Used GMC Sierra 1500 Quick Facts
- A 2019 or newer Sierra is the best-used choice, followed by 2011-2013 for those looking to spend substantially less.
- The GMC Sierra offers numerous engines, cab/bed configurations, and trims.
- The Sierra is often seen as the boss’s truck, offering more upscale features than its everyman twin, the Chevrolet Silverado.
A used GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck brings all the power and features of its sister truck, the Chevrolet Silverado, but with a more upscale look and interior. The Sierra is a good used truck with a long history of reliability and capability. The top-line Denali trims are about the closest you’ll get to a Cadillac pickup, but even the base SLE and SLT trims project an image of success. There are even a few GMC Sierra 1500 specialty trims, like the off-road-ready AT4. In the pickup pecking order, the GMC Sierra 1500 falls short of the F-150’s towing and payload, although newer models have closed the gap.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used GMC Sierra 1500?
- GMC Sierra by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- What Is the Most Weight a GMC Sierra Can Tow and Haul?
- What Is the Longest Bed I Can Get on a Sierra Crew Cab?
- What Are the Issues to Watch out for With a GMC Sierra?
- Is the GMC Sierra a Good Vehicle?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used GMC Sierra 1500?
If you’re looking for something with modern tech and good fuel economy, a 2019 or later GMC Sierra is the best option, preferably a 2021 or newer model. You see, as a used pickup choice, the GMC Sierra has much going for it. This truck has a reasonably good record for reliability and repair costs and offers a wide range of engines, cab configurations, and bed lengths. The latest generation Sierra offers a smooth ride, good towing and payload figures, and options like a diesel engine and GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving assistant (2025 Denali).
However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a nearly new truck, you’ll be just fine with an older third-generation truck in the 2011-2013 range. Steer clear of the 2007-2010 Sierra with the 5.3-liter V8, as those engines are equipped with an early version of GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which suffered numerous problems.
UPDATE: GM has issued a massive recall on the 6.2-liter V8 due to possible defects with the connecting rods and crankshaft. This affects 2021-2024 Sierra 1500 trucks. GM has also extended the warranty on these engines to 10 years or 150,000 miles, although no repair work can be done until the recall is complete. As of now, GM is having issues supplying new engines, so owners who experience issues may be left waiting some time before finding a resolution. The extended warranty does not apply to replacement engines.
There’s also a recall on the 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been suffering issues, chiefly with the valve body. It also has an extended warranty of 15 years or 150,000 miles. This affects the 2020-2022 Sierra 1500, although later models may be subject to service bulletins regarding the same issue.
See used GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks near you.
GMC Sierra By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fifth Generation: 2019-Current
The fifth-generation Sierra improves over the generation it replaces in every way. It’s a more capable rig, with a max tow rating of 13,300 pounds, when equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. The gas engines are not far behind, with the 310-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder turbo pulling 9,500 pounds, the 285-hp 4.3-liter V6 pulling 7,900 pounds, and the 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 pulling 11,200 pounds. The 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 can pull up to 13,100 pounds when properly equipped. Three transmission choices include 6-, 8-, and 10-speed units, which vary depending on the engine.
There’s a choice of three cabs (Regular, Double, and Crew Cab), three bed lengths, and a wide range of trims and options. The fifth-generation Sierra 1500 expands its range, offering new models like the off-road capable AT4 and AT4X, as well as the midlevel Elevation.
Best of all, this generation offers a full suite of advanced driver aids, such as a blind-spot monitor, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and Super Cruise. After 2022, the Sierra’s cabin also gets more tech through improved infotainment systems and, on certain trims, a digital instrument cluster.
One note of importance when shopping by year. GMC carried over the fourth-gen Sierra into 2019, dubbed the Sierra Limited.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: The Pro gains standard cruise control, while SLE and higher trims gain trailer brake control. The AT4 has 20-inch alloy wheels and front and rear park assist.
2024: The Duramax diesel gets more power and becomes the standard engine in the AT4X. The 2.7-liter TurboMax upgrades to a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the Denali Ultimate gains Super Cruise.
2023: The AT4 trims gain more off-road and safety equipment, and GMC ditches the 6-speed automatic transmission.
2022: The Sierra gets a modest refresh with a massive cluster that combines the instrument and infotainment screens on all but the Pro trim. The 2.0-liter turbo significantly boosts torque up to 420 lb-ft. GMC drops the V6, and two new trims arrive: Denali Ultimate and AT4X. Super Cruise is made available on more trims.
2021: The Sierra gains enhanced trailer technology, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and more active safety features on the base trim. The diesel and 4-cylinder turbo increase maximum towing.
2020: The Sierra sees several improvements. First, a new diesel engine option arrives, followed by a 6-way multifunction tailgate, a transparent trailer rearview camera, and available adaptive cruise control. More trims offer the 10-speed automatic and 6.2-liter engine.
See 2019 to current GMC Sierra pickups near you.
Fourth Generation: 2014-2018
The fourth-generation Sierra is far superior to the third, with improvements centering around its suspension, engines, chassis, and cabin. A new Double Cab replaces the previous generation’s Extended Cab and includes doors that open similarly to the front doors.
The engine lineup comprises a 285-hp V6, 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, and 420-hp 6.2-liter V8. When equipped with the Max Trailering Package, max towing jumps to 12,000 pounds versus the third generation’s 10,600-pound rating. Although the previous-generation hybrid departs, an eAssist mild-hybrid option debuts in 2016, attached to the 5.3-liter engine. The eAssist system adds 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque and about a two mpg improvement over the non-hybrid engine.
Additional upgrades include safety and driver-assist systems such as a blind-spot monitor, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and the Safety Alert Seat. Inside the cab, there’s an available touchscreen infotainment system and luxury features like ventilated front seats, a navigation radio, and an upgraded Bose audio system.
Model-Year Changes:
2018: The Sierra gains a new 7-inch touchscreen audio system and a rearview camera.
2017: Low-speed automatic braking joins the Enhanced Driver Alert package.
2016: The Sierra gets a mild makeover, and a new 8-speed automatic joins Denali models with the 5.3-liter V8. Other new options include lane-keeping assist, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and power assist steps.
2015: A new 8-speed automatic joins models with the 6.2-liter V8. The Denali trim adds Magnetic Ride Control, a suspension system that softens the bumps as you drive.
See 2014-2018 GMC Sierra pickups near you.
Third Generation: 2007-2013
The third-generation Sierra sees improvements across the board. It has a strong chassis, better towing and payload figures, and additional safety upgrades. Although it still shares its underpinnings and engines with the Chevrolet Silverado, this generation Sierra moves in a decidedly upscale direction. While the Work Truck and SLE retain a rugged, no-frills interior, the SLT and new Denali trim get a more attractive dash and door panel designed pulled from the Yukon SUV. New features include a Bose audio system, heated leather seats, a power sliding rear window, rear parking aids, rain-sensing wipers, stability and traction control, navigation radio, XM satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, and side curtain airbags.
Engines include a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6, a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8, a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8, and a 367-hp 6.0-liter V8. With the Max Trailering Package, towing tops out at around 10,500. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic. A 2-mode hybrid option, pairing two electric motors with the 6.0-liter V8, joined the lineup in 2009.
The engine lineup from the first generation carries over, with some V8s featuring the problematic variable cylinder deactivation system (AFM), which greatly improved fuel economy but also led to issues with increased oil consumption and failed lifters. Some of these issues were addressed with updates and improvements made after the 2011 model year.
Model-Year Changes:
2013: A powertrain grade-braking system arrives, allowing braking using the transmission.
2012: StabiliTrak gains trailer-sway control, the SLT offers ventilated front seats, and the Work Truck gains cruise control. The Denali has a heated steering wheel and rear backup camera.
2011: No significant changes.
2010: The 4.8- and 5.3-liter engines gain variable valve timing. New features on all Sierra trims include side-curtain and front seat side impact airbags and StabiliTrak stability control. Regular and Extended Cab models with the 5.3-liter engine offer a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2009: GMC offers a new 6-speed automatic option for the 5.3-, 6.0-, and 6.2-liter engines.
2008: All models add XM satellite radio. New options include integrated trailer brake control and a power bench seat for the Regular Cab.
See 2007-2013 GMC Sierra pickups near you.
The Early Years: 1988-2006
1999-2006: Second Generation
The second-generation GMC Sierra spans nearly seven years, arriving in 1999. These trucks are known for their tough and powerful engines, including a 200-hp 4.3-liter Vortec V6, 255-hp 4.8-liter V8, and 270-hp 5.3-liter V8. Over the years, the V8s see their horsepower increase to 285 and 310, respectively, while the V6 loses five horses. There’s also a 295-hp mild-hybrid engine option starting in 2005, pairing the 5.3-liter V8 with a small motor/generator. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available.
Find a Sierra of this generation in good shape, and you’ll have a solid work truck with adequate power for pulling and hauling. The V8 has a respectable highway fuel economy and a pretty solid reliability record. The Sierra offers three cabs: a Regular, an Extended Cab with rear-hinged rear half doors, and a Crew Cab. Bed lengths vary depending on cab size but range from 5.5 to 8.0 feet.
The Sierra’s max tow rating is around 10,300 pounds, but only with the 6.0-liter engine. Most crew cab models with the 5.3-liter can tow between 7,500 and 8,500 pounds. The hybrid can tow 7,700 pounds.
See 1999-2006 GMC Sierra pickups near you.
1988-1998: First Generation
The Sierra name was originally an upper-level trim on the old C/K platform but evolved into its own line in 1988. The truck was offered in Regular, Extended, and Crew Cab configurations, with a standard V6 and three V8s. A 4-speed manual was standard.
See classic GMC Sierra pickups near you.
What Is the Most Weight a GMC Sierra Can Tow and Haul?
A 2019 or newer Sierra can pull up to 13,300 pounds when equipped with the Duramax diesel and Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8 can pull 13,100 pounds, the 5.3-liter V8 has a max limit of 11,500, and the 2.7-liter turbo-4 can pull 9,500 pounds. The Sierra has a maximum payload rating of 2,260 pounds when equipped with the 4-cylinder engine. The figure drops to 2,180 with the 5.3-liter and 1,970 with the Duramax diesel.
When properly equipped, the third generation has similar ratings, with a max towing figure of 12,500 pounds for the 6.2-liter V8, 11,100 pounds for the 5.3-liter V8, and 7,600 pounds for the 4.3-liter V6.
What’s the Longest Bed I Can Get on a Sierra Crew Cab?
The standard bed on the fourth- and fifth-gen Sierra is 5.8 feet, with the option to upgrade to 6.5 feet. The longest bed, at 8.0 feet, is unavailable with the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab.
What Are the Issues to Watch out for With a GMC Sierra?
Early Sierra 1500s are relatively worry-free. Common complaints on older models include failing ABS pumps, U-joints on either end of the aluminum driveshaft failing, and rust issues in the brake lines, rocker panels, and bed.
Early Active Fuel Management versions often mess with the valves, leading to premature oil consumption, lifter issues, and sometimes complete engine failure. You may find that the previous owner has deactivated the system, which was a common resolution until GM addressed the issue on trucks after the 2011 model year. Other issues with the third-generation Sierra include problems with the 4-wheel drive position sensor switch, the failing HVAC mode doors, and the instrument cluster going out completely or partially.
A recent recall on the 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic has us advising avoiding these models until the recall is complete.
Is the GMC Sierra a Good Vehicle?
For most of its existence, the Sierra is considered a reliable used truck. It has a loyal customer base, and its engines, transmissions, and 4×4 systems seem to hold up well over time. There are issues to watch for — such as electrical gremlins and rust if you live in a state that uses heavy amounts of salt — but in the world of used light-duty pickups, we would put the Sierra just behind the Toyota Tundra on par with the F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, and above an older high-mileage Ram. Because pickups are usually worked hard, it’s advisable to have a trusted mechanic check over any potential used Sierra purchase.
RELATED: Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy Used
