Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 9.26% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 7,147 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 5.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, comfort, advanced technology, and strong engine performance. The Sierra also stands out for its value-for-money appeal and the sense that it offers a lot of truck for the money.

The trade-offs are clear: the technology is described as outdated, the interior materials feel cheap, and the base engine is underwhelming. In practical terms, you’ll get the best experience if you choose a configuration that matches how you actually use the truck, especially if you want a more capable or better-equipped setup.

Good and great deals account for 35.0% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, with repeated praise for its comfort, strong performance, and overall value. That kind of satisfaction usually matters in the used market because it suggests the truck is doing the day-to-day work buyers expect without creating constant frustration.

The test-drive notes also reinforce that impression by describing the Duramax diesel and 10-speed automatic as a well-matched combination that works smoothly. If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is choosing a poorly equipped or neglected example, since the truck’s appeal depends heavily on condition and configuration.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the truck’s condition, equipment operation, and signs of hard use. Pay extra attention to whether the configuration matches your needs, since the Sierra’s appeal changes a lot depending on trim and options.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Denali trim level is the upscale choice, while the AT4 is the off-road-ready version with a 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking rear differential. The Elevation trim level is the value-minded recommendation if you want to keep costs in check while still getting a custom appearance and room for options.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is described as the truck’s best setup unless you specifically want a V8.
• Safety package: Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are available, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning come on Denali and are optional on other trims. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim, and adaptive cruise control is offered on SLT, AT4, and Denali.
• Infotainment: The Sierra offers 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreen options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The available 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 is rated at 24 mpg in combined driving, and the test truck averaged 21.1 mpg in real-world driving.

Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 3 trim levels: Elevation, AT4, Denali.

Here's the short version:

• Elevation: This is the best-value trim if you want to keep the price more controlled while still leaving room for useful options. It brings a custom appearance and is the trim most clearly positioned as the smart starting point for shoppers who want flexibility without immediately climbing into luxury pricing.
• AT4: This is the right pick if you want the Sierra’s off-road-ready character. It adds the lifted suspension, off-road hardware, and rugged design details, and it makes the most sense if you want capability and comfort together.
• Denali: This is the luxury choice, with the most upscale presentation and the strongest premium appeal. It suits you best if you want the Sierra to feel as refined as possible and you’re willing to pay for it.

Safety features such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are standard on Denali but optional on other trims.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting a fire sale.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 7,147 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.26% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $34,220, 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 $34,220 sits slightly below last year's $37,713.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the truck in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to preserve value than someone who pays near the top of the range.

The Sierra’s resale outlook also depends on configuration, since better-equipped and better-regarded versions should be easier to move later. 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?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA due to four-star protection levels for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test, and the IIHS rates its front-passenger small-overlap protection as Marginal while giving its headlights a Poor rating.

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

The Sierra’s safety equipment is uneven. Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are available, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are standard on Denali and optional on other trims. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim, and adaptive cruise control is offered on SLT, AT4, and Denali.

The main caveat is that the crash-test results and feature availability lag behind what you might expect from a premium-branded truck. If safety is a top priority, you should pay close attention to trim level and option content.

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:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.26% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances familiar capability with distinctive GMC styling and multiple powertrain choices.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $32,581, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $34,220 average.
• It emphasizes everyday usability and SUV-like comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,722, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $34,220 average.
• It brings a major redesign with more upscale tech and a richer interior.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the safer buy. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value path; if you want a more modern-feeling truck and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 compare to the 2021 Ford F-150?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 GMC Sierra 1500:

• Pros: Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Outdated technology, Interior materials feel cheap, Underwhelming base engine.

2021 Ford F-150:

• Pros: Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Interior materials feel cheap, Advanced safety features are not standard.

Our experts score the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 5.7/10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 7.8/10. The Sierra’s strengths are its body-style flexibility and easy-to-use tech, but the F-150 has the edge in overall expert score and technology. Both trucks share the same basic drawbacks around the base engine and interior materials, though the F-150’s safety-feature packaging is also a concern.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.