2021 GMC Sierra 1500

MSRP range

$36,400 - $59,600

With the introduction of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, the aim was to stand out in the highly competitive market of large-sized trucks, but the result has been a mixed bag. The GMC Sierra 1500 is undeniably one of the most popular vehicles in America. The full-sized pickup is particularly known for having a roomy interior and being powerful & capable. Its spacious cabins, a wide variety of engines, and several driver aids are definitely great additions. Let’s know more:

 

What’s New

- Enhanced trailer-assistance features

- Active safety features in the base models

- Available wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

- More paint options on Sierra's Multipro tailgate.

- AT4 model has Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires

- The optional diesel engine gets a $1500 discount from the previous model year.

 

Pros 

- Large cabs

- Big capability

- Big engines in different categories.

- Innovative technology & hardware

- Large beds

- Classic truck style

- Spacious, quiet cabin

 

Cons

- Costlier than its competitors

- Less luxurious as compared to rivals

- Lower towing capacity as compared to Ram 1500 & Ford F-150

- The interior is not as impressive 

- Safety options are limited

 

Price Range: $36,400 - $59,600

Overall Pointcom Rating: 8.3/10

 

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is great in luxurious Denali and even in the Elevation trim. It has five capable powertrains, which also include a fuel-efficient diesel. The vehicle in the large truck segment has reasonable towing and hauling capacity. As per most 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reviews, the spacious & cushioned ride provides a comfortable and quiet experience. With an assortment of functional tech features and great looks, GMC Sierra makes for one of the best choices for buyers. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great truck in terms of performance and capability. Let’s dive a little further:

 

Performance

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has impressive performance with various engine options — from a 6.2-liter V-8 to a turbo-diesel inline-six or a high-displacement turbo-four. And, the engine choices have no restriction based on the trims. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a V6 engine with 305 pound-feet of torque and 285 horsepower. While the powertrain can do some light work, it is certainly not the best if you have to do heavy towing and hauling. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 can haul up to 2,250 pounds and tow up to 11,800 pounds. The two V8s— the first one is a 6.2-liter that puts out 460 pound-feet of torque & 420 horsepower, and the other a 5.3-liter that produces 383 pound-feet of torque & 355 horsepower. Both V8s are stronger than the V6 in power and acceleration. The Sierra, with its base V6 engine, gets 21 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. And, the models with a V8 get 21 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city. It offers a smooth ride even on rough roads, so driving to work every day can be fun. 

 

Interior & Comfort

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has an ample amount of soft-touch surfaces. The cabin is functional, roomy, and quiet. The 2021 Sierra can accommodate three, five, or six passengers, depending on the cab configuration and trim. With the five passengers’ Sierra, you’ll also get a big storage compartment in the center console. In front of the rear passenger seats, it also has clever side-hinged storage areas. The cargo space and interior room will depend on the bed and cab combination. The Sierra typically has three-bed length categories, including 5-foot-8-inch, 6-foot-6-inch, and 8-foot. However, every bed is not available with every cab. There are plenty of bed features available with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500— a multifunction tailgate, an audio system integrated into the tailgate, and integrated LED lights. 

 

Safety Features

The IIHS gave the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 good crashworthiness scores and a Superior score for the optional automatic emergency braking system. However, it got a poor rating for headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it an overall rating of four-star for its safety features. Both IIHS and the Feds rated it poor for front-seat passengers in crash testing. The GMC Sierra does not have any standard driver-assist active safety features; however, plenty of optional features are available. 

 

Technology

The Sierra offers an 8.0- or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Each of them has a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The standard is a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display, and for higher trims, it includes 4.2- or 8.0-inch color displays. The standard format for most trims is a six-speaker system, and for the base models, it is a two-speaker audio system. While the GMC's infotainment system is relatively easy to use, the 12-inch screen in the Ford F-150 & Ram 1500 looks much bigger than that of the GMC’s 8-inch system. The wireless smartphone connects easily & quickly on SLT trims. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 includes USB and USB-C ports in the rear seat area, center console, and dashboard. While the native voice recognition system does not decode natural speech, it does understand basic commands. It also has blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, front & rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. 

 

Key Competitors:

2021 Ford F-150

2022 RAM 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

 

What’s Your Final Call?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is a good vehicle in large size trucks. It has a roomy interior, powerful engines and provides a smooth ride even on rough roads. However, there aren’t too many significant areas where it ranks better than its rivals. If you are keenly looking for the best in the GMC family, the Sierra would be an ideal choice. The GMC Sierra offers a comfortable ride. An available lightweight carbon fiber bed, a slick multi-function tailgate, and adaptive ride control will surely impress buyers. While the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is not the best choice in the large-size truck segment, it has a host of features for a good driving experience. 

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

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