GMC made a strategic move by amplifying its off-road capabilities in the AT4X trim by making the Duramax 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine standard. The brand made changes to the engine, evident in the improved torque and horsepower. Beyond this, it made some minor improvements with active exhaust and retractable assist steps in some trims. One first needs to know what the car offers before one decides to purchase it.

Overview
The car comes with four two- or four-wheel-drive engines. In addition, one can also choose from the different bed and cab combinations available across its eight trim levels. The GMC Sierra adeptly plays the role of a light-duty truck.

Performance
GMC Sierra includes engines ranging from the potent V8, 6-2 liter, to the 2.7-liter dynamic turbo. Regardless, the beast effortlessly yields 420 hp. The 10-speed automatic transmission makes it better, ensuring the truck is ready for cottage or city drives. The car goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is rapid for a full-sized truck.

The braking performance is impressive. However, the absence of a brake pedal makes smooth halting during routine driving tricky. Further, the handling capacity  is not the best .  It leans over too much for our liking and feels pondering as you traverse around the curves.

Moreover, the steering wheel feels somewhat numb. For a full-sized truck, the off-road capability is average. In addition, it has a Traction Select system that ensures smoother initial throttle response and extra wheelspin.

Comfort
Sadly, the front seats are not as plush as those in many rivals in the range. However, they are comfortable and decent for long travel. The ride feels smooth on the highway as the truck absorbs minor impacts flawlessly. However, it may feel bouncy when driving on roads with too many dips and bumps.

Its climate system works well and can effortlessly cool and heat the cabin. However, its operation is not intuitive, given the tiny control buttons. The heated split front seats are good. They present a separate setting for seat cushions and seatbacks, a feature exclusive to the GM engine. Its engine yields negligible noise unless one gets hard on the throttle, as then it gets loud and unpleasant.

Interior
The shoulder, head, and legroom are roomy. The crew cab’s back seats are vast, easily accommodating three full-sized adults. The driver’s seat and the steering wheel have plenty of customization options.  Dialing in a pleasant driving position  won’t  be  a hassle  for drivers, regardless of their stature.

The GMC Sierra 1500 has a likable interior control layout. Switches, knobs, and buttons are satisfying to turn, click, or press. They are also easy to locate. The touchscreen is responsive.  However, visibility feels tricky in the full-sized truck, and its styling  is no  respite.

Typically, shorter drivers find it difficult to see over the truck’s hood. The thick side pillars may also interfere with sight lines. Fortunately, the surround-view camera helps with driving.

Technology
Sierra’s tech is solid. It includes a 13.4-inch, responsive touchscreen that won’t confuse the user. The high-resolution screen responds well to swipes or presses. Maps are vivid, and the navigation finds addresses quickly.

The truck also includes a Google-engineered voice recognition system. It can read the commands on the screen and understand the language. Further, voice controls let one adjust the climate and change the station.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration with wireless connectivity make traveling more engaging and fun. CarPlay looks beautiful on the big screen. The car also has storage space to accommodate one’s phone. In some models, one will find a wireless charger.

The truck offers plenty of driver assistance aids, with multiple exterior cameras that benefit as one parks. The buzzes at the seat bottom and the rear cross-traffic warning alarms are beneficial. That’s not all. Its adaptive cruise control is excellent, especially for this giant vehicle. However, one may endure abrupt and aggressive braking when driving in stop-and-go traffic. It also offers hands-free driver-assist technology in the Denali Ultimate trim.

Storage and towing
The truck has a huge bed with bed steps and tie-downs galore. In addition, one will find the exquisite MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Sadly, its maximum TOW ratings may not be the best in class, but they are decent.

Inside the large center console, there is adequate space to accommodate small items, but they tend to eat up the space between the seats. It also has cupholders. Lastly, accommodating the child safety seats is easy, courtesy of the crew cab’s huge back seat.

Fuel economy
The vehicle is engineered with 4WD and a big V8 engine that assures 17 mpg combined in highway or city driving. While respectable, the rivals’ hybrid powertrains offer better fuel efficiency.

Value
The value may be the  truck’s primary weakness, especially when looking at the pricier trims. The interior is sturdy and well-built, but the material quality feels nicer than it used to be. Beyond the split-and-folding MultiPro tailgate, not much one gets in the truck justifies its elaborate price tag. It starts at $38,345 and goes up to $84,990. One can get better towing capability and value from other trucks. That said, if one can get the GMC Sierra 1500 for sale, there is no reason why one  shouldn’t  invest in it.