2026 GMC Sierra 1500

Performance

The base engine in the Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims is the 2.7-liter turbocharged TurboMax inline-4. True to its name, the engine delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can handle a maximum payload of 2,240 lb. with 2WD or 2,120 lb. with 4WD. The maximum towing capacity is 9,500 lb. with 2WD and 9,200 lb. with 4WD. The 2.7-liter engine is the Sierra’s most fuel-efficient gas option, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18/22/20 mpg city/highway/combined for 2WD, and 17/20/18 for 4WD. Keep in mind that EPA figures may vary slightly depending on trim and configuration.  

The next step is the 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. All engines, except for the TurboMax, are paired with a 10-speed automatic that effectively keeps the engine in its optimal rev range for any situation. The maximum payload is almost the same as that of a 2.7-liter engine, but the maximum towing capacity increases to 11,200 lb. for 2WD and 11,000 lb. for 4WD. Fuel economy estimates are 16/21/18 for 2WD and 15/20/27 for 4WD.  

The larger available V8 is the 6.2-liter gas engine, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Only offered with 4WD, it has a maximum payload of 1,820 lb., and its fuel economy estimates are 15/19/16.   

Lastly, there is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6. As is typical with diesel engines, while it offers only 305 horsepower, it compensates with a peak torque of 460 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm. Available in both 2WD and 4WD, its maximum payload is 1,890 lb. for 2WD and 1,880 lb. for 4WD. The 3.0-liter diesel is the Sierra 1500’s towing champion, capable of pulling up to 13.200 lb. with 2WD and matching the 6.2-liter V8 at 13,000 lb. with 4WD. Additionally, the diesel is the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 23/29/25 for 2WD, dropping slightly to 23/27/24 for 4WD.   

All Sierra models have an independent front suspension with a solid axle for the rear. Spring and damper components vary by trim level.

Exterior

The Sierra 1500 HD is available as a 2-door Regular Cab with a 98.27-inch long bed or a 4-door Double Cab or Crew Cab, each with a choice of either a 79.44-inch standard bed or a 69.92-inch short bed.  

The Sierra has a Max Towing Package for the SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels. Among the features in this package are:  

• Trailering Package   

• Handling/Trailering Suspension Package  

• 76-inch rear axle   

• Axle ratio: 42:1 gas, 73:1 diesel  

• Automatic locking rear differential  

• Enhanced cooling radiator  

• Revised shock tuning  

• Heavy-duty rear springs  

• 220-amp alternator  

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller  

You can keep track of what is happening around your truck and trailer with up to 15 different available camera views. This includes HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror, and Bed View Camera.   

Besides simply being up or down, the versatile MultiPro Tailgate available on the SLE and above trims can be configured in five additional different ways:  

• Extend the bed length with a built-in stop at the end.  

• Dropping the inner gate from the already lowered main tailgate gives you better access to your load.  

• With the tailgate lowered and the inner gate opened, a full-width step can extend to give you easy entry and exit into the truck bed.  

• With the tailgate up, the inner gate can drop down to provide a cradle for long items extending past the tailgate, such as boards or pipes, to help keep them stable.  

• With the main tailgate up but the inner tailgate down, you have a counter-high workspace with embossed measuring markers. 

While all 4WD Sierra 1500s are capable on pavement and off-road, the AT4 line emphasizes enhanced off-road features. The AT4 includes Off-Road Mud Terrain-Rated Goodyear® Wrangler Tires and an Off-Road Suspension with a 2-inch factory lift and Rancho Monotube Shocks. The AT4X comes standard with the 6.2-liter V8 and is equipped with Multimatic™ DSSV Spool-Valve Dampers, front and rear E-locking Differentials. Additional AEV off-road features are found in the AEV Edition (American Expedition Vehicles), which adds AEV stamped-steel bumpers with front winch capability, five AEV hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, and AEV Racing-Inspired Salta wheels with a 2-spoke design and recessed valve stems, among other features. 

Interior

All models above the entry-level Pro have a refined, horizontally themed dash layout featuring a seamlessly integrated 13.4-inch (diagonal) center touchscreen. All four-door models include a 60/40 rear seat. Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT models have a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, while bucket seats with a center console are standard on the AT4 and Denali trims. SLE models and higher trims come with a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. Upper trims also offer the same for the front passenger seat. 

Technology

The large screen is supported by a Google Built-in operating system that includes Google Maps, the voice-activated Google Assistant, and available mobile apps from Google Play, all independent of your smartphone. Wireless compatibility for both your iPhone and Android smartphones is also standard. A 12.3-inch customizable driver information center, also available on SLE and higher trims, allows drivers to personalize the information they see.   

A 6-speaker audio system is standard on most models, which, in addition to radio sources, can stream audio wirelessly from your cell phone. AT4 and Denali models feature a 7-speaker Bose® Premium sound system with a Richbass® woofer, and there is a 12-speaker system in the Denali Ultimate. 

Safety and Driver Assistance

The GMC Pro Safety system is standard on all models and includes features such as:  

• Forward Collision Alert  

• Following Distance Indicator  

• Front Pedestrian Braking  

• IntilliBeam automatic high/low beams  

• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning  

• Automatic Emergency Braking  

Finally, for long-distance travelers, Super Cruise is available on Denali models. This vehicle utilizes precision LIDAR, programmed road mapping, and other advanced technologies to enable genuine hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles of highways across North America.