Model research hub
GMC Sierra 1500
MotorTrend says GMC leverages its premium reputation in selling the 2026 Sierra 1500, which is functionally identical to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and would opt for the Sierra in SLT trim, which has many appreciable niceties but doesn't cost as much as the Denali, noting the AT4 starts at approximately $70,000 while the AT4X commands more than $82,000. MotorTrend separately calls the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali the polar opposite of a stripped-down work truck. USA Today tested the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate for a week and found it came with a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine making 305 horsepower and a whopping 495 lb-ft of torque.
The same truck as the Silverado, at a premium
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says GMC leverages its premium reputation in selling the 2026 Sierra 1500, which is functionally identical to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and would opt for the Sierra in SLT trim, which has many appreciable niceties but doesn't cost as much as the Denali, noting the AT4 starts at approximately $70,000 while the AT4X commands more than $82,000.
The Denali's positioning
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says to think of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali as the polar opposite of a stripped-down work truck.
The Duramax diesel option
USA Today (opens in a new tab) tested the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate for a week and found it came with a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine making 305 horsepower and a whopping 495 lb-ft of torque.
Questions buyers ask
Is the GMC Sierra the same truck as the Chevrolet Silverado?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, functionally identical.
How much horsepower does the GMC Sierra's Duramax diesel make?
USA Today (opens in a new tab) says 305 hp and 495 lb-ft.
Research map
Every major decision path.
Four engines are offered, each with a 10-speed automatic: a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, and all-new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter small-block V8s. The 6.6-liter V8 is standard on Denali Ultimate and is described as the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in its class.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 6 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe maximum is 13,500 pounds with the 5.7-liter V8 in a Double Cab 4WD truck with the Max Trailering Package (13,300 pounds in a Crew Cab). By engine, the maximums are 12,100 pounds with the Duramax diesel and 9,400 pounds with both the 2.7-liter TurboMax and the 6.6-liter V8; each applies to a specific configuration.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 Sierra 1500.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 is a next-generation redesign revealed in June 2026 ahead of a late-2026 launch, with a new exterior and a screen-intensive interior offering over 60 inches of combined digital displays. It is offered in six trims, Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate, and shares its four engines with the redesigned Silverado 1500: a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, and all-new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter small-block V8s, each paired with a 10-speed automatic. Output runs from 305 horsepower for the Duramax diesel to 481 horsepower for the 6.6-liter V8, and starting prices run from $51,295 for the Pro to $87,895 for the Denali Ultimate, including destination.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed GMC Sierra 1500 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3 | 2026 record → |
| 2025 GMC Sierra | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the GMC Sierra 1500.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is built alongside the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and public records cover the two together. Generation history, the fact box and background are on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 page; the safety record for the GMC Sierra 1500 itself follows.
NHTSA rated the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- May 2026, Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV… Consequence: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
- February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- December 2025, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility:Wheelchair Restraints/Securement:Latch/Anchor:. Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please… Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, most often about engine (53), power train (25), electrical system (25).
Year by year
The GMC Sierra 1500 across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 | |||||
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | 15–68 | $1,100–$5,300 | 25 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 GMC Sierra | 15–64 | $1,200–$5,150 | 25 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 GMC Sierra | 15–25 | $3,100–$5,150 | 26 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 GMC Sierra | 15–26 | $3,100–$5,150 | 24 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 GMC Sierra | 14–26 | $3,100–$5,550 | 34 | 5 stars | |
| 2021 GMC Sierra | 14–26 | $2,950–$4,850 | 36 | 5 stars | |
| 2020 GMC Sierra | 15–26 | $2,950–$4,550 | 26 | 5 stars | |
| 2019 GMC Sierra | 15–21 | $2,950–$4,550 | 22 | 4 stars | |
| 2018 GMC Sierra | 17–20 | $3,100–$4,550 | 14 | 5 stars | |
| 2017 GMC Sierra | 17–20 | $3,100–$3,650 | 14 | 5 stars | |
| 2016 GMC Sierra | 17–20 | $3,100–$3,650 | 14 | 2 | 5 stars |
| 2015 GMC Sierra | 17–20 | $3,100–$3,650 | 14 | 6 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the GMC Sierra 1500, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 39.5 to 41.5 | 390 to 347 | Labels: Sierra 2WD with Sport Mode, Sierra 4WD AT4X with Sport Mode, Sierra 4WD FFV, Sierra 4WD with Sport Mode, and 6 more | Labels: Sierra EV; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; with Sport Mode, 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; With Sport Mode, 3L 6-cyl with Sport Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Municipal, and 1 more | |
| 2024 to 2025 | 26 to 25 | 20.0 to 39.5 | first listed: 390 | Labels: Sierra EV; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; With Sport Mode, 3L 6-cyl with Sport Mode, Electric motor / not listed; Transmissions: Automatic (A1); Fuels: Electricity | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Municipal, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; wth Sport Mode |
| 2023 to 2024 | 24 to 26 | 20.5 to 20.0 | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Municipal, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; wth Sport Mode | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 34 to 24 | 20.0 to 20.5 | Labels: Sierra 4WD AT4X; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; with Sport Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Municipal, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; with Sport Mode | Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmission with Sport Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start; Municipal, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Transmission with Sport Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl with Sport Mode, and 1 more; Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 36 to 34 | Labels: Sierra Mud Terrain Tires 4WD; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmission with Sport Mode, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start; Municipal, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Transmission with Sport Mode, and 1 more | Labels: Sierra 4WD AT4; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; 3-mode transmission (work truck), 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; 4-mode/Sport transmission, 4.3L 6-cyl SIDI, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Active Fuel Management, and 1 more | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 26 to 36 | 20.5 to 20.0 | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Active Fuel Management, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; with Cylinder Deactivation, 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; XFE Package | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 22 to 26 | 18.0 to 20.5 | Labels: Sierra 2WD, Sierra 4WD, Sierra 4WD AT4, Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD, and 1 more; Engines: 3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; XFE Package; Fuels: Diesel | Labels: Sierra C10 2WD, Sierra C10 Cab Chassis 2WD, Sierra C10 XFE 2WD, Sierra K10 4WD, and 4 more | |
| 2018 to 2019 | 14 to 22 | 18.5 to 18.0 | Labels: Sierra C10 2WD, Sierra C10 Cab Chassis 2WD, Sierra C10 XFE 2WD, Sierra K10 4WD, and 4 more; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; 3-mode transmission (work truck), 2.7L 4-cyl SIDI; 4-mode/Sport transmission, 4.3L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 10-spd | Labels: Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD, Sierra C15 2WD, Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, and 2 more; Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl SIDI; FFV, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Hybrid | |
| 2017 to 2018 | Fuels: Premium | ||||
| 2016 to 2017 | Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Hybrid | ||||
| 2015 to 2016 | Labels: Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 4,770 | 9,600 | 18 | – |
| Pro (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 4,960 | 9,300 | 18 | – |
| Pro (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 5,030 | 10,800 | 18 | – |
| SLE (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 4,960 | 11,000 | 18 | – |
| Elevation (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 4,960 | 13,000 | 18 | – |
| SLE (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 5,030 | 13,000 | 18 | – |
| Elevation (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) | 310 | 430 | 5,030 | 13,000 | 18 | – |
| SLT | 4WD | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) | 355 | 383 | 5,160 | 13,000 | 16 | $57,495 |
| Denali | 4WD | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) | 355 | 383 | 5,160 | 13,100 | 16 | $68,495 |
| AT4 | 4WD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) | 305 | 495 | 5,450 | 13,000 | 19 | $69,395 |
| AT4X | 4WD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) | 305 | 495 | 5,890 | 13,100 | 19 | $81,995 |
| Denali Ultimate | 4WD | 6.2-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) | 420 | 460 | 5,350 | 13,100 | 15 | $86,795 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every GMC Sierra 1500 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) +1 | 305–420 | 4,770–5,890 | 9,300–13,100 | 24–28 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) +1 | 305–420 | 4,770–5,300 | 9,100–13,200 | 24–28 |
| 2024 | 16 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (TurboMax) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) +1 | 305–420 | 4,430–5,890 | 8,900–13,100 | 24–28 |
| 2023 | 16 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (High Output Turbo) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) / 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (HO, Turbo) +2 | 277–420 | 4,430–5,390 | 8,900–13,000 | 24–28 |
| 2022 | 16 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (HO, Turbo) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) +2 | 277–420 | 4,430–5,390 | 8,900–13,000 | 24–28 |
| 2021 | 13 | 4.3-liter V6 (EcoTec3) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) +2 | 277–355 | 4,520–5,390 | 9,100–11,800 | 24–28 |
| 2020 | 13 | 4.3-liter V6 (EcoTec3) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3, DFM) +1 | 285–355 | 4,520–5,080 | 6,700–11,300 | 24–28 |
| 2019 | 12 | 4.3-liter V6 (EcoTec3) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / 2.7-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) +1 | 285–355 | 4,257–5,355 | 7,400–12,200 | 24–28 |
| 2018 | 12 | 4.3-liter V6 (EcoTec3, Flex Fuel) / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | 285–355 | 4,515–5,461 | 6,200–11,800 | 26–34 |
| 2017 | 12 | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3L | 285–355 | 4,510–5,460 | 6,300–11,800 | 26–34 |
| 2016 | 12 | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3L / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | 285–355 | 4,517–5,509 | 5,500–11,800 | 26–34 |
| 2015 | 12 | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3L | 285–355 | 4,521–5,359 | 5,500–11,900 | 26–34 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the GMC Sierra 1500.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5W-30 (6.0 qt) 2.7L L4 Engine; 0W-20 (8.0 qt) 5.3L V8 Engine; 0W-20 (8.0 qt) 6.2L V8 Engine; 0W-20 (7.0 qt) 3.0L Duramax Diesel | – | 140 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | 0W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2016 | 0W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2015 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
GMC Sierra 1500: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | not available | ||
| 2024 | not available | ||
| 2023 | not available | ||
| 2022 | not available | ||
| 2021 | not available | ||
| 2020 | not available | ||
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | 2 | not available | electrical system, airbags |
| 2015 | 6 | not available | powertrain, steering, seats, engine cooling |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for GMC Sierra 1500 model years 2015, 2016 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a GMC Sierra 1500?
Federal recall records don't single out a best GMC Sierra 1500 model year: recall counts across the 2 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about n/a recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the GMC Sierra 1500 by model year?
2016: electrical system, airbags. 2015: powertrain, steering, seats, engine cooling.
Q03Why do some GMC Sierra 1500 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for GMC Sierra 1500 model years 2015, 2016 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Climate and electrical.
Trim ladder
3 GMC Sierra 1500 trims, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this GMC Sierra 1500 is most often compared with.
Nearest GMC models
Other GMC models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01Is the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 redesigned?
Yes. GMC revealed a next-generation 2027 Sierra 1500 with a new exterior and a redesigned, screen-intensive interior, so its trims, engines and technology are new, not carried over from the prior truck.
Q02What trims does the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 offer?
GMC confirmed six trims: Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate.
Q03What engines does the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
Four engines are offered, each with a 10-speed automatic: a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, and all-new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter small-block V8s. The 6.6-liter V8 is standard on Denali Ultimate and is described as the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in its class.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 make?
The 2.7-liter TurboMax makes 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, the 5.7-liter V8 makes 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft, the 6.6-liter V8 makes 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft, and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft.
Q05How many screens does the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
GMC says the redesigned interior offers over 60 inches of combined digital display area, part of a new screen-intensive layout. The Pro comes with a 12.2-inch driver display and a 16.3-inch center touchscreen, and the Elevation adds an articulating center screen with hidden storage.