GMC Sierra 1500 Overview
General Motors has had several renditions of its half-ton pickup truck. The company eventually replaced the C/K and GMT400 line of trucks with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in 1999. The Silverado and Sierra are identical, mechanically, with their differences being in body styling and interior design. The GMC Sierra 1500 is considered a more upscale pickup truck than most other half-ton trucks being offered on the market. In most generations and model years, Sierra 1500 models are available with two doors ("standard cab"), four-doors in extended or crew cab, and with three bed lengths (short, standard, and long box). Configurations are often dependent on one another with, for example, the crew cab models having only a short bed option. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive are also options. The first-generation of the GMC Sierra 1500 entered showrooms for the 1999 model year. GMC kept the previous-generation (GMT400) on the market that year and the next and are usually referred to as "Classic" models. A variety of V6 and V8 engine options were offered in this first-generation of the truck. A four-speed automatic or, in some models, a five-speed manual transmission were attached. In 2000, the Sierra 1500 C3 was introduced as a more upscale version of the truck. Its package name was changed to Denali in 2002 and has remained under that moniker since. In 2004, a hybrid version of the Sierra 1500 was offered, but did not become popular. The 2007 model year saw the introduction of the second-generation GMC Sierra 1500 with substantial updates for the truck. The previous-generation trucks were continued, again, as "Classic" models for two years. Generational changes meant upgrades to the chassis, improvements to the drivetrain, and a more aerodynamic body style for improved fuel economy. This generation saw the introduction of the high-performance 6.2-liter V8. Four-speed automatic transmissions remained and a six-speed automatic was introduced. The current-generation GMC Sierra 1500 was introduced in 2014. Again, an entirely new platform and new engines and transmissions were introduced. The EcoTec3 series of V6 and V8 engines were brought online. Many changes were made to the infotainment and interior technology. In 2015, the 6.2L Ecotec3 was re-introduced with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 are minor, usually centered on the headlights for the 2014-2015 model year. Some transmissions problems are occasionally given for the 2011 model year four-speed automatic. For the most part, the GMC Sierra enjoys a good reputation as a pickup truck.
Test Drive Reviews
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size, half-ton pickup that's offered as a more upscale option over other base- and mid-model trucks on the market. Due to be fully replaced in 2019 by a new-generation Sierra pickup, the 2018 Sierra is in its last generation-year. That doesn't make this version of the pickup less compelling, but it could mean better value when buying new.
The 2018 GMC Sierra hasn't changed much from the 2017 model, which added some driver safety tech, active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics and a capless fuel filler door. The Sierra is offered in multiple cab sizes and bed lengths, with three powertrain options and four trim levels.
Interestingly, the Sierra is also offered with a mild hybrid option that matches V8-level capability with V6-like fuel economy.
The three engine options (a V6 and two V8s) are solid choices for the Sierra, with varying degrees of capability and performance. Both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive are also offered.
See the full 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Review.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra is offered as a more premium-level pickup whose base model has a bit more accouterments than competitors. There are four basic trim levels for the GMC Sierra, each of which upgrades the interior and some exterior options in turn. Several cab sizes, bed lengths and powertrain options are available for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500.
The 2017 Sierra has not changed much from the 2016 model year. GMC added a capless filler on the fuel port, some driver safety technology options and active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics. The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 retains its three engine choices and high levels of interior comfort - both points that are often the selling point for this truck.
All three engines have good performance and all variants of the Sierra 1500 are comfortable workhorses that are well-rounded offerings in the full-size pickup truck market.
See the full 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Review.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2016 GMC Sierra is a more premium-level pickup truck offering than other brands, not differentiating itself with the lowest price on the market, but instead with the most well-done interior and feature set for the buck. Available in four trims, the Sierra's greatest feature is its interior comfort combined with its excellent performance.
For 2016 not much has changed from previous model years in this generation of the pickup. Three engine choices with good fuel economy, both on paper and in real use, are the basis on which this truck has built its reputation. Rugged looks and design have pushed it forward as a truck of choice for fleet and workaday use. We were impressed with the performance level of both of the Sierra's V8 engine options as well.
There are downsides to the 2016 Sierra, of course, including the brand's lack of a serious offroad contender to go up against the Ford Raptor, Ram Rebel and Toyota TRD Pro series. Value retention is also a concern with this more premium-level pickup. For many buyers, these are side notes to the GMC Sierra's strengths.
The Sierra is offered in a variety of cab and bed length configurations and with either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
See the full 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Review.
2015 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is a solid seller in the full-sized truck segment and with good reason. Trim levels, comfort, and value-oriented pricing are key to the truck's success and few will be disappointed by the goods offered for the price paid here. The mid- and upper-trims for the Sierra are especially compelling in this regard.
In everyday use, there are a lot of high points for the 2015 Sierra. Towing is smart and well-managed, especially with the new V8 engine option and its eight-speed automatic transmission. The extra gearing and powerful engine output combine well when pulling a load. Fuel efficiency is also better than expected despite the large displacement of that engine.
Whether your needs involve toting along the family to a destination near or far, carrying a load to the jobsite, or towing a trailer for the football team on the weekends, you will find the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 capable of getting the job done. With configurations to match most of your likely needs, it's a strong contender in the often unrealistic world of today's full-sized pickup trucks.
See the full 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Review.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500
While no longer the new truck on the block (that happens with the 2014 models), the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, the more upscale version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, boasts numerous bed lengths, body configurations, axles, cabs, interior upgrades and E85-compatible engines, not to mention the only full-size hybrids (along with the Chevy Silverado Hybrid) in the industry. In short, the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 offers something for just about every light-truck buyer - including a bit of luxury to go with all that capability.
See the full 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Review.
