The GMC Sierra 1500 plays to a diverse crowd who all agree on one thing: there's no substitute for a full-size pickup truck. Buyers within that group usually think Ford or Chevy, but those who want an extra measure of style or just something different have naturally gravitated toward the GMC.
What's New for 2017
All models receive a capless fuel fill system and a Teen Driver feature allows parents to monitor driving habits. Some option packages have been condensed and renamed. Automatic emergency braking is available for this first time.
Choosing Your GMC Sierra 1500
Like its Chevy twin, the Sierra is available with three cab styles: Regular, Double, and Crew. The Double Cab features a rear seat and narrow rear doors, while the Crew Cab is a bona fide four-door with adult-size legroom in back. Regular and Double Cabs come with a 6.5-foot bed; an 8-foot bed is optional on the Regular Cab only. As for the Crew Cab, the standard box is slightly shorter than the others at 5.75 feet, but the 6.5-foot bed is available as an upgrade.
5.75-foot Bed
6.5-foot Bed
8-foot Bed
Regualr Cab
N/A
Standard
Optional
Double Cab
N/A
Standard
N/A
Crew Cab
Standard
Optional
N/A
The engine roster starts with a 285-horsepower 4.3-liter V6. Beyond that, there are two V8s: a 5.3-liter with 335 horsepower and a 6.2-liter that makes a stout 420 horsepower.
Towing capacity maxes out at 7,600 pounds with the V6, 11,500 with the 5.3-liter, and an even 12,000 pounds with the 6.2-liter.
A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the V6 and 5.3-liter engines. An eight-speed unit is optional for the 5.3-liter and standard with the 6.2-liter. Four-wheel drive is available across the board.
Like all full-size pickups, the 1500 covers an enormous swath of market territory across its five trim levels:
For buyers into off-roading, the SLE and SLT can get an All-Terrain package with hill-descent control, skid plates, special shock absorbers, a heavy-duty air cleaner, recovery hooks, and various appearance elements.
CarsDirect Tip
The SLE is our pick for combined work and personal use. It can be skewed toward either end depending on your needs and without threatening your budget.
Long operating in the shadow of the very similar and popular Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra 1500 in recent years has adopted a more distinctive look, marked by clean and conservative styling cues inside and out. Shoppers have a choice of three cabin sizes, three truck beds, and multiple powertrain options.
Pricing and Equipment
Prices for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 start at $28,205 for a regular cab, standard box, 4x2 model. However, most buyers prefer a double or crew cab and four-wheel drive, so we think a double cab 4x4 version in SLE trim costing $46,775 is a good place to start. You’ll find such features included as:
A 5.3-liter V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission
Leather-trimmed and heated front seats
An eight-inch color display for the infotainment system
Dual-zone climate control
A 110-volt power outlet
The advanced driver alert package ($945) brings in lane keep assist, front and rear park assist, forward collision alert, low-speed forward automatic braking, a safety alert seats, and automatic high-beam headlights.
The GMC Sierra offers three engine choices:
A 4.3-liter, V6 is standard and makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this is one of the most efficient gas engines found in a large truck, making 24 mpg.
GM’s stout 5.3-liter V8 engine offers the best combination of performance and fuel economy. This engine makes 355 horsepower while delivering 23 mpg. An eight-speed automatic is available.
For people desiring a true workhorse, the 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 horsepower and is the ideal choice for people who like to pull a boat or trailer. An eight-speed automatic is standard equipment.
Performance Pros
The V6 provides enough off-the-line acceleration and passing power, but for high-altitude driving or heavy-duty towing, consider a V8.
We found that either V8 engine is ideal for towing, but unless you need the 12,500-pound towing capacity of the 6.2-liter engine, the 5.3-liter V8 with its 11,100-pound limit should be sufficient.
All transmissions come with tow/haul mode and tap-shift controls on the shift lever, giving drivers direct control while trailering and tackling steep grades.
Performance Cons
While we like having the choice of a V6 engine, optimum pulling power can only be acquired through one of the V8s.
Competing models from Ram and Ford (eventually) will offer a turbo diesel. You need one of the heavy-duty Sierras if you want diesel power.
Interior Pros
Even low-end versions of the GMC Sierra have an upscale feel with soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin.
The cabin is quiet for a pickup truck.
Interior Cons
Rear seat space in the GMC Sierra Double Cab is constrained. If you need maximum room for adults, only the Crew Cab will do.
Even with the extra space inside, the Sierra’s rear seats are more upright than what we’d prefer.
The Most Pleasant Surprise
The rear bumper offers side integrated steps, providing ease of access to the truck bed. We like this arrangement better than the cumbersome deploying steps found in some competing models.
The Least Pleasant Surprise
Sticker shock hits home as soon as you consider a crew cab model. The Chevrolet Silverado comes in slightly lower, but we think the Sierra has the more refined look.
The Bottom Line
The GMC Sierra 1500 hides in the shadow of the Chevrolet Silverado, but on its own merits, it shines. The available All Terrain X package ($3,405) adds sporty flare, including a sweet sounding cat-back performance exhaust system.
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Standard:
4.3L V-6 / 285 HP / 305 ft.lbs.
Available:
5.3L V-8 / 355 HP / 383 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Standard:
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
18 / 24 / 21 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
3 / 2
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
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