match. The base Regular Cab has a curb weight of 4,430 lbs, while on the other end of the spectrum, the heaviest is the 5,340-lb Crew Cab AT4, only available with the 4x4 drivetrain. Speaking of the latter, it comes with the most impressive set of off-road-related figures. The approach, breakover, and departure angles are 28.7, 20.4, and 27.2 degrees, respectively.

The GMC Sierra is offered with an impressive color palette, now 14 colors strong. Not all color options are available across the range, but a nice selection of options is provided even from the base. Summit White is the only no-cost option, and metallic colors add $495 to the price. On base models, you can get Cardinal Red, Onyx Black, Quicksilver Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Dark Sky Metallic, and Brownstone Metallic. On high-end models, you get access to Hunter Metallic, the $645 Cayenne Red Tintcoat, and White Frost Tricoat ($1,095). Four of the colors for 2021 are new, with Brownstone, Hunter, Cayenne Red, and Ebony Twilight all added to this year's palette.

There are a total of five engine options available and one of three gearboxes, covering a broad range of abilities and specs, making the Sierra 1500 one of the most versatile full-size trucks around.

Base models get a 4.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6, which has no redeeming qualities other than being a reliable and hard worker. A 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is also available for the commercial and passenger side. It does an admirable job, but it struggles with heavier loads. It mostly exists for short-distance deliveries.

Then we get to the engines you wouldn't mind living with daily. The 5.3-liter V8 (with or without dynamic fuel management) is also old but still provides enough power to make acceleration effortless. Without a load in the bed, it can tow up to 11,300 lbs in the right configuration. The most powerful engine option is the 6.2-liter V8, with more than enough power for every occasion and a towing capacity of up to 11,800 lbs.

GMC's diesel engine is one of the few available in this segment of the full-size market, but it is a smooth and refined powertrain. This turbodiesel inline-six boasts an improved towing capacity of 9,300 lbs for the new year - still not great, but perfectly acceptable for light duty. It also delivers impressive fuel consumption figures.

Most models come as standard with rear-wheel-drive, with 4WD being an option. AT4 models are only available with the 4WD system as these are focused on being apex off-roaders.

The base 4.3-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It's only available in Regular Cab and Crew Cab Sierra trim and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Next in line is the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-pot, offering 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is available in Sierra, SLE, and Elevation trim. Mated to a modern eight-speed automatic, it caters to a large audience. It's well suited for doing quick deliveries between towns, but it can also be used as an affordable daily truck for a family on a budget.

The 5.3-liter V8 is available with or without dynamic fuel management (DMF), but in either instance, it produces a healthy 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. This engine also has a wide range of applications and can be equipped on both entry-level and high-end models. Three gearboxes are available for this particular engine. Without DMF, it's coupled to a six-speed automatic, and with it, you get an eight-speed automatic transmission. A ten-speed automatic gearbox is standard once the 5.3 V8 is coupled to a 4WD drivetrain.

The 3.0-liter Duramax sounds like a perfect match for the workhorse models, but it's primarily only available on mid to high-spec models. The main reason being that it's not a cheap engine to produce and costs more than the 5.3-liter V8. It only has 277 hp but a giant 460 lb-ft lump of torque, matching the biggest gasoline V8.

At the top, we find the 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This superb powertrain is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, one of the most iconic duos in the automotive industry. When simply idling along, the V8's soundtrack is hardly noticeable. There's also little to no vibration in the cabin. Step on it, however, and it won't hesitate to drop a cog or two. With this engine under the hood, the Sierra feels relaxed, but it can provide relatively furious acceleration without feeling overstressed.

Of all the available powertrains, we prefer the 6.2-liter V8 and its ten-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3 V8 is perfectly fine, but you can't go back to it once you've experienced the magnificent combination mentioned above.

Unlike the Ram 1500, the Sierra has opted to remain loyal to the traditional leaf spring rear suspension setup. Electro-magnetic Adaptive Ride Control is only found on the top-spec Denali, and there is no air-suspension option like you get with the Ram. Thankfully, GMC has been building trucks long enough to know how to make leaf springs reasonably comfortable. The truck feels stable at high speed, and around town, the light-yet-precise steering is a joy. It would have been better with a completely independent suspension setup, but we think there is some method to GMC's leaf spring madness. We're hopeful GMC might still look into coil springs or air for future models, though, as at present, even in Denali guise, the Sierra lacks the refined ride of the Ram 1500.

As for off-roading, the AT4 model with a factory-fitted two-inch suspension lift, making it the most capable 4x4 of the bunch, but it isn't quite a Raptor or Ram TRX.

There are way too many models to compile an entire list of fuel economy figures, so we'll instead look at the best-case scenarios for each engine. One glance at the 4.3-liter V6's EPA estimated mileage figures reveal that it needs to be retired. At 16/21/17 mpg city/highway/combined with the 4WD setup and six-speed automatic, it's less fuel-efficient than the 5.3-liter V8 with an eight-speed gearbox, which has EPA-estimated figures 17/23/19 mpg, and attains the same figures as the AT4 with the 6.2L V8, 4x4, and the 10-speed auto. The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-pot is rated at 20/23/21 mpg in its most efficient configuration.

Even with a 4WD system, the 3.0-liter Duramax engine is the most efficient, with an EPA rating of 22/26/24 mpg. In RWD guise, it can manage 23/30/26 mpg.

Each Sierra is equipped with a reasonable 24-gallon tank. In the best-case scenario, you're looking at a maximum range of 624 miles between refills on a RWD diesel and 408 miles on a 4.3-liter 4x4.

The existence of the Ram 1500 and the all-new Ford F-150 has moved the yardstick for what's acceptable in a pickup truck's interior. Hopping out of any of the trucks mentioned above and into the Sierra will result in nothing but disappointment. The dashboard looks like a single piece of cheap stamped plastic, scattered with multiple buttons and a touchscreen interface that looks ridiculously tiny in such a large center console. The quality levels are below par, but at least the space is good.

For years automotive hacks have used the excuse that the cost-saving had to come from somewhere, and interior quality is an easy target. Both the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 disprove this now-defunct argument, as they retail for the same sort of money while offering vastly superior interior quality, and arguably more quality elsewhere, too.

Interior space depends on the configuration, with the Crew Cab offering the most amount of space in the rear. All models come with 44.5 inches of legroom and 43 inches of headroom in the front row. The Crew Cab offers 43.4 inches of rear legroom and 40.1 inches of headroom. The Double Cab's headroom is still sufficient (39.9 inches), but the 35.2 inches of rear legroom will see even average-sized adults struggle to find a comfortable seating position.

A three-seat bench is standard up front on the Regular Cab and base Double Cab and Crew Cab models. High-end models lose the front bench, replacing it with two bucket seats, an armrest, and storage cubbies below the center console, reducing its capacity to a five-seater. Four-way manually-adjustable seats are standard on low to mid-spec models, while high-end trims get ten-way power-adjustable seats.

On the more affordable end of the Sierra range, cloth seats are standard. The base trim is equipped by default with Jet Black vinyl but has optional no-cost access to cloth upholstery, too, while SLE and Elevation trim add Slate and Dark Walnut upholstery options and forgo the vinyl. These colors are also available on the SLT, but the cloth is upgraded to perforated leather. The top-spec Denali gets premium leather in Jet Black or a mix of Dark Walnut and Dark Ash Grey. AT4 trim comes with its model-specific Jet Black perforated leather with Kalahari inserts. As far as trim goes, there's nothing that stands out. Even high-end models get faux metal trim on the center console and steering wheel.

There are three available bed lengths: Long Box, Standard Box, and Short Box. The long box measures eight feet and has 89.1 cubic feet of space. The standard box is 6.6 feet long and has a cargo capacity of 71.7 cubes. The short box is still quite sizeable at 5.8 feet. It has a total cargo capacity of 62.9 cubic feet. Payloads vary based on engine and drivetrain as well as box size, but range from 2,000 lbs at the lowest end of the spectrum to 2,250 lbs at the other end of things. Not only are the beds versatile in size, but GMC also has unique features like a carbon fiber composite bed that's resistant to scratches and damage, and the MultiPro tailgate - standard on every trim except the base one - that has multiple ways in which it can open, including forming a step to climb into the bed.

Interior storage is adequate. On models with the three-seat bench in the front, the center seat can be folded flat and used as an armrest/storage space. If you want to transport valuable items, you can fold the rear seats in crew and double carb derivatives to create a sizeable in-cabin storage space behind the rear seats.

Like every other pickup truck out there, there are various levels of comfort and convenience. Base models get the necessities like single-zone climate control, a manual tilt steering wheel, manually adjustable seats, and a 12V outlet. SLE grades gain a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, and semi-automatic climate control. The Elevation trim adds keyless entry with push-button start, two additional USB ports for rear passengers, and remote start.

At the SLT level, we can see the luxury stepping up a notch. From this level, the Sierra gains heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. AT4 specification adds ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The top-spec Denali adds an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium Bose sound system, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane change alert.

All Sierra models come with two displays: a digital display in the instrument cluster and a touch screen interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming. On the base model, you get a 3.2-inch monochromatic information display, while mid-spec models get a 4.2-inch information display. The Denali comes with a fully digital instrument cluster.

As for the main touchscreen interface, base models get a seven-inch touchscreen. From SLT and upward, the Sierra gets an eight-inch display with HD Radio and SiriusXM added to the suite of functionality. Denali models get navigation and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The rest of the line-up comes as standard with a six-speaker sound system, while the Regular Cab only has two speakers.

The 2021 GMC Sierra has an exceptional J.D. Power Survey score. It scored 87 out of a possible 100 points, which is the highest score in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment.

We find it quite surprising that the GMC would score so highly considering the number of recalls that have been issued. From late 2019 and to date, nine recalls were made. The reasons for these recalls were all quite serious and included a missing fuel pump regulator, a poor alternator connection, brake caliper bolts that might break, a driveshaft that may separate, and tire failure due to overcured tires. Hopefully, these are teething problems of the new generation and the worst is behind us.

GMC provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Duramax diesel's powertrain warranty is valid for 100,000 miles.

The NHTSA awarded the Sierra 1500 four out of five stars overall. It scored the full five stars in the side crash test but four stars for front and rollover crashes. The IIHS review of the GMC Sierra 1500 afforded it decent marks, with just one marginal rating out of all the crash test categories. Notably, the Crew Cab is the only derivative tested by the IIHS in full. The headlights received a poor rating, however.

Standard trim across the range includes six airbags, a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder (if applicable), teen driver function, and tire pressure monitoring. SLT trim makes towing easier thanks to hitching guidance and view, now updated for the 2021 MY. The Denali specification comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and parking assistance front and rear.

The GMC Sierra still has a few things going for it. Design-wise it still looks good, even though the abundance of chrome may be too much for some. And while most of the engine options are outdated and in dire need of replacement, the 3.0-liter diesel and 6.2-liter V8 are still sweet powertrains. The latter and its ten-speed automatic transmission remain one of the best combinations in the world of trucking.

New trucks like the Ram and the all-new Ford F-150 highlight a bunch of problems, though; not just with the Sierra but with trucks overall. The Ram is proof that a pickup truck can be both comfortable and capable of carrying a load. Ford is out there with many advanced powertrains, proving that large capacity trucks with high fuel consumption aren't necessary anymore.

If an old-school dependable powertrain is important to you, the Sierra is a solid option, especially with the 6.2-liter V8. But if you want a truck that does everything, including being a comfortable luxury vehicle, there are better options out there from Ford and Ram.

With four model configurations, five engine options, and various trim levels, the price list is longer than a list of canceled celebrities in 2021. Starting things off, the base price of a GMC Sierra 1500 in Regular Cab format with a 4.3-liter V6 and 4x2 is $30,100. Adding four-wheel-drive adds $4,600 to the price, while upgrading to the 5.3-liter V8 adds $1,345.

The Double Cab, standard-box range starts at $34,000 for the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the base Sierra trim. Upgrading to SLE trim costs $7,400 ($41,400 MSRP), while Elevation trim is just $1,700 more than the SLE at $43,100.

Pricing for the Crew Cab with a short box varies greatly, between $36,400 in base Sierra trim with the 2.7L engine and $62,240 for a Denali with the 6.2L V8 and 4x4 drivetrain. Between these ends of the Crew Cab spectrum, a number of models and powertrain options fill every possible gap, including the off-road-focused AT4, which is exclusively available with 4WD. This model starts at $54,700 with the 5.3L V8, increases to $55,695 for the Duramax diesel, and tops out at $57,195 with the big 6.2L V8. For all the Crew Cab derivatives, a standard-length load box is also available, albeit exclusively with the 4x4 drivetrain, adding $300 to the asking price. All prices exclude GMC's destination charge of $1,695.

There are six trim levels in the GMC Sierra 1500 truck lineup: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. In addition to that, there are five engines (with special configurations available on each), three transmissions, and a choice between 2WD and 4WD, resulting in 62 available configurations.

Base trucks are equipped like workhorses should be. The list includes basic single-zone climate control, a manually adjustable driver's seat, a single USB port, and a seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. In the Regular Cab, only two speakers are fitted, and crucially, the base trim is the only one with access to the regular cab/long box configuration.

The SLE trim adds a few niceties, including remote keyless entry, a steering wheel with buttons for the infotainment and cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, two additional USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 4.2-inch information display in the instrument cluster. One of the biggest additions is the standard inclusion of the GMC MultiPro tailgate.

A step up to the Elevation trim simply adds 20-inch black alloy wheels, LED foglamps, keyless entry with push-button start, remote start, the rear-seat storage package, and an alarm.

The 1500 gets seriously luxurious at SLT level, which adds a ten-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a larger eight-inch infotainment screen that now comes as standard with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It also gets the ProGrade trailering system, a 170-amp alternator, 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming mirrors inside and out, 120-volt power outlets in the cabin and the truck bed, and access to the complete range of safety features, albeit via the options list.

In AT4 spec, the Sierra 1500 takes a greater focus on off-roading, with a two-inch factory lift kit, standard 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, a dual exhaust outlet, red styling elements, skidplates, and a host of comfort elements like heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

The most luxurious of the lot, the Denali forgoes the off-road suspension and wheels in favor of trim-specific premium suspension with Adaptive Ride Control and 20-inch alloys, but adds an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, power-sliding rear window, onboard navigation, wireless device charging, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, park assist front and rear, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist.

There are three main kinds of packages available, depending on the specification level. You can either add more safety, comfort, or off-road ability. On the base Sierra, you can add the 1SA Safety Confidence Package, for example. It retails for $615 and consists of forward collision warning, automatic front, and pedestrian braking, steering wheel audio controls, and cruise control. On the AT4 you can opt for the Off-Road Performance Package, adding the 6.2-liter V8, 18-inch alloys with Goodyear off-road tires, a performance air intake system, and a cat-back exhaust.

The $6,385 Denali Ultimate Package includes the Driver Alert Package, Technology Package (head-up display, bed camera, surround-view camera, etc), a sunroof, Multipro power steps, 22-inch polished wheels, and wheel locks.

The new GMC Sierra 1500 range consists of a broad range of models, from a humble workhorse to a fully-specced luxurious Denali. To us, the mid-spec SLT offers all the comfort and convenience features the average customer needs, but without an exorbitant price tag. However, it can only be equipped with the Crew Cab, so if you need a Regular Cab or Double Cab, you'll have to settle for a lower spec. We'd have a 4WD Crew Cab SLT with a standard box and a 6.2-liter V8 engine. Add a Pacific Blue exterior and the safety systems packages, which you can't add separately. This adds the full safety suite and $1,985 to the price. The other option is the AT4, which comes standard with 4WD and lots of off-road ability. This model is only available with the 3.0 Duramax diesel or the 6.2-liter V8. Both are fine engines.

This year the Sierra goes up against an entirely new F-150, making things rather tricky for GMC. Compared to the older Ford model, the Sierra had the edge in terms of technology. That's no longer the case. Like the Ram 1500 did a few years ago, the all-new F-150 is redefining the segment. It offers a wide variety of engine options, including a hybrid, and an electric version in the form of the F-150 Lightning, and reviews are looking upon it favorably. The technology is all-new, as are the driver assistance systems. Ford also boasts class-leading towing figures, a modern exterior, and a ride quality that hides its agricultural roots very well.

The only thing the Sierra has going for it is a lower retail price. But the difference in the pricing is so tiny that it doesn't matter. The fact that the Ford F-150 is arguably class-leading makes the price difference insignificant.

These two are distant cousins aimed at different buyers. While these trucks are nearly identical in workhorse specification, the gap between them becomes bigger the more expensive they get.

The interiors are similar, but the Sierra comes with several advanced tech features that you can't get on the Chevy. The difference here is quite clear. If you want a no-nonsense workhorse, the Chevrolet is the one to have. If you're in the market for something with a bit more technology and luxury, the GMC is the way to go. Being mechanically identical, you get the same engines, same towing and payload capacities, and same overall ride and ability levels, so your lifestyle will determine which you buy.