GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel 2021 Review

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.

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 MatoCar 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.

Which Sierra 1500 does MatoCar recommend?

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.

The Sierra is also available with one of five engines. They include:

• 4.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque)
• Turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque)
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque)
• 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque)
• 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)

Naturally, not every engine is available in every trim or configuration. The V6 comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder and 5.3-liter V8 (with rear-wheel drive) come with an eight-speed automatic. Finally, there's a 10-speed automatic for the 5.3-liter V8 with 4WD, the diesel six-cylinder and the top-dog 6.2-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard for most trims, and four-wheel drive is available.

Base The entry-level Sierra 1500 is about the closest you'll get to a simple old-school truck you'll find these days. It comes with:

• LED headlights
• Chrome bumpers
• Tilt-only steering wheel
• Six-speaker audio system (double cab and crew cab)
• Two USB ports
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

SLE It includes all of the base Sierra's features and adds a lot more, including:

• Body-colored door handles
• LED bed lighting
• Tinted rear windows
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Two additional USB ports (an additional two when equipped with bucket seats)
• Cruise control
• Heated, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry and ignition
• MultiPro configurable tailgate
• Automatic-locking rear differential

Elevation The Elevation only adds a few features on top of the SLE, including:

• 20-inch wheels
• Remote locking tailgate
• LED foglights

SLT Ramps up the Sierra's luxury vibe with:

• 18-inch wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Heated and power-folding mirrors
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• 120-volt power outlet
• Trailer hitch guidance assist
• Trailer brake controller
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

AT4 Enhances the Sierra's off-road performance with:

• Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing
• Hill descent control
• Upgraded suspension with monotube shock absorbers and a 2-inch lift
• All-terrain tires
• Recovery hooks
• Skid plates
• Adjustable traction control

Other than the off-road upgrades, the AT4 also includes:

• Ventilated front seats with center console

Denali The Sierra Denali sits at the top of the lineup. It builds off the SLT trim with:

• Two-speed transfer case (four-wheel drive only)
• Standard Driver Alert I package (see below)
• Adaptive suspension (can adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
• Bose audio system
• 20-inch wheels
• Side steps
• Power-sliding rear window
• Digital instrument cluster
• Heated second-row seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Wireless charging

Many features found in the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims through option packages. Other major options for the Sierra 1500 include:

•  Driver Alert I package
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Driver Alert II package
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Sierra and the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
• Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Max Trailering package
• Revised gear ratio
• Upgraded radiator
• Revised shocks with heavy-duty springs
• Technology package
• Rear camera mirror
• Bed-view camera
• Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Sierra and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Head-up display