Our Opinion - 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Review It’s more expensive than its mechanically identical brother, the Chevrolet Silverado, but the GMC Sierra is nicer to deal with for picky customers and can still do the same work. As an example, the top-of-the-line Sierra Denali Ultimate lives up to its luxury reputation with 22-inch metal wheels, Super Cruise, and front seats that can be adjusted in 16 ways for maximum comfort. The base Pro trim, on the other hand, is made for builders and comes with almost everything they need to finish the job. There are two V8s, a turbo four, and a straight six diesel engine to choose from. There are different cab, bed, and drivetrain choices for each engine. What's New? With the arrival of the 2026 model year, the Sierra sees minimal changes and retains most of its previous design and features. However, two new exterior color options—Glacier White Tricoat and Coastal Dune—have taken the place of White Frost Tricoat and Thunderstorm Gray. Also, cars with the 6.2-liter V-8 make a louder sound when they are in Sport mode. Pros and Cons Pros You can pick from four good engines. How to Behave While Driving. The AT4X version has a lot of power. Cons The 1500 Chevy Silverado is pretty close. The interior of the base trim feels poorly organized and lacks refinement. The trip is harder when the wheels are big. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sierra provides four available engine options, two types of transmissions, and the versatility of choosing between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive setups. The base model comes with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Of course, it has an automatic drive with eight speeds. Another widely favored option is the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which delivers 420 horsepower. It features a 5.3-liter engine that produces 355 horsepower. A light-duty diesel engine with six cylinders and a lot of torque makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The transmission has 10 speeds and works with all three engines. The Sierra 1500 can also come with wheels with a width of up to 22 inches and adjustable shock absorbers. Even though the base Sierra moves rougher than the Ram 1500, it handles very well thanks to its quick steering and well-controlled body roll. The fast-moving Ford F-150 Raptor excels off-road, but the Sierra’s off-road capabilities are less impressive. However, it does offer two off-road-focused models. The tough AT4 version has a 2.0-inch lift in the suspension and other real trail-flogging gear. The AT4X and Silverado ZR2 have many similarities, featuring enhanced spool-valve dampers, electronically locking front and rear differentials, additional skid plates, and rugged off-road tires mounted on black 18-inch wheels. The AT4X AEV package comes with even better off-road gear, like steel rock sliders, 18-inch AEV wheels, and a steel front bumper with a winch. Safety Many driver-assistance features come standard on the half-ton Sierra. It also has clever off-road features, like a Terrain mode that lets you drive slowly with just one pedal. When the Sierra is pulling a trailer, the multicamera system may show the driver what is behind them as if the trailer weren’t there. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system can also be added to the Denali. This system comes standard on the Denali Ultimate and works on all major roads. It’s also compatible with a wagon. If the truck is not hooked up to anything, it will only change lanes by itself. Some of the standout safety features include: Emergency brakes that work on their own, along with regular forward crash warning. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist come standard on the Sierra, helping drivers stay safely within their lane. Blind-spot detection and back cross-traffic alert are standard features. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Sierra’s cabin looks like it was made with the driver in mind. It’s easy to access all the settings, and the quality of the materials usually improves as the trim level increases. For the first time, the SLE comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Spending a lot of money on higher-end models will get you even more features you want, like a power-adjustable steering column and a head-up display. The Denali Ultimate features numerous leather-covered surfaces and open-pore wood trim, elevating the experience to the next level. The front chairs also have 16-way power adjustments and massage features. The interior box storage is spacious enough to hold a variety of small items. Even though GMC doesn’t offer very creative storage options, the Sierra 1500 might come with a smart tailgate that can be set up in different ways. The class also has a luggage bed made of carbon fiber, which is thought to be stronger and lighter than steel. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG We don’t think the 2026 model will be different, but the EPA hasn’t given us any information on how much gas the 2026 Sierra 1500 will use. Because the Sierra 1500 comes in multiple body styles, chassis setups, and bed sizes, its fuel economy differs based on the specific configuration and features of the vehicle. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the optional diesel engine is an excellent pick, offering up to 23 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. This Sierra, on the other hand, will mostly have the 6.2-liter V-8 engine that comes standard with the Denali model. It should get up to 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway when paired with four-wheel drive. The Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab got 18 mpg on our real-life highway test. Infotainment and Connectivity A 13.4-inch tablet is standard on most Sierra 1500s and is used for the entertainment system. On the bigger screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are already set up and ready to go. It also comes with Google software, which gives users access to an app store, a voice assistant, and maps. Among the other features are a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, and extra power sources. Range, Charging, and Battery Life On our test circuit, the Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2‑liter V‑8 reached 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. We haven’t tested the Sierra with the other engine choices, but we have tested the Chevy Silverado more, which is pretty much the same. With the diesel engine, the Chevy took 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the Silverado 1500 took 6.1 seconds with the 5.3-liter V-8. Towing and Payload Capacity When properly configured, the GMC half-ton pickup is capable of towing as much as 13,300 pounds and hauling a payload of up to 2,200 pounds. Price and How to Choose The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 could cost anywhere from $39,545 to $87,290, depending on the choices and specs. We like the Sierra Elevation trim because, as the name suggests, it makes everything better. Price-wise, it’s in the middle, but it comes in a great package that looks great. You can also choose from a few different bed lengths and truck configurations based on your needs. For an extra fee, you can get four-wheel drive. Buyers seeking the best Cowboy Cadillac at any price should choose the Denali as their top option.
