Preview: 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Comes With Luxury, Power, and Off-Road Capabilities
GMC latest version of its full-sized pickup is set to compete with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra
Like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC gave the Sierra 1500 an evolutionary redesign for the 2027 model year. The changes exemplify how pickup trucks, like the F-150 and Ram 1500 the Sierra competes with, keep getting more upscale. The off-road trims can handle tougher conditions, and luxury editions get luxury amenities that rival those of high-end SUVs. All of this also means that the new Sierra will cost more than the model it replaces.
The 2027 Sierra 1500’s exterior is new from last year, and the interior will have a new screen-intensive layout. The four available engines are a turbocharged four-cylinder, two new V8s, and a turbodiesel six-cylinder. The turbo four has been changed, and the V8s are next-generation small blocks.
Trim options for the Sierra 1500 are the Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. Think of the Pro as the work-centered entry point, with the Elevation scaling the trim walk with more creature comforts. Each trim separates into the off-road-focused AT4 and more capable AT4X, while the Denali and Denali Ultimate chart a luxury and tech-focused path.
GMC isn’t revealing many details, including the Sierra’s price, until closer to the truck’s on-sale date in late 2026. We expect its price to increase, commensurate with the added features. It’s worth noting that the current Sierra 1500 has a massive $2,795 destination charge.
- 2027 GMC Sierra 1500: Consumer Reports’ Take Outside Inside What Drives It Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Consumer Reports’ Take
The outgoing Sierra 1500 is a competitive option within the full-sized truck class, and we expect the new version to be as well. But like other full-sized pickups, the current Sierra 1500 has below-average reliability.
Photo: GMC Photo: GMC
Outside
Even though the 2027 Sierra 1500 has all-new sheet metal, it’s so similar to the 2026 body that you might need to look for the trapezoidal grille and more complicated headlamps to identify one.
Trim-specific details distinguish various versions of the Sierra, as seen in the lower front design, wheels, and exhaust outlets. GMC says there are available welcome and farewell light animations, addressing a need you probably didn’t know existed. Trucks … with animations.
GMC hasn’t announced the body configurations, but it’s reasonable to expect the Sierra 1500 will once again be available as a regular cab/long bed, extended cab/standard bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long bed.
The most extroverted trim is the Sierra 1500 AT4X. It enhances the truck’s off-road capability with 35-inch Goodyear Mud Terrain (MT) tires, a 2-inch suspension lift, off-road shocks, front and rear electronically locked differentials to optimize traction, and a distinctive front fascia. Like the previous model, the AT4X will again be sold with the AEV Edition package, which further fortifies the truck.
Photo: GMC Photo: GMC
Inside
The redesigned cabin is simpler than the outgoing model, with screens spread across the dashboard. All combined, GMC says there’s more than 60 inches of total screen. The digital real estate includes a 12.2-inch instrument display, 16.3-inch infotainment screen, and 11.5-inch front passenger screen. Plus, there’s an available 15-inch color head-up display and an 8.5-inch rearview mirror display, which can show behind the vehicle when the view is being obstructed by passengers and head restraints.
Different trims come with specific materials, including leather and real wood, along with stitching and accents. The AT4X has a flat-bottom steering wheel, increased seat bolsters, perforated upholstery, stainless steel speaker grilles, and abundant stitching.
Adding to the luxury experience is an available panoramic roof (standard on AT4X) and a new MultiPro center console that slides and folds, allowing for different configurations between the driver and front passenger, including transforming into a flat table well-suited to placing a laptop or having a picnic.
Photo: GMC Photo: GMC
Engine and Transmission
The 2027 GMC Sierra 1500’s powertrains only look like carryovers from last year. GMC says the turbocharged four-cylinder has been upgraded. For reference, the outgoing version of that 2.7-liter engine produces 310 hp.
The 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine may be changed only slightly. The previous truck produced 310 hp, and it achieved 23 mpg overall in our tests.
The 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8s are next-generation small blocks. GMC says these engines deliver improved performance and durability. The last V8s cranked out 355 hp and 420 hp, respectively.
This time around, all four engines will be matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. There has been no mention of a hybrid to rival Ford and Toyota’s truck offerings.
Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
GMC has provided little information on the active safety features in the 2027 Sierra 1500. The 2026 model comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning, while blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional. We hope that these last two features are made standard with the redesign.
GM’s Super Cruise active driving assistance system will be available and feature hands-free driving while towing. The system will come with a free three-year OnStar trial to support Super Cruise functionality.
