How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 8.98% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,755 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability.

If you find a listing below $35,514.93, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 4.9/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 5.67/10. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious features, exceptional engine performance, advanced technology, and comfortable interior. The truck also gets credit for offering great value for money, even if some reviewers mention minor annoyances like the absence of a key fob and the need for extra packages to unlock full features.

The Sierra 1500 fits buyers who want a full-size pickup with multiple body styles and multiple powertrain options, plus a more distinctive GMC look than the Silverado. The trade-offs are clear: the technology is described as outdated, the interior materials feel cheap, and the base engine is underwhelming.

With 31.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviewers describe it as a truck that feels dependable, with strong long-term appeal and a reputation for being trouble-free enough to inspire confidence. The Duramax diesel setup is presented as a bargain, and the transmission is described as flawlessly adept at keeping the engine in its torque band.

That said, the truck’s long-term ownership risk for used buyers comes down to condition and equipment level, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and how the truck was optioned.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history check on the exact truck you want. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example or one that has been used for towing or off-road driving. Focus on overall condition, feature operation, and signs that the truck has been used hard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Denali trim level is the upscale choice, while the AT4 adds off-road hardware such as a 2-inch suspension lift, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking rear differential. The base version is missing some safety features that are optional rather than standard.
• Powertrain: The affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is described as the best setup for many buyers, while the base engine is underwhelming.
• Safety package: Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are optional. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are included on Denali, and lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are available depending on trim.
• Infotainment: The Sierra offers a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package adds a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, a rear camera mirror, a 15-inch head-up display, and an 8-inch driver information display.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax diesel returned 21.1 mpg in testing and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 2 trim levels: Elevation, AT4.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Elevation is the value-minded choice, offering a custom appearance and enough option flexibility to keep pricing in check. It is the trim most buyers should strongly consider if they want to avoid the Sierra’s tendency to climb quickly in price.
• Premium/top trim: The AT4 is the more compelling pick if you want capability and a more distinctive personality. It adds off-road hardware, looks rugged, and pairs especially well with the Duramax diesel.

The safety package remains trim-sensitive, so check carefully which driver-assistance features are included on the specific truck you are considering.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,755 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.98% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,514.93, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's resale value?

The current average of $35,512 sits slightly below last year's $39,017.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you purchase near the lower end of the range, you may have less depreciation pressure than someone who paid closer to the peak. Strongly equipped trucks with desirable powertrains and good condition should remain easier to move than poorly maintained examples.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safe?

It earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star protection levels for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test. The IIHS rates the front passenger protection in the small-overlap frontal-impact test as Marginal, and the headlights as Poor.

It earns a 4/10 safety score from our experts.

GMC offers forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking as options, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are included on Denali. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim.

The main caution is that the Sierra’s crash-test results are weaker than you would want from a premium-branded truck, so safety should be a major part of your used-shopping checklist.

Should I buy a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.98% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances multiple body styles, multiple powertrain options, and easy-to-use technology.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $33,675, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $35,512 average.
• It blends everyday comfort with practical truck utility.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $42,776, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $35,512 average.
• It brings a major redesign with more luxury, better tech, and increased utility.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the sensible target. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the cheaper path; if you want a more modern truck and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade to compare against.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.