Pros: Expansive passenger and cargo room; well-designed technology features; broad range of models, body configurations, and powertrains to choose from
Cons: Prices rise quickly as options are added; ride comfort doesn’t quite match Ram 1500—it’s a bit jiggly over rough pavement
CG Says: Sierra’s updates for 2016 include new front-end styling with LED running lights, an available remote locking tailgate, upgraded IntelliLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay capability, and wireless device charging on models with front bucket seats. Base, SLE, and SLT models get HID projector headlights; LED headlights are standard on Sierra Denali and available on SLT. LED taillights are standard on SLT, All Terrain, and Sierra Denali. Power-articulating assist steps are newly available on the Sierra Denali Crew Cab. The Driver Alert Package on SLT and Sierra Denali adds automatic high-beam control and lane-keep assist. Base double-cab models get an Elevation Edition appearance package. Availability of the 8-speed automatic transmission, which was previously offered only with the 6.2-liter V8, is expanded to the 5.3-liter V8 models in SLT and Sierra Denali trim. The GMC Sierra stacks up well against class rivals, and—like its Chevrolet Silverado sibling—offers strong, refined engines, good on-road behavior, plenty of handy in-cabin storage, and an impressively quiet driving environment; top-line models such as the Denali add a healthy dose of luxury to the mix. Sierra lags the Ram 1500 in handling and ride quality (as do all other full-size pickups), but it’s still a Best Buy in this class.
| Class | Large Pickup Truck |
| Body Style(s) | pickup truck |
| Passenger Count | 3 or 6 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | GMC |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA, Mexico |
| Base Prices | (Only select models listed) Base Regular Cab, 6.6-ft box: $27,515 Base 4×4 Reg. Cab, 8-ft box: $31,755 SLE 4×4 Double Cab, 6.6-ft box: $40,715 SLT Crew Cab, 5.75-ft box: $43,920 Denali 4×4 Crew Cab, 6.5-ft box: $54,340 |
| Base Engine 4.3-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 285 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| Optional Engine 5.3-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 355 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15-16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21-23 |
| Optional Engine 6.2-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21 |
