Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Trims in Raleigh, NC

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to luxury models, all featuring robust performance and advanced technology.

• Starting at $31,990
• Best MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 21 hwy
• Most Popular: Denali Crew Cab 4WD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

SLE Double Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The SLE Double Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped truck without breaking the bank. It offers great value with essential features.

• Avg. market price: $33,734 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 6 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View SLE Double Cab 4WD listings

SLE Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The SLE Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a spacious interior and advanced features without a hefty price tag. It's a practical choice for families.

• Avg. market price: $33,734 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View SLE Crew Cab 4WD listings

Elevation Standard Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Elevation Standard Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish truck with modern tech features. It's ideal for those who prioritize connectivity.

• Avg. market price: $33,734 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Elevation Standard Crew Cab 4WD listings

SLT Crew Cab RWD — "Who It's For"

The SLT Crew Cab RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded truck with a touch of luxury. It offers a good balance of features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $31,990 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View SLT Crew Cab RWD listings

Elevation Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Elevation Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a versatile truck with modern features at a competitive price. It's great for daily driving and weekend adventures.

• Avg. market price: $32,456 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View Elevation Crew Cab 4WD listings

SLT Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The SLT Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty truck with luxury features. It combines performance with comfort for an enjoyable driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $35,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 14 city / 20 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings
• View SLT Crew Cab 4WD listings

AT4 Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The AT4 Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented truck with advanced technology. It's perfect for off-road enthusiasts.

• Avg. market price: $34,019 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View AT4 Crew Cab 4WD listings

Denali Crew Cab 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Denali Crew Cab 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate luxury truck experience. It offers premium features and a refined interior.

• Avg. market price: $34,734 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 74 listings
• View Denali Crew Cab 4WD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Denali Crew Cab 4WD

With 74 active listings, the Denali Crew Cab 4WD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Denali Crew Cab 4WD listings

Best Budget Option — SLT Crew Cab RWD

At $31,990 avg market price — below the lineup median of $33,734 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SLT Crew Cab RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — SLE Double Cab 4WD

The SLE Double Cab 4WD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 18/21 MPG.

Browse SLE Double Cab 4WD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 9.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 7,134 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

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 strong engine performance, comfort, luxurious feel, and value for money. The truck also gets credit for advanced technology and a generally upscale cabin experience, which fits its role as a full-size pickup that can serve both daily driving and work duties.

The trade-offs are clear: the technology feels outdated, the interior materials feel cheap, and the base engine is underwhelming. Even so, the Sierra’s broad capability and distinctive GMC character make it appealing if you want a truck with multiple body styles and multiple powertrain options.

Good and great deals account for 33.6% of listings, so there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a truck that owners feel good about living with over time, especially because they highlight strong performance, comfort, and value. The expert test-drive data also emphasizes that the Duramax diesel pairs smoothly with the 10-speed automatic and delivers confident, easy-to-use power in everyday driving.

The diesel option is the standout for buyers who want a more satisfying long-term ownership experience, especially if you value smooth torque delivery and relaxed operation. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is that the truck’s higher-end features and options can make condition and equipment level matter a lot more than mileage alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any truck you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. A pre-purchase inspection matters here because the Sierra’s equipment can vary a lot by trim, and condition differences can have a big effect on value. Focus on whether the truck has the features you want, because some desirable safety and convenience items are not standard across the lineup.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sierra’s styling and upscale Denali trim level are key differentiators, while the AT4 adds an off-road-ready setup with a 2-inch suspension lift, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and unique design details. Base versions can feel sparse by comparison, and some buyers may want to step up for a more complete feature set.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic and easy-to-use 4WD. It delivers strong torque and impressive fuel economy, and the test-drive data treats it as the best choice 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. Adaptive cruise control is available on SLT, AT4, and Denali, but safety equipment is not uniformly standard.
• Infotainment: The Sierra offers 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreen options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The available Technology Package adds 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-drive data recorded 21.1 mpg in mixed real-world use.

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 trim most buyers should strongly consider if they want to keep costs in check while still getting a custom appearance and access to a wide range of options. It can stay near $43,000 if you keep it simple, but it also leaves room to climb much higher with extras.
• AT4: This is the best fit if you want the rugged, off-road-focused version with a lifted suspension, skid plates, and the more capable feel that comes with the Duramax diesel. It suits buyers who want capability and comfort together.
• Denali: This is the upscale choice, with the Sierra’s most premium image and added safety features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. It makes sense if you want the most luxurious version and are willing to pay for it.

Safety features vary by trim, and some driver-assistance items remain optional rather than standard.

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 and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 7,134 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,739, 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 $33,739 sits slightly below last year's $37,397.

That decline suggests the Sierra has become more affordable for used buyers, which can make it easier to move if you price it competitively later. For a future seller, the current trend means you may need to be realistic about expectations if you buy at today’s average and try to resell soon after.

The good news is that strong owner satisfaction can help support demand over time, especially for well-equipped trucks with desirable powertrains and clean histories. 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 headlights Poor.

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

The Sierra’s safety equipment includes forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat, though availability varies by trim. Adaptive cruise control is available on SLT, AT4, and Denali.

The main caveat is that some important safety features are optional rather than standard, and the crash-test results are weaker than you’d want from a premium-branded truck.

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:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.78% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• This year stands out for its strong performance, easy-to-use technology, and broad trim and powertrain flexibility.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $32,289, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,739 average.
• It emphasizes comfort, convenience, and utility-minded features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,183, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $33,739 average.
• It brings a bolder redesign, a more lavish interior, and more standard high-end technology.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the sensible pick. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer, more upscale redesign.

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 flexible body styles, multiple powertrain choices, and straightforward tech, but the F-150 has the edge in overall expert score and technology. Both trucks share some of the same drawbacks, including a base engine that doesn’t impress and interior materials that can feel cheap. If you want the more polished tech experience, the Ford is the stronger pick; if you prefer the Sierra’s distinctive GMC styling and easy-to-use interface, the GMC still has appeal.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.