GMC
The GMC Sierra is one of the most popular full-size pickups on the American bandwagon. Over the years, the Sierra strived to grab a stronghold in its increasingly competitive segment, much like its sibling, the Chevy Silverado 1500. The 2021 GMC Sierra and 2021 RAM 1500 strive to knock off the bestselling 2021 Ford F-150 off the top of the pile. The RAM 1500 for its part aims to entice its audience with its futuristic infotainment setup and astonishing spec numbers.
The GMC Sierra on the other hand mesmerizes with its jaw-dropping muscular design. It offers the world’s first six-function MultiPro tailgate and a carbon-fiber cargo bed with class-leading volume to dictate its command on the segment. The AT4 and Denali trims turn up the style quotient. And the robust 6.2-liter V-8 under its hood gives you the taste of raw power whenever you drive. Tune in to know more about the stylish 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 in-detail.
Trims and features
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 hierarchy is divided into 6 distinct trims. They include the base Sierra, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Each trim comes with its own set of distinct features to justify its value-for-money.
Starting with the base trim at $29695, the GMC infotainment system is standard, alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A potent 4.3 V-6 is standard under the hood, while safety features like StabiliTrak with traction control and hill start assist are also standard.
The SLE starting at $39995 adds an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and remote keyless entry to the party. Powered by a 2.7-liter turbo inline-4, the SLE also gives you the privileges of the MultiPro tailgate and rear air vents for extra comfort.
The Elevation trim sports a monochromatic exterior with a suave black grille. Bigger 20-inch wheels enhance the brawny nature of the pickup. Bucket seats are also available for that extra support and comfort while driving. It has a base price of $41695.
The SLT trim priced at $48595 is where things start getting interesting. The six-function MultiPro tailgate becomes standard from this trim level. The 5.3-liter V-8 powertrain is integrated with the fuel-saving Dynamic Fuel Management technology. The ProGrade trailering system and Traction Select make your life easier while towing. GMC adds a touch of class to the cabin with its Premium GMC infotainment, heated steering wheel, and 10-way power leather-appointed heated front seats.
The AT4 brings out the Sierra 1500’s athletic side at $55395 with its distinct exterior with black chrome accents. The interiors also get an athletic makeover. The CarbonPro package available for both AT4 and Denali brings a carbon-fiber bed and the premium MultiPro tailgate audio system by Kicker to the equation.
The range-topping Denali ending at $56990 adds a touch of opulence with its perforated leather seats and ash-wood trimmings and a premium Bose audio setup. Various ride enhancing technologies and driver assistance tech also become standard.
What’s the engine under the 2021 GMC Sierra’s hood?
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has a myriad of engine and transmission options in its lineup. With rear-wheel or all-wheel drive available as the drivetrain options, the Sierra opens up a ton load of various configurations. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is paired to either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic and is capable of chugging out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Drivers also have the option of selecting a smaller yet more efficient 2.7-liter turbo inline-4.
Those who crave huge torque numbers can always select the robust Duramax 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine, paired to a 10-speed automatic and throwing out 460 lb-ft of twisties. A 6.2-liter V-8 remains the most powerful option, with its power output of 420 horses and 460 twisties.
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra fuel-efficient?
The wide range of powertrains of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 means more diversity in fuel economies too. Fuel-savvy customers definitely have to opt for the turbo-diesel option, which returns decent EPA MPG figures of 23 in the city and 30 on the highway.
However, the majority of Sierra buyers might have the 6.2-liter V-8 as standard, and may well expect MPG figures of 16 while strolling in the city and 20 on the highway. All V-8 engines under the Sierra lineup are injected with Dynamic Fuel Management technology. This has helped GM to boost their fuel economy figures in recent times.
Is the interior of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a nice place to be in?
Get inside the cabin of the Sierra 1500 and you will instantly notice the quality gap between it and its more fancied rivals. Even the top-draw Denali trim’s interiors are nowhere close to what you get on its high-end rivals. However, the Sierra 1500 makes up for its low interior quality with its fully-functional and driver-focused cabin. The main USP here is its class-leading front headroom and legroom, which will help you to stretch yourselves out on a long, stressful drive. Leather-appointed interiors and a heads-up display add some glamour to the cabin. The Sierra’s small-storage versatility is splendid enough to store all your belongings in place. The class-exclusive carbon fiber bed offers increased resistance to scratches or any other form of impact.
Is the tech suite futuristic and intuitive enough?
GMC offers you a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, alongside its inbuilt infotainment system which gets an upgrade on higher trims. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is supported on every trim. Music lovers will certainly relish the enhanced bass with the Premium Bose audio system. To create an outdoor party atmosphere, GMC also offers you the MultiPro tailgate audio system by Kicker as an accessory. Bluetooth, in-built navigation, wireless charging, USB ports, and multiple power points are other cool features onboard.
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safe enough?
GMC’s entry point full-size pickup had to stay content with a 4-star NHTSA rating. IIHS rated the crew cab variant heartily on most aspects. Still, a poor safety rating in some aspects made the pickup miss out on the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Safety is one of the top priorities for the Sierra this year, as evident by its new safety techs like a rear camera mirror and the ProGrade trailering system for maximum safety and efficiency while towing. Still, most of the driver assistance tech like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control remain as optional features.
Is the warranty coverage adequate in the long run?
GMC covers the Sierra 1500 with a basic warranty plan that abides by the standards of its competitive market. While it may not match the splendid warranty coverage of the Nissan Titan, GMC’s wide service network and decent warranty policies come to your rescue whenever your pickup breaks down. Your first maintenance visit to your dealer is absolutely free while your pickup’s natural beauty is also preserved through a lengthy corrosion perforation coverage.
- Limited warranty- 3 years/36000 miles
- Powertrain warranty- 5 years/60000 miles
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance- 5 years/60000 miles
- Corrosion Protection- 3 years/3600 miles
- Rust-through protection- 6 years/100000 miles
- Complimentary first maintenance visit
Should you buy the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 might surprise you with its exceptional mechanical abilities and solid exterior build. The pickup’s brawny personality demands respect whenever you encounter one on the road. The huge roster of powertrain options caters to every type of driver. While its interiors and tech suite may not match the opulence of its rivals, Sierra’s focus on driver convenience and utility makes it a stellar everyday drive. Overall, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 meets all the requirements of a capable workhorse.
