2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

6 hours ago

Overview
As the upscale sibling to the mechanically similar Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra offers the same hardworking attributes with a heightened sense of civility baked in for discriminating buyers. The top-tier Sierra Denali Ultimate, for example, makes good on its upscale promise with standard equipment that includes Super Cruise, 22-inch wheels, and 16-way power-adjustable massaging front seats. On the other end of the spectrum, the base Pro trim is aimed at contractors with everything you need to get the job done—and little else. Four powertrains are on offer, including two V-8s, an inline-six diesel, and a turbo four. Each powertrain is available in a wide selection of cab, bed, and drivetrain layouts.
What's New for 2026?
The Sierra rolls into 2026 with few changes. Of note, the former White Frost Tricoat and Thunderstorm Gray exterior paint options clear out to make way for the Glacier White Tricoat and Coastal Dune finishes. Furthermore, models with the 6.2-liter V-8 get a more aggressive exhaust note when in Sport mode.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 starts at $40,145 and goes up to $87,890 depending on the trim and options.
Pro
$40,145
SLE
$50,645
Elevation
$52,345
SLT
$58,095
Denali
$69,590
AT4
$69,995
AT4X
$82,595
Denali Ultimate
$87,890 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k
We like the Sierra Elevation trim because it does what its name says: elevates the experience. 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. Of course, buyers in search of the definitive Cowboy Cadillac at any price need only check the box for the Denali Ultimate.
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 well-known V-8 options: a 355-hp 5.3-liter and a 420-hp 6.2-liter. A torque-rich, light-duty diesel six-cylinder generates 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet. All three engines hook up to a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra 1500 also can be outfitted with adaptive dampers and wheels as large as 22 inches. The standard Sierra has a rougher ride than the Ram 1500, but it still handles remarkably well thanks to responsive steering and restrained body roll. 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 modelboasts 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.
0–60-MPH Times
At our test track, a loaded Denali Ultimate model with the 6.2-liter V-8 hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. We haven't tested the Sierra with the other engine options, but we have completed more tests with the mechanically similar Chevy Silverado. With the 5.3-liter V-8, the Silverado 1500 needed 6.1 seconds to hit 60 mph; with the diesel, the Chevy hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
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Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
More on the Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck
2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate Breaks New Ground
Towing and Payload Capacity
The half-ton GMC pickup can tow up to 13,300 pounds and support a payload up to 2200 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Sierra 1500 yet, but we don't expect any changes for the 2026 model. Because the Sierra 1500 offers multiple body styles, chassis lengths, and bed lengths, the fuel economy for each engine will vary depending upon the truck's size and equipment. Those most concerned with fuel efficiency should entertain the optional diesel engine, which is rated up to 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. However, most Sierras will be packing the 6.2-liter V-8 that comes standard with the Denali model. It's estimated to earn up to 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway when paired with four-wheel drive. The Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab 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 cluster 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.
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Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
Most Sierra 1500s feature a 13.4-inch touchscreen through which the truck's infotainment system runs (base Pro models get a 7.0-inch screen). The 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 Sierra offers a multicamera system that can give the driver a view of what's behind when towing a trailer as if the trailer is not there. The Denali can also be equipped with GM's Super Cruise hands-free-driving tech (it's standard on the Denali Ultimate), which operates on a vast network of roads across the country and can be used 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
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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