The GMC Sierra brings some much-needed luxury to the pickup market, but that doesn't mean that it’s not capable. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the truck over the years to see which model you should get used to and which one you should avoid.
Key Takeaways:
- The fifth-generation Sierra 1500 offers the most towing capacity, able to pull over 13,000 pounds.
- A hybrid variant is available, able to get 20 MPG.
- The Sierra 1500 comes with some great features, such as a heads up display, and even 13-inch infotainment screen.
Fifth Generation (2019-Present)
When this generation hit the market, it was available with four different engine options, which were dependent on the trim you went with. The engines are as follows:
- 2.7L Inline 4
- 5.3L V8
- 6.2L V8
- 3.0L
- Duramax Inline 6.
The 3.0L Duramax saw an upgrade in 2023. This went from 277 horsepower, and 460 lb-ft of torque, to 305 horsepower, and 495 lb-ft of torque. The Sierra 1500 has a max tow rating of 13,200-pounds, with a max payload capacity of 2,240-pounds. Making it pretty capable.
On the interior, a 7-inch screen is standard on the base trim, while the rest of the trims see an 8-inch screen. Some features that help this model stand out are the carbon fiber bed, two-piece tailgate, a heads-up display, and even a rearview mirror backup camera.
The tailgate of the Sierra comes with six functions. The first one is a traditional tailgate, but it can also be used as a step, a work area, provide easy access to the bed, and act as another load stopper. This makes for a very versatile feature.
In 2022, the Sierra saw some upgrades, this was done with most trims now coming with a 13.4-inch infotainment system.
Fourth Generation (2014-2018)
This generation came with three engine options, the engines being a 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8. The trim levels you can find from this generation are the SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.
For the 2016 model year, the Sierra saw a refresh. This saw a new grille, headlights, and front fascia for the model. HD radio also joined the lineup as a standard feature this year, regardless of trim level. In 2016, the All Terrain X was introduced. This came with a 5.3L V8 that outputs 365 horsepower. This model comes with 18-inch black rims, a black bed-mounted sport bar, and even more blacked-out accents.
If you want the most powerful engine from this generation, you’ll need to look for a model that is equipped with a 6.2L V8. This is because it can generate 420 horsepower, and 460 lb-ft of torque. This is able to tow up to 12,200 when properly equipped.
While this model doesn’t have the strongest engines compared to the newer generation, it is still capable, and for the price, it is a great option.
This generation also saw the introduction of the mild hybrid version of the 5.3L V8 engine. This was only available in California at first, but later moved to Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, and in 2018, it was available nationwide.
This engine was able to get decent mileage, having an EPA rating of 20 MPG combined. While this isn’t the highest, for a truck, it is pretty good.
Which Model Year of the GMC Sierra 1500 is right for me?
If you’re not worried about the latest features, then the fourth generation is a good option. This comes with a max towing capacity of 12,200 pounds. But if you want the highest tow rating there is, then the newest generation is right for you. Plus, it comes with the newest features.
Older, or newer, it doesn’t matter. Come on down to Jarrett today for some more information and a test drive of one of the many trucks on our lot!