Overview
The GMC Sierra 1500 is really another way of saying “Chevy Silverado.” Despite their different exterior designs, under all that chrome and paint the two full-size pickups share much the same mechanical might. Like the Chevy, the Sierra 1500 is available as a single cab, double cab, or four-door crew cab. Bed length ranges from 5.8-to-8.2 feet in length. The selection of powertrains is equally broad: a base turbocharged four-cylinder, a brawny Duramax diesel, a 5.3-liter V-8, and a 6.2-liter V-8 are all on the menu. The Sierra 1500 finds itself among the best on two important lists. It’s among the bestselling vehicles in the U.S. and it’s one of the strongest pickups in the segment with a max conventional towing capacity of 13,200 pounds. While the Sierra does offer a large touchscreen and more of its cockpit dedicated to leather than ever, it still can’t out-luxe the Ram 1500‘s interior splendor.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2024?
Without changing the formula much, GMC has made one significant revision to the 2024 Sierra 1500 lineup by making the 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel the standard powertrain for the AT4X off-road pickup. There are also two new wheel options, new colors such as Downpour metallic and Thunderstorm Gray, and a new nickname for the 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine: call it TurboMax from now on.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We like the Sierra Elevation trim because it occupies a middle ground in terms of price but comes with a desirable appearance package that looks cool. You’ll also have to select between a few different cab configurations and bed lengths depending on what fits your needs. Four-wheel drive is available at an extra cost should you require it.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sierra is available with four different engines, two different transmissions, and rear- or four-wheel drive. The base setup is a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are two V-8 options: a 355-hp 5.3-liter and a 420-hp 6.2-liter. A torque-rich diesel six-cylinder generates 460 pound-feet. All three engines hook up to a 10-speed automatic. At our test track, a loaded Denali Ultimate model with the 6.2-liter V-8 hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The Sierra 1500 also can be had with adaptive dampers and wheels as large as 22 inches. While the Sierra lacks the extreme off-road abilities of the high-flying Ford F-150 Raptor, it does offer two dedicated off-road variants. The rugged AT4 model boasts a 2.0-inch suspension lift and other legitimate trail-flogging equipment. The AT4X shares several features with the Silverado ZR2, including advanced spool-valve dampers, electronic-locking front and rear diffs, extra skid plates, and gnarly off-road tires mounted on black 18-inch wheels. An AT4X AEV package adds even more serious off-road accessories, like a steel front bumper with a winch, AEV 18-inch wheels, and steel rock sliders. The Sierra has a rougher ride than the Ram 1500, but it still handles remarkably well thanks to responsive steering and restrained body roll.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The half-ton GMC pickup can tow up to 13,200 pounds and support a payload up to 2240 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Sierra 1500 has several different powertrain combinations, which means its fuel-economy ratings vary. Those most concerned with fuel efficiency should entertain the optional diesel engine, which is rated up to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. However, most Sierras will be packing the 6.2-liter V-8 that comes standard with every Denali model. It’s estimated to earn up to 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway when paired with four-wheel drive. The Sierra 1500 Denali we tested achieved 18 mpg in our real-world highway test. For more information about the Sierra’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Sierra feels designed with the driver in mind. The controls are all easy to reach and the quality of the materials generally increases with the trim levels. Starting on the SLE, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel becomes standard. Spending big on the upper trims unlocks even more desirable features, including a head-up display and a power-adjustable steering column. The Denali Ultimate is where things get seriously upscale thanks to open-pore wood trim and a surplus of leather-covered surfaces. The front seats also feature 16-way power adjustments as well as massage functions. Interior cubby storage is more than adequate for storing all manner of small items. While GMC doesn’t offer any particularly innovative storage features, the Sierra 1500 can be had with a trick tailgate that has multiple configurations. There’s also a class-exclusive carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed that is lighter and supposedly stronger than steel.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Most Sierra 1500s feature a 13.4-inch touchscreen through which the truck’s infotainment system runs. This larger screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It also has built-in Google software that allows users to access an app store, maps, and a voice assistant. Other available features include a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and additional power points.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The half-ton Sierra has a host of standard driver-assistance technology. It’s also available with nifty off-road assists, such as a Terrain Mode that allows one-pedal driving in low-speed situations. The GMC can be fitted with a multicamera system that even has views where the driver can virtually see through a trailer if they’re pulling one. The Denali can be equipped with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free-driving tech, which operates on a vast network of roads across the country and can even be put to use with a trailer attached. However, it’ll only change lanes on its own if there’s nothing hooked up to the truck. For more information about the Sierra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
GMC provides a competitive warranty plan that can’t match the Nissan Titan’s coverage but does include one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate V-8
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $84,995/$84,995
Options: none
ENGINE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 376 in3, 6162 cm3
Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02
275/50R-22 111T M+S TPC Spec 3112MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 147.4 in
Length: 231.9 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 75.5 in
Passenger Volume: 136 ft3
Bed Length: 69.9 in
Curb Weight: 5586 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 13.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 100 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 106 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/20 mpg
