The GMC Sierra is comfortable and can be equipped with a rambunctious 6.2-liter V8. But getting the big V8 drives the truck's cost up, reducing its value. Still, if you're looking for the best interpretation of the GM family of trucks, the Sierra could be it.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most popular vehicles in America. Like all modern trucks, the Sierra 1500 is just as good at hauling a family as it is a bed full of gravel. It has a spacious cabin, a full complement of driver aids, and a wide range of available engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a muscular 6.2-liter V8. There's even the complicated but surprisingly useful MultiPro tailgate that can be used as a table or folded down as a step up to the bed.
This 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT, equipped with a 3.0L I6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, presents an excellent opportunity. Key features inc...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GTU9DET3MG356655 Stock: 8664A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 08-05-2025
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GTP8FED7MG236037 Stock: 27195419 Certified Pre-Owned: No
Like its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra competes in one of the toughest segments in the market. Rivals include the fully redesigned Ford F-150 — the Edmunds Top Rated Truck for 2021 — and the Ram 1500. These trucks edge out the Sierra with their more premium interior designs and more comfortable rides. Then there's the Silverado, which offers nearly everything the Sierra does but at a slightly lower price. Still, this is an undeniably capable truck. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more about our take on the 2021 Sierra.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Sierra 1500 drive? The optional 6.2-liter V8 is a wonderful engine. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly. It helped our test truck cover 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to modulate the brakes precisely in routine driving.
We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra isn't quite as plush in seating as its main rivals, but the shape and support are there. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck ably absorbs most small impacts. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.
The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the heated split front seats — offering separate settings for seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments. But dialing in a truly pleasing driving position can be difficult because of the way the steering wheel tilts up and down.
The layout of the controls is OK. We like the big volume and tuning knobs but are less fond of some of the virtual buttons on the touchscreen and the overall dated look of the cabin. As for visibility, shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the hood of the truck. The thick roof pillars can also impede your vision.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The 8-inch infotainment screen looks small compared to the optional 12-inch screen you'll see in the Ram 1500 or the Ford F-150, but GMC's system is at least relatively easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and, in our testing, connected quickly. Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard on SLT trims and above, connecting just as quickly and easily. There are USB and USB-C ports on the dash, plus more in the center console and rear seat area, but a second set in the rear for passengers would be nice.
The native voice recognition system understands basic commands but doesn't do as well with recognizing natural speech. Our test truck also had automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these systems work well.
Towing and Storage
8/10
How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is quite useful and convenient. It's big, with tie-downs galore, and no one offers bed steps like these. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best in class but are still very respectable.
Inside, the large center console provides sufficient space for your small items, though it does take up a lot of room between the seats. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sierra Denali should get 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway). That's respectable for an upgraded V8 but not the best in class. At 17.6 mpg, we met the combined rating on our highway-dominant test loop, while our long-term average economy came out to 16.4 mpg. Impressively, we achieved 20.5 mpg during a long highway trip for our best tank.
Value
6.5/10
Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricey Denali trim level. The interior is well built and sturdy, but the quality of materials is disappointing. Other than the MultiPro tailgate, there's not much here that's distinctive. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.
GMC's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.
Wildcard
6.5/10
These days a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does its drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas — with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better. If you want a full-size truck that's more comprehensively upscale, go with the Ram.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trim levels: base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The Sierra 1500 is also available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (it's a crew cab, but with less rear seat space) and crew cab. Not all trims are available in all configurations. There are also three bed lengths available depending on the cab configuration.
Which Sierra 1500 trim does Edmunds recommend?
Picking the right light-duty truck configuration typically comes down to knowing your needs. But the variety of configurations for the Sierra 1500 might seem overwhelming. Can't decide? Go for the midlevel SLT trim level. It comes with a long list of standard features plus a good number of extras that are available as options. The SLT's standard 5.3-liter V8 easily satisfies as well.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
I have a 2021 GMC 5.3L w/10spd transmission. I pull a 21’ cargo trailer w/2 Polaris Trail Rzr’s. Yesterday at 13,800 miles the valve lifter on #5 cylinder went out. We were 80 miles from home in the middle of no-where. We limped home.
The truck is beautiful, pulls great and gets good mileage, but GM should let customers know about this kind of potential problem.
The dealer told me … today that it could take a month to get parts and get it fixed. I need the truck almost every day, but now I walk for a month! NOT HAPPY! I’ve been a GMC customer for 35 years and bought north of 17 new pickups. Never had this problem. When this is fixed I will have to look at other brands.
Bad engine design
1 out of 5 stars
Kraig Monroe, 05/12/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 had to have new lifters and push rods put in at 3600 miles then again at 5200 miles had the same problem waiting on dealership and General Motors to get back with me.I think they should buy back this truck in my opinion nobody should have this problem with a brand new truck purchased in January 2021.steelworker96@gmail.com
Broke down at 1,236 miles
1 out of 5 stars
Let down, 01/16/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A)
Bought a 2021 AT4 with 3.0L Duramax. Ordered it and waited 4 months for it to arrive. Love the ride & engine. Had to be towed to dealer with 1,236 miles due to a "transmission module issue." Been 3 days haven't heard back. Think transmission might've blown. Wouldn't go in reverse, would go into reverse position but wouldn't move. Engine power was reduced & check engine light came on. The … 10 speed transmission was supposed to be solid.... be cautious
Complete shut down on 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 duraMac
1 out of 5 stars
Jr, 02/16/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
Complete failure needed to be towed in three times less than 500 miles. Power or computer problems and still trying to fix!
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