2021 GMC Sierra

Pros: Broad range of powertrains, models, and body configurations to choose from; passenger and cargo room; simple controls; available well-equipped Denali models; exclusive available features

Cons: Ride comfort and interior ambiance don’t match Ram 1500; front and side roof pillars impede visibility

CG Says: The 2021 GMC Sierra has new trailer tech that includes Jack-Knife Alert, Bed Hitch Guidance, cargo-bed zoom, and Trailer Length Indicator that aids lane changes. Trailer View now includes guidelines and the side-view camera now works in reverse. The MultiPro Tailgate is now available on SLE and Elevation. The GMC Sierra is a full-sized pickup that was redesigned for 2019. The Sierra shares a platform and powertrains with the Chevrolet Silverado (which was also redesigned for 2019), but has unique styling, along with a different equipment mix and a generally more upscale ambiance. The 420-hp 6.2-liter and 355-hp 5.3-liter V8s have stop/start technology and a fuel-saving Dynamic Active Fuel Management system that can run on two, four, six, or eight cylinders as driving conditions warrant. Sierra has another 5.3-liter V8 that also develops 355 hp, but it has Active Fuel Management that can deactivate only up to half of the cylinders. A turbodiesel 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine has 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Rounding out the engine chart are a 285-hp 4.3-liter V6 and a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, both with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology. The diesel, 6.2-liter V8, and 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Active Fuel Management and 4WD have a 10-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four and the 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Active Fuel Management and 2WD have 8-speed automatics, while the 4.3-liter V6 and the 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management have 6-speed autos. Full-time four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case is available.
Available features include power-opening and closing tailgate, head-up instrument display, push-button start, rearview camera mirror, and a camera that can be affixed to the back of a trailer to aid reversing. The available MultiPro tailgate uses a separately hinged “mini-gate” section that can be opened in several handy positions. The off-road-oriented AT4 model features unique upscale trim, a raised ride height, and all-terrain tires. Available Sierra safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sierra is offered in regular-cab, extended-cab, and crew-cab versions. The Ram 1500 might still the best-riding full-size pickup, but the new Sierra also rides quite well; it also has fine handling for a large pickup. Plus, Sierra offers a number of exclusive available features, such as an available CarbonPro carbon-fiber pickup box and the upscale Denali trim with Adaptive Ride Control suspension. Add that to its wide range of powertrains and features, and the Sierra should have something to satisfy any full-size truck buyer.