2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that can be configured in an array of ways and has trim levels ranging from a bare-bones work truck to the top Denali Ultimate with a feature list that rivals some luxury vehicles. The Sierra is closely related to its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but positions itself as a more premium offering with a slightly nicer interior and more creature comforts as you move up the range. And in spite of its upmarket niche, the Sierra is a genuinely capable light-duty pickup that's comfortable to drive every day and ready to go to work when needed.

The Sierra belongs to the highly competitive full-size truck category and, as such, has to contend with the other big names in the class. The Ford F-150 is our current favorite thanks to its wide selection of configurations and high towing and payload numbers. The Sierra's twin, the Chevy Silverado 1500, offers virtually identical performance but comes in a more stripped-down work truck variant. The Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra are also solid choices — the former was recently updated and the latter offers a hybrid powertrain that's surprisingly capable. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for more on how the GMC Sierra compares to its rivals.

The Sierra's MultiPro tailgate (standard on the SLT and above but available on all models) is the Swiss Army Knife of tailgates. It can swing down like a regular tailgate, but it also has a portion that folds out with the gate in place to serve as a standing-height table or work bench. Additionally, it can act as a bed extender for items that don't quite fit. Fold the tailgate down with the second segment also folded, and you can more easily access things in the bed without getting in. If you do need to climb in, there's another part that folds down to serve as a step. Behind that panel, you might have extra lighting, a USB outlet or controls for an in-bed audio system depending on your trim level and options.