The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the better-known of General Motors’ full-size pickup trucks, but the GMC Sierra 1500 hits the same high notes. The Sierra’s history mirrors that of the Silverado, which is worth mentioning and reiterating to shoppers looking for a used model. In other words, if you want one of these General Motors trucks, you can vastly expand your pool of candidates by including the other in your search. Since they’re so closely related, this buying guide to the GMC Sierra 1500 will also mention the Silverado frequently, as relevant.
The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado nameplates were in play on various vehicles before becoming independent model lines. The Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500, as we know them today, were revealed in 1998, debuting as 1999 models. That year marked the first generation of Silverado and second of Sierra. The heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 versions, which aren’t covered here but are relevant to the nameplate, were introduced over the next few years.
The Sierra 1500 is currently in its fifth generation, which was introduced for the 2019 model year. That’s a long time in vehicle lifecycles, but there have been plenty of updates in the meantime. It boasts upscale design, great trailering capability, good connectivity features, and distinct trim levels with a variety of special features and enhancements to appeal to a wide variety of buyers, from locking differentials that enhance off-road performance to leather seating for serene highway cruising.
GMC Sierra 1500 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- GMC Sierra 1500 Pros and Cons
- GMC Sierra 1500 Generations
- Fourth Generation (2019-)
- Third Generation (2014-2018)
- Second Generation (2007-2013)
- First Generation (1999-2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years are the best?
If you can afford it, stick with a Sierra from the current (fifth) generation, 2019 and on. The 2020 model, in particular, has high predicted reliability ratings from J.D. Power.
What are the worst GMC Sierra 1500 years?
The fourth generation, from 2014 through 2018, was known for reliability problems with the trucks’ transmissions, and 2014 and 2015 models are also known for engine knock and failing headlights. Some 2014 models were recalled for fire risk. Experts also recommend avoiding late second-generation models from 2001 on, because of poor crash test performance.
Is a used GMC Sierra 1500 a good deal?
It absolutely can be. Buy a Sierra 1500 in good condition and avoid being tempted to pay for more power than you need.
GMC Sierra 1500 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lots of engine options
- Great tech in recent models
- Powerful and capable
Cons:
- Lots of problems in certain model years
- Can be expensive, even used
- Engine and trim lineups can overwhelm
GMC Sierra 1500 Generations
Fourth Generation (2019-)
Though the Sierra 1500 is the more upscale of the GMC and Chevrolet full-size pickup truck siblings, the two models’ features and powertrains typically overlap with only minor changes or details between the two. GMC’s “We Are Professional Grade” tagline sums up styling differences between the brands, as GMC trucks’ cabins are near luxury in quality, but without many frills or embellishments. The Sierra 1500 got a refresh for the 2022 model year, which brought updated styling and infotainment, as well as the availability of General Motors’ Super Cruise semi-automated hands-free driving system. There’s also the Multipro tailgate, which is kind of a tailgate within a tailgate—a smaller, hinged gate pops up from the main gate, offering different configurations to maximise practicality.
The Sierra 1500 is available with a variety of powertrains for the fourth generation. The list includes a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque; a 4.3-liter V6 engine rated for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft, a 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, a 6.2-liter V8 rated for 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax turbodiesel engine with 305 horsepower and a maniacal 495 lb-ft. Transmission options depend on the engine, and include six-, eight-, and 10-speed automatics, while rear- and four-wheel drive are available.
It’s a little more difficult to pick a GMC Sierra 1500 trim than in years past. The trim lineup for this generation consists of Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, and AT4X. The Denali and Denali Ultimate feature luxurious stying and premium interior materials. The Elevation and the AT4 have rugged styling, and the AT4X builds on that by adding heavy-duty off-road hardware and upgrades, such as skid plates, beefed-up dampers, and all terrain tires. It also has 16-way power heated and ventilated front seats with a massage feature, so it’s comfortable, too.
This generation of Sierra 1500 is known to be pretty reliable, and the 2020 model, in particular, earned lots of satisfied customers .
It should come as no surprise that late used models are the most expensive Sierras on the used market. The entry-level Pro had a starting MSRP of $38,300 at the time of writing, while the next trim level up, the SLE, cost £48,800. CarGurus pricing data shows that those in search of a recent used GMC Sierra 1500 should budget an average of about $35,000 for a 2019 model and an average of about $65,000 for a 2025 model, though there’s very little data for the 2025 model year. Prices have dropped for used Sierras from this generation, slightly based on recent data and more drastically, by double digit percentages, year-over-year.
Third Generation (2014-2018)
The third generation of Sierra featured more aluminum in its underbody and engine for lighter weight and better efficiency. Most versions got a seven- or eight-inch touch screen infotainment system, depending on year and trim, with most getting standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Sierra 1500 was refreshed for 2016 with new front end treatments and the introduction of the aforementioned smartphone integration.
The Sierra 1500 was available with a 4.3-liter V6 rated for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft, a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, and a hefty 6.2-liter V8 that boasts ratings of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft, as well as an impressive maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. Depending on the engine, the Sierra came with a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission, and both rear- and four-wheel drive were available, though not every trim or engine was available with both.
This generation wrapped up with base Standard, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims. The Standard was designed for commercial duty or job site use, but still well equipped with features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. At the top end, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali boasts upscale luxury and comfort amenities, such as power-adjustable and cooled front seats and a Bose audio system, plus aesthetic touches such as tasteful chrome trim and a distinct grille design.
Be careful with Sierras from this generation. You don’t need to avoid them entirely, but buy a later example if you can, and be thorough on your test drive and at the dealership. The third generation, from 2014 through 2018, was known for reliability problems with transmissions, and 2015 models, in particular, were known for loud engine noises. Some 2014 versions were recalled for a fire risk, and a poor headlight design on the 2014 and 2015 models made for low illumination of the road ahead, significant enough for a class-action lawsuit against General Motors.
According to CarGurus pricing data, average values for this generation of Sierra range from about $20,000 for a 2014 model to about $30,000 for a 2018 example. Prices have dropped consistently for this generation, both year-over-year and according to more recent sales.
Second Generation (2007-2013)
The second-generation GMC Sierra 1500 was a full redesign, though some engines were carried over from the first generation. The body featured better aerodynamics for improved fuel economy ratings, using design and build techniques shared across the GM truck and SUV lineup. This Sierra was available with regular, extended cab, and crew cab configurations. A refresh in 2010 upgraded some interior trim and paired a new transmission with one of the V8 engines, and another refresh in 2012 upgraded the infotainment system.
The powertrain lineup for this generation included a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 rated for 195 hp and 260 lb-ft. The 4.8-liter Vortec V8 came in 295- and 302-hp versions, with 305 lb-ft of torque.The 5.3-liter Vortec V8 made 315 hp and either 335 or 338 lb-ft. The 6.0-liter Vortec V8 provided 367 hp and 375 lb-ft. And finally, a 6.02-liter Vortec V8 offered 403 hp and 417 lb-ft. Rear- and four-wheel drive were available, and most of the lineup got a six-speed automatic transmission.
Trims for this generation included LT, SLE, SLT, Z71, and Denali versions.
The second-generation Sierra is not known for widespread problems. Still, it’s important to shop carefully as you would with any used vehicle.
CarGurus pricing data shows that you can likely buy a second-generation GMC Sierra for an average of about $10,000 to around $15,000. Prices for this generation are down almost consistently, by double-digit percentages year-over-year and experienced smaller declines recently.
First Generation (1999-2006)
The GMC Sierra 1500 was introduced for 1999, based on the GM GMT800 architecture shared with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as well as GM SUVs, such as the Chevy Suburban and the GMC Yukon. It was introduced with regular cab and extended cab versions, with the crew cab coming later, as well as three bed lengths, although not all cab styles and bed lengths could be paired together. A 2003 refresh introduced updated front-end and cabin styling and some new wheel designs.
This generation also featured General Motors’ first hybrid powertrain for a passenger vehicle, introduced simultaneously to the Sierra 1500 and the Silverado for the 2004 model year. This truck was limited in availability and discontinued in 2009, and many examples were bought back from owners by GM.
The first-generation powertrain line-up offered a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 rated for 195 (later 200) hp and 260 lb-ft. The 4.8-liter Vortec V8 increased from 255 to 285 hp and 285 to 295 lb-ft of torque over the years. A 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine was similarly improved over the course of the generation, with ratings incrementally rising from 270 to 310 hp and 315 to 335 lb-ft. The 6.0-liter Vortec V8 was only available in the C3/Denali in the Sierra 1500 lineup, though available in some Silverado and Heavy Duty models. This engine boasted ratings of 325 hp and 370 lb-ft. Depending on the engine, the Sierra 1500 got a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Rear- and four-wheel drive were available.
The lineup was simple compared to later years, focusing on base and Work Truck (WT) versions, but there was one notable Sierra variation—the upscale C3, which was renamed Denali in 2002, a name that carries on to this day. There was also a Z71 off-road package available for both the Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500. Notably, the Chevy Silverado got several more variations than the Sierra, including the high-output SS, Vortec High Output, and VortecMAX versions.
Experts recommend avoiding the late first-generation models from 2001 on because of poor crash test performance, and some owners note that brake lines are prone to rusting. On the flip side, the 2006 model has had many satisfied owners over the years, with plenty of praise for engine reliability and build quality.
This generation of Sierra 1500 is generally affordable, with average sale prices hovering at or below the $10,000 mark according to CarGurus data. Prices are down year-over-year, but values for the earlier versions have rebounded a little.
