2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 receives a sprinkling of equipment upgrades this year, including newly available trailering technology and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The mid-level SLE and Elevation trims are now available with GMC's MultiPro configurable tailgate.

The towing capacity of four-cylinder models increases by 2,500 pounds. Turbodiesel models gain 1,900 pounds of pulling ability, along with a $1,500 price cut.

The current Sierra 1500 has been on the market since 2019.

The Sierra 1500 comes in six trim levels: Sierra, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Pricing starts at $31,295 including destination for the base model and goes to $56,990 for the Denali.

Buyers have a choice of five engines. A 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on the Sierra, SLE, and Elevation. A 4.3-liter V6 and a 5.3-liter V8 are optional on the base Sierra, while a turbodiesel six-cylinder and the 5.3-liter V8 are offered on the SLE and Elevation. The SLT, AT4, and Denali start with the 5.3-liter V8 and offer the turbodiesel and a 6.2-liter V8

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 gets a six-speed automatic. The turbodiesel and 6.2-liter V8 are paired with a 10-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter V8 comes with the six-speed automatic on the base Sierra, and the 10-speed automatic on all other trims.

Four-wheel drive adds $3,300 to the tally, but is standard on the AT4. This upgrade is mandatory to get the 6.2-liter V8.

The Sierra 1500 Regular Cab seats three passengers, while the Double Cab and Crew Cab can handle up to six. The Crew Cab offers full-size rear doors and significantly more rear leg room.

A 98-inch bed is exclusive to the Regular Cab, while the Double Cab gets a 79-inch bed. The Crew Cab comes standard with a 70-inch bed, and the 79-inch bed is available on 4WD models for $300.

A review camera is standard on the Sierra 1500, but that's about it. Most other driver assist safety features are bundled into two option packages.

The Driver Alert Package I includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The package costs $1,115 on the base Sierra and $890 on other trims except the Denali, where it's standard.

The Driver Alert Package II ($1,045) for the SLE and above adds lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, a vibrating safety alert in the driver seat, a following distance indicator, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The auto emergency braking system is available on the Sierra trim in the $615 Safety Confidence Package.

The Technology Package for the SLT and AT4 ($2,075) and Denali ($1,875) includes a color head-up display, a rearview camera mirror, a bed view camera, and a surround-view camera with integrated trailer length monitoring and jack knife alert.

The Sierra 1500 starts out with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, two front USB ports, wi-fi capability, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Starting with the SLE, all models gets an 8-inch touchscreen, two rear USB ports, and satellite radio.

The Preferred Package for the SLE ($1,045) includes HD radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Elevation Preferred Package ($1,320) also furnishes a seven-speaker Bose sound system. These features are standard on the SLT and AT4 except for the Bose system, which is available in their respective Preferred Packages ($1,070 and $1,420), along with navigation and wireless device charging. The Denali gets it all as standard.

The Sierra comes modestly equipped with manual climate control, vinyl flooring, vinyl or cloth seats, and 17-inch steel wheels. The Double Cab and Crew Cab also get power windows and locks. Carpeting costs $100.

The Sierra Value Package ($1,640) adds an abundance of popular features, including keyless entry, cruise control, a rear defogger, a trailer hitch, rear privacy glass, trailer guidance in the rearview camera display, heated side mirrors, LED bed lighting, and a power lock and release tailgate with lift and lower assist. The bundle includes power windows and locks on the Regular Cab.

The SLE adds full chrome exterior trim, upgraded cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights and running lights, aluminum wheels, and an auxiliary power outlet in the rear quarters and cargo bed.

The six-function MultiPro tailgate becomes available for $445. In addition to its connectivity upgrades, the SLE Preferred Package contains a power-sliding rear window and universal home remote. Models equipped with the Preferred Package are eligible the ProGrade Trailering System ($490) with in-vehicle trailering apps, a hitch view display, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

The Elevation features a monochromatic exterior with black accents and 20-inch black wheels. Buyers also get LED fog lights and selectable driving and traction modes. Other equipment and options, including engines, are shared with the SLE.

The SLT gains a leather interior with a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The outside gets additional chrome trim, power-folding mirrors, and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels. The MultiPro tailgate and the ProGrade Trailering System are also standard.

The SLT Convenience Package ($1,445) furnishes ventilated front bucket seats, heated rear seats, a power-sliding rear window, and a universal home remote. These feature also come in the SLT Premium Package ($3,045), along with chrome entry steps and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

The AT4 comes prepped for off-road adventure with standard four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, a 2-inch suspension lift, underbody skid plates, and all-weather floor liners. Leather seats and the contents of the SLT Convenience Package are also standard.

The AT4 Premium Package ($3,200) includes everything in the Preferred Package and Driver Alert Package I, plus Goodyear DuraTrac tires and high-clearance entry steps.

The luxurious Denali receives an upgraded leather interior with wood trim, an adaptive suspension, and 20-inch multidimensional polished wheels.

The Denali Ultimate Package ($5,885) brings together the Technology Package and Driver Alert Package II, and then adds a sunroof, power-deploying entry steps, and 22-inch wheels.

Compare Sierra 1500 Trims Side-By-Side