Used 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The full-size pickup truck segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive world. Despite tough competition from trucks like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 remains an excellent choice in this class.

It’s the mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but has its own distinct GMC personality with a different aesthetic and some unique trims. For example, the AT4 trim brings an off-road attitude to the Sierra, and the Denali and Denali Ultimate models are luxurious trucks that don’t compromise capability. Some of its most desirable features are the MultiPro tailgate and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, but its best features make the price climb quickly.

The driving experience of the GMC Sierra varies quite a bit depending on how you option it. The base trim with the base engine drives quite differently than the Denali Ultimate model with the 6.2-liter V8, so we’ll try to give a taste of what you can expect from the whole Sierra range.

The Sierra drives like a full-size pickup truck but has more composed handling and quicker stopping power than you might expect. It carries its heft well thanks to its robust range of engines. The standard engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers enough power and torque for the daily commute while returning pretty good fuel economy for a full-size truck.

For greater capability, you’ll want one of the two V8 options or the available Duramax turbo-diesel. The more affordable 5.3-liter V8 gives you a nice bump in horsepower compared to the base engine, but the 4-cylinder actually makes more torque thanks to the turbocharger. The more muscular 6.2-liter engine delivers more thrust without much difference in efficiency compared to the smaller V8.

Finally, the available turbo-diesel 6-cylinder makes as much torque as the big V8 while returning much better fuel economy. However, that could be a wash depending on diesel prices where you live.

The Sierra is comfortable in long-distance cruising. Around town, body roll and ponderous handling become mitigated in the upper trims. The Denali models benefit from a premium suspension with Adaptive Ride Control, and the cabin is whisper-quiet.

As for off-road capabilities, the AT4 models impress when the pavement ends. The AT4 model has standard 4-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, an upgraded suspension, a 2-inch lift, and a rugged appearance package to match.

However, serious off-roaders with a big budget will want the AT4X. This builds on the off-road performance of the AT4 with an even better off-road suspension, locking front and rear differentials, and Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers like the ones on the Chevy Colorado ZR2.

The interior of the GMC Sierra ranges from a humble work truck to an opulent luxury vehicle. In the lower trims, there are some disappointingly cheap interior materials. However, that won’t bother you if you’re looking for a no-nonsense pickup truck.

The interior gets nicer as you work your way up the model range. Most trims benefit from a 13.4-inch infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster. Some excellent options include perforated leather seating, Bose premium audio, massaging front seats, and nicer interior trim materials like open-pore wood and brushed aluminum.

The Sierra boasts best-in-class crew cab front head and leg room. Crew cab models have roomy, family-friendly interiors, and the double cab works if you won’t have tall back-seat passengers regularly. There’s still a single cab configuration available, but only for the base Pro trim.

The GMC Sierra has a stylish, premium look for a full-size truck. It has a decidedly more upscale personality than the mechanically identical Chevrolet Silverado.

The look of this truck can change quite a bit depending on the trim. For example, the Elevation trim has a monochromatic exterior with a black grille and wheels. The AT4 models have a more rugged appearance while still looking premium with some nice touches like red tow hooks and a 2-inch lift. Finally, the Denali models drive home the luxurious pickup truck aesthetic with tasteful chrome appointments, gorgeous wheels, and “Vader Chrome” on the Denali Ultimate.

The size of the GMC Sierra 1500 is in-line with the full-size truck segment. It’s about the same size as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500. Naturally, the size varies depending on your choice of cab and box length.

1. Super Cruise
The available Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system allows for hands-free driving on highways mapped by GM. It’s one of the most advanced systems of its kind, which is saying a lot.

2. MultiPro Tailgate
This popular option allows for six positions, including cab steps, load stops, and even a desk. Once you’ve had it, you won’t know how you lived without it.

3. Rugged AT4 Models
Two AT4 trims of the Sierra add to its off-road capabilities. They both benefit from suspension upgrades, a 2-inch lift, and a rugged appearance package, but the AT4X trim has more off-road features like Multimatic DSSV dampers plus more luxury features like massaging seats.

4. Luxurious Denali Models
The Sierra Denali continues to be synonymous with luxury pickup trucks. The Denali trim has a stylish appearance inside and out and premium features like Adaptive Ride Control and a head-up display. The Denali Ultimate benefits from unique “Vader Chrome” trim, Alpine Umber leather, and Super Cruise.

5. Duramax Turbodiesel Engine
We always love to see diesel options in light-duty pickups, and the Duramax diesel available in the Sierra is a winner. It delivers a whopping 460 pound-feet of torque and achieves up to 30 mpg on the highway. It’s optional on most trims and standard on AT4.

6. GMC Premium Infotainment System
This 13.4-inch screen is standard on all but the base Pro trim. It comes loaded with features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, voice control, and a built-in Google interface.

There are four engine options in the GMC Sierra 1500, ranging from good to great. The base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that is excellent for drivers who don’t need a lot of towing muscle. The 5.3-liter V8 is pretty good if you’re looking for an affordable V8-powered truck, but the bigger 6.2-liter V8 gives this truck more power and torque with about the same fuel economy as the smaller V8.

The turbo-diesel 6-cylinder delivers plentiful torque while being the most fuel-efficient engine available in the Sierra.

The base turbo engine uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, and every other engine uses a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional. However, 4WD is standard in the AT4, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate trims. Also, every Sierra with the 6.2L V8 has 4WD.

2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4
310 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
430 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/22 mpg (RWD), 17/20 mpg (4WD)

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg (RWD), 16/20 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg

3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged diesel engine
277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (RWD), 22/26 mpg (4WD)

Test Vehicle

The GMC Sierra may be a bear to park or snake through downtown traffic, but we’ve come to appreciate its MultiPro tailgate. When General Motors first announced it, we thought it sounded a little gimmicky; however, the more time we spend with it, the more we appreciate it. In the test vehicle pictured here, we took the opportunity to lower the tailgate, flip down the footrest and fire up the built-in Kicker audio system. Pairing it with a device required a couple of minutes using the control buttons between the speakers, but we were rewarded with rich audio.