2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

The Limited is a continuation of the old Sierra 1500It's being sold alongside the redesigned SierraReduced configurations compared to last yearPart of third Sierra 1500 generation introduced for 2014

　　The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited is not the all-new Sierra that debuted this year. Instead, the Sierra 1500 Limited is the last of the outgoing Sierra generation. Yes, it's the old truck, and it's sold alongside the new one.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited 4dr Double Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$209/mo  for Sierra 1500 Limited Base

　　Sierra 1500 Limited Base

　　4dr Double Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) - $35,100 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $39,100 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) - $40,300 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) - $43,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　It may seem strange, but this practice is fairly established among certain manufacturers. The upside for shoppers is price — the Sierra 1500 Limited is less costly than the all-new Sierra. And because the new Sierra is not a hugely different truck, the Sierra 1500 Limited actually represents a significant value.

　　The biggest catch is that the Sierra 1500 Limited is, well, limited to just one cab and bed configuration (double cab and standard bed) with one engine and transmission combination. Furthermore, it's offered in just two trim levels, and both are at the bottom of the range. It's available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, though.

　　If a double cab suits your needs and you're not too picky about needing a long list of creature comforts, the Sierra 1500 Limited is a fine way to save some coin.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The comments in this review are based on our full tests of the GMC Sierra Denali (6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD) and the related Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab Short Bed (6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 5-foot-8-inch bed).

　　NOTE: Since these tests were conducted in 2017, the GMC Sierra 1500 has become the GMC Sierra 1500 Limited, which entails a narrower powertrain choice and limited configurations. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's GMC Sierra 1500 Limited, however.

　　

Driving

　　The 5.3-liter V8 is certainly a strong motor, and braking performance is good in this segment, but the Silverado's responsiveness and handling leave something to be desired. Competitors do it better.

　　

Acceleration

　　The pedal is poorly tuned and has a detent at the bottom of travel before you hit full throttle, presumably for fuel economy. Put the hammer down and the Sierra goes, but it's not the most satisfying engine in the class.

　　

Braking

　　Around town, the Sierra's brakes are friendly and capable. Panic-braking tests revealed a confident, stable truck with little dive. It's impressive for its size, though braking distances were a little on the long side at 141 feet. GMC offers a brake upgrade, which is a curious option we've never tested.

　　

Steering

　　Pinpoint accuracy and feedback are not its strong suits. Like the brakes, the steering is easy and gives you enough confidence to pilot this truck around town. Though it's accurate enough, the weighting never changes, leaving the driver feeling wholly disconnected from the front wheels.

　　

Handling

　　The Sierra gets easily unsettled by midcorner bumps and has a lot of body roll due to its considerable weight. This truck does not maintain its composure well.

　　

Drivability

　　The massive torque from the V8 does a good job of getting you off the line but only when you nail the accelerator. Otherwise, the throttle feels somewhat ponderous at times, and the transmission can be clunky and hard-shifting.

　　

Off-road

　　Four-wheel drive, relatively high ground clearance, and decent approach and departure angles make the Sierra pretty capable off-road. But its sheer size means it won't be getting into many tight spaces.

　　

Comfort

　　The Sierra has the basics down with decent ride control, comfortable seats, and low road and wind noise. The climate control system also failed to keep the cabin cool during a stint in extreme heat.

　　

Seat comfort

　　While the seats are wide and accommodating, they aren't particularly special. There's little support offered for anything other than highway cruising. The seats do benefit from being both heated and cooled.

　　

Ride comfort

　　Ride comfort is acceptable on the highway for those used to a traditional truck ride, but there's still more movement from the rear axle than you'll get in the new Silverado or the Ram 1500.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　The cabin is generally well-isolated from tire and wind noise, even over rough roads. The exhaust noise is a subdued burble, and wind noise is minimal considering the shape and size of the truck. Vibrations could only be felt through the steering wheel on rougher roads.

　　

Climate control

　　The functionality of the controls is hard to fault, but we found the airflow and performance in hot weather to be subpar. The driver's air vent placement is poor, delivering most of the air to your hands. During one stint in 95-plus degree heat, the Sierra was unable to cool the cabin adequately.

　　

Interior

　　Most of the interior is a study on how to do a truck interior correctly. The switches are big and easy to use, access is good, and there's plenty of space. Some options proved to be more annoying than helpful, and the inexplicable misalignment of the center of the steering wheel is a nagging annoyance.

　　

Ease of use

　　There are no real ergonomic gaffes in the Sierra Limited. Most controls fall readily to hand. The exceptions are the unusually small power rear window and sunroof rocker switches located on the headliner-mounted console. The screens and menus are clear and easy to navigate.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The usually easy entry into a Sierra is upset by the optional power step rails. The truck isn't high enough to make them of any use to passengers over 5 feet 5, and their auto deployment caught out many a taller driver. Curiously, a driver's front roof pillar grab handle is optional at this price.

　　

Driving position

　　Twelve-way power seats, adjustable pedals and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel make it easy to get situated, but the off-center steering column spoils the driving position. You either lean against the door to center the wheel in your chest or accept the mildly infuriating misalignment.

　　

Roominess

　　As with any full-size crew-cab truck, there's ample room for both front and rear passengers. Up front, hiproom and shoulder room are generous, and rear passengers will find no room to complain about space.

　　

Visibility

　　All in all, the Sierra Limited has good visibility. Even with the big square hood, the only sight-line restrictions come from the large base of the front roof pillars and the much-too-small outside rearview mirrors. The backup camera is clear and has a good field of vision.

　　

Quality

　　At first glance, the build quality is up to par with that of other luxury trucks in the segment. But upon closer inspection, the notion of anything being very luxurious disappears. Many interior plastics feel similar to those on the back of a television, and the fake wood trim is a poor choice.

　　

Utility

　　If you can't haul a lot or store a lot, you're not doing the full-size truck game right. The Sierra Denali excels at both and proves useful for personal and professional needs.

　　

Small-item storage

　　Like any good full-size truck, there's a ton of space inside the Sierra. The center console has room for cans, oversize drink bottles, multiple phones and a laptop. There's plentiful door pocket storage as well, but door pockets are all the rear passengers will get.

　　

Cargo space

　　The 5-foot-9 short bed came lined and proved easy to access. Intrusions from wheelwells are minimal, and the bed height isn't as high as that of some other trucks in this class. Rear bumper steps are a help, as are the power side steps, which can be adjusted to aid front-of-the-bed access.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

　　The LATCH anchors are easy to get to, and with the power side steps deployed, reaching in to hook up a car seat is much easier on your back.

　　

Technology

　　While it's aesthetically pleasing and has a simple layout upfront, Chevrolet's MyLink system isn't our favorite. OnStar's included Wi-Fi is a strong point, though. There are no accident avoidance tech features available.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The 8-inch touchscreen display gives clear and quick access to most functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, but the GMC's native system isn't wanting for much except perhaps better navigation graphics.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Whether pairing via Bluetooth or connecting through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, connecting a device is straightforward. Once a Wi-Fi connection is established, the truck automatically connects to your device upon startup.

　　

Voice control

　　The GMC's voice controls could prove frustrating from time to time, and with many controls so close at hand, they're almost unnecessary. Of course, both the Apple and Android options are available and have better voice recognition.

　　

Which Sierra 1500 Limited does zzdcar recommend?

　　Selecting a trim for a pickup is typically an arduous task, but not for this one. There are only two trims available for the Sierra 1500 Limited. Cost-conscious shoppers will gravitate toward the base trim, but we think it's worth stepping up to the SLE for its additional basics, creature comforts and access to options. From there, select the SLE Value package for a power seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

　　

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited models

　　The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited is available only as a double cab with a standard bed, with or without four-wheel drive. There are just two trim levels: base and SLE. All Sierra 1500 Limited pickups are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque) and are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Base Sierra 1500 Limiteds are bare-bones vehicles. Standard equipment is sparse, and options are minimal. For instance, consider that floor mats are optional. However, the base trim does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a trailer hitch and 2-inch receiver, four-pin and seven-pin connectors, and an automatic locking rear differential. Standard equipment also includes a 7-inch touchscreen, USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Option packages are limited to the Sierra Convenience package and Elevation Edition, though other stand-alone options are available.

　　SLE trim adds a variety of basic comforts such as LED bed lighting, floor mats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen. It also adds aluminum wheels in place of the base steel wheels, switches the mirrors and door handles from black to the body color, and upsizes the instrument cluster display to a 4.2-inch color unit in place of the base 3.5-inch monochromatic one. On 4WD trucks, the transfer case is of the automatic variety on SLE trim, instead of the manual floor-mounted shifter-equipped transfer case in base trim Sierra Limiteds.

　　What's more, SLE trim grants access to a range of option packages such as the SLE Value package, the cosmetic Black Pack and an off-road-oriented Suspension package.

　　

2019 Sierra 1500 Limited Highlights

Trim: BaseSLEBase

　　

Base MSRP	$35,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$209/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,400 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles