2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

　　

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most popular vehicles in America. Like all modern trucks, the Sierra 1500 is just as good at hauling a family as it is a bed full of gravel. It has a spacious cabin, a full complement of driver aids, and a wide range of available engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a muscular 6.2-liter V8. There's even the complicated but surprisingly useful MultiPro tailgate that can be used as a table or folded down as a step up to the bed.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 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

　　$208/mo  for Sierra 1500 Base

　　Sierra 1500 Base

　　2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $30,100 MSRP4dr Double Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,000 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,700 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,400 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,300 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $39,700 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $40,000 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,400 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,800 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,700 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,100 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,400 MSRPElevation 4dr Double Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,100 MSRPElevation 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB w/3VL (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,600 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,700 MSRPElevation 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,400 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB w/3VL (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,200 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,000 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,300 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $47,500 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $50,800 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $51,100 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $54,700 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $55,900 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $55,800 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $59,300 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $59,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Like its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra competes in one of the toughest segments in the market. Rivals include the fully redesigned Ford F-150 — the zzdcar Top Rated Truck for 2021 — and the Ram 1500. These trucks edge out the Sierra with their more premium interior designs and more comfortable rides. Then there's the Silverado, which offers nearly everything the Sierra does but at a slightly lower price. Still, this is an undeniably capable truck. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more about our take on the 2021 Sierra.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Sierra 1500 drive? The optional 6.2-liter V8 is a wonderful engine. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly. It helped our test truck cover 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to modulate the brakes precisely in routine driving.

　　We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra isn't quite as plush in seating as its main rivals, but the shape and support are there. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck ably absorbs most small impacts. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.

　　The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the heated split front seats — offering separate settings for seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments. But dialing in a truly pleasing driving position can be difficult because of the way the steering wheel tilts up and down.

　　The layout of the controls is OK. We like the big volume and tuning knobs but are less fond of some of the virtual buttons on the touchscreen and the overall dated look of the cabin. As for visibility, shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the hood of the truck. The thick roof pillars can also impede your vision.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The 8-inch infotainment screen looks small compared to the optional 12-inch screen you'll see in the Ram 1500 or the Ford F-150, but GMC's system is at least relatively easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and, in our testing, connected quickly. Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard on SLT trims and above, connecting just as quickly and easily. There are USB and USB-C ports on the dash, plus more in the center console and rear seat area, but a second set in the rear for passengers would be nice.

　　The native voice recognition system understands basic commands but doesn't do as well with recognizing natural speech. Our test truck also had automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these systems work well.

　　

Towing and Storage

8.0/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is quite useful and convenient. It's big, with tie-downs galore, and no one offers bed steps like these. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best in class but are still very respectable.

　　Inside, the large center console provides sufficient space for your small items, though it does take up a lot of room between the seats. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sierra Denali should get 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway). That's respectable for an upgraded V8 but not the best in class. At 17.6 mpg, we met the combined rating on our highway-dominant test loop, while our long-term average economy came out to 16.4 mpg. Impressively, we achieved 20.5 mpg during a long highway trip for our best tank.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricey Denali trim level. The interior is well built and sturdy, but the quality of materials is disappointing. Other than the MultiPro tailgate, there's not much here that's distinctive. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.

　　GMC's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.

　　

Wildcard

6.5/10

　　These days a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does its drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas — with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better. If you want a full-size truck that's more comprehensively upscale, go with the Ram.

　　

Which Sierra 1500 does zzdcar recommend?

Picking the right light-duty truck configuration typically comes down to knowing your needs. But the variety of configurations for the Sierra 1500 might seem overwhelming. Can't decide? Go for the midlevel SLT trim level. It comes with a long list of standard features plus a good number of extras that are available as options. The SLT's standard 5.3-liter V8 easily satisfies as well.

　　

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 models

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trim levels: base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The Sierra 1500 is also available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (it's a crew cab, but with less rear seat space) and crew cab. Not all trims are available in all configurations. There are also three bed lengths available depending on the cab configuration.

　　The Sierra is also available with one of five engines. They include:

　　4.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque) Turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque) Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque) 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) Naturally, not every engine is available in every trim or configuration. The V6 comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder and 5.3-liter V8 (with rear-wheel drive) come with an eight-speed automatic. Finally, there's a 10-speed automatic for the 5.3-liter V8 with 4WD, the diesel six-cylinder and the top-dog 6.2-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard for most trims, and four-wheel drive is available.

　　Base

　　The entry-level Sierra 1500 is about the closest you'll get to a simple old-school truck you'll find these days. It comes with:

　　LED headlights Chrome bumpers Tilt-only steering wheel Six-speaker audio system (double cab and crew cab) Two USB ports 7-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationSLE

　　It includes all of the base Sierra's features and adds a lot more, including:

　　Body-colored door handles LED bed lighting Tinted rear windows Power-adjustable driver's seat Dual-zone automatic climate control 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display Two additional USB ports (an additional two when equipped with bucket seats) Cruise control Heated, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel Heated front seats Keyless entry and ignition MultiPro configurable tailgate Automatic-locking rear differentialElevation

　　The Elevation only adds a few features on top of the SLE, including:

　　20-inch wheels Remote locking tailgate LED foglightsSLT

　　Ramps up the Sierra's luxury vibe with:

　　18-inch wheels Chrome exterior trim Heated and power-folding mirrors Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front passenger seat 120-volt power outlet Trailer hitch guidance assist Trailer brake controller Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAT4

　　Enhances the Sierra's off-road performance with:

　　Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing Hill descent control Upgraded suspension with monotube shock absorbers and a 2-inch lift All-terrain tires Recovery hooks Skid plates Adjustable traction controlOther than the off-road upgrades, the AT4 also includes:

　　Ventilated front seats with center consoleDenali

　　The Sierra Denali sits at the top of the lineup. It builds off the SLT trim with:

　　Two-speed transfer case (four-wheel drive only) Standard Driver Alert I package (see below) Adaptive suspension (can adjust to improve ride comfort and handling) Bose audio system 20-inch wheels Side steps Power-sliding rear window Digital instrument cluster Heated second-row seats Ventilated front seats Wireless chargingMany features found in the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims through option packages. Other major options for the Sierra 1500 include:

　　 Driver Alert I package Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Driver Alert II package Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Sierra and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Max Trailering package Revised gear ratio Upgraded radiator Revised shocks with heavy-duty springs Technology package Rear camera mirror Bed-view camera Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Sierra and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display

　　

2021 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabDieselCrew Cab

　　Trim: BaseSLEElevationSLTAT4DenaliBase

　　

Base MSRP	$36,400
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,700 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles