Name: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500
Brand: GMC

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

General Motors has improved the Sierra 1500, with increased payload and towing capacities, plus a deeper bed. It also improved the powertrain, fuel economy and introduced several unique innovations on higher trims.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

GMC Sierra 1500

vs. Similar Cars

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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See All Models Predicted Reliability

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

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2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

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2015

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2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS small overlap front crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2026 GMC Sierra 1500

$38,300 - $84,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$36,900 - $71,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$45,900 - $73,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$46,300 - $75,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford F-150

$37,290 - $79,005

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford F-150 Hybrid

$37,290 - $79,005

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Ford F-250

$45,975 - $79,165

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Ford F-350

$47,270 - $82,495

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$47,000 - $94,500

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$47,900 - $97,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ram 1500

$42,025 - $88,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Ram 1500 REV

$65,000 - $90,000

145 miles

20 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Ram 2500

$46,855 - $92,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Ram 3500

$48,155 - $93,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Tundra

$41,260 - $80,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

Features & Specs

extended cab

regular cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.7-liter 4 turbo (310 hp)
3-liter 6 turbodiesel (305 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (355 hp)
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)

10-speed automatic
8-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The Sierra is essentially a Chevrolet Silverado. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, and fuel economy is 17 mpg overall for the 5.3-liter, V8 engine crew-cab four-wheel-drive version. The ride is stiff and snappy, but the cabin is very quiet. Handling is sound and secure. The infotainment system is easy to use. Rear-seat room in crew-cab versions is immense, but the high step-in requires a climb. Helpful options include a power liftgate that can be opened using the key fob, a tailgate that can be configured into a workbench, and power running boards can shift back to help reach the bed. The luxurious Denali version has a 6.2-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic. Blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking are optional on higher trims. Updates for 2020 include an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel pulls strongly, feels refined, and returns 23 mpg overall. Other changes for for 2020 saw suspension tweaks improving the ride, and the availability of adaptive cruise control. FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW became standard for 2022.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Sierra's 2014 redesign brought a more spacious cabin that is nearly as quiet as a luxury car's. The truck's relatively low ride height eases access, while the dashboard controls are simple to use. The Silverado also provides impressive towing and payload capacities. An assist system makes the tailgate easy to lift and prevents it from flopping harshly when it drops open. The 5.3-liter V8 hits the sweet spot, combining plenty of power with a high towing capacity and strong performance. We'd only get the 6.2-liter V8 if we had to frequently tow a heavy trailer in hilly terrain. The optional Driver Alert Package includes lane-departure warning and forward collision alert.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

GMC's 2000-06 full-size Sierra has powerful, efficient engines and an inviting interior, but expect a stiff, choppy ride. A 2007 redesign brought more responsive handling and improvements to the ride, but the powertrains still aren't as refined as some competitors'. High-end interiors have attractive fit and finish -- all have simple controls. Fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic are decent, and its crash test scores are improved over previous versions. Cabin access is easy, while towing and payload capacities are generous.

1999-2006

1999 Redesign Year

This full-sized half-ton pickup ("C" is used for 2WD versions, "K" for 4WD) was fundamentally unchanged from 1991 through 1998, though upgraded powertrains and an optional third door for extended-cab models were added in 1996. A complete redesign for 1999 brought powerful, more efficient engines and friendlier interior packaging. Braking and handling were also significantly improved. Extended-cab models received a fourth door for 2000, and the pricey AWD C3 model, later called Denali, joined the line in 2001.