Tested - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

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Car & Driver  /  November 2016

Overview: If the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150 are the two mainstream consumer candidates in the full-size pickup-truck race, then consider the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 a viable third-party alternative. Sure, the GMC technically espouses the same values as the mechanically identical Chevy, but the Sierra does so without the bow-tie badge and with a slightly more white-collar image.

Three cab configurations and bed lengths, four trim levels, and five powertrain choices are available for this GMC. All two-door standard-cab Sierra 1500s come equipped with seating for three, while the double cab adds a rear bench seat and two small rear doors. A 6.5-foot box is standard for both cabs, although an 8.0-foot box is offered on single-cab models. With an available 5.8-foot bed, the bigger crew cab trades cargo space for additional rear-seat room. But you don’t have to make any sacrifices if you opt for a four-by-four crew cab, which also is available with the 6.5-foot bed. Both four-door Sierra 1500s offer the option to trade the standard three-across front-row bench seat for a pair of bucket seats and a large center console.

While all cab configurations are available in base and SLE trims, the higher-end SLT trim is offered only with the double-cab or crew-cab body styles, and the top-of-the-line Denali comes only with the latter.

Most base and SLE Sierra 1500s come standard with a 285-hp 4.3-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission; a 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 that’s also connected to a six-speed automatic is optional, but it’s standard on base and SLE Sierra 1500 double-cab models with the 6.5-foot bed.

Stepping up to the Sierra 1500 SLT and the top-of-the-line Denali moves the V-8 to the standard-features list. An eight-speed automatic transmission pairs with the V-8 in the Sierra 1500 Denali as well as in SLT crew-cab models equipped with either the Premium Plus package, the tow-friendly Max Trailering package, or the four-wheel-drive-only All Terrain or All Terrain X packages. The All Terrain X package is available exclusively with the 5.8-foot bed; it includes a performance exhaust system that ups the small-block’s output to 365 horsepower. Additionally, Californians can opt for the mild-hybrid eAssist package. Limited to Sierra 1500 SLT crew-cab models equipped with the 5.8-foot box, the package includes the V-8/eight-speed combo along with a 13-hp electric motor and a small battery pack mounted under the center console or the front bench seat.

Those looking for a truck that can hustle, however, will want to check the box for the 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra 1500’s biggest mill can be had on four-door SLT models as well as the Denali.

For this review, we drove a GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with four-wheel drive and the $7450 Denali Ultimate package, which includes the 6.2-liter engine, a set of 22-inch wheels on all-terrain tires, trick power side steps, a sunroof, and a trailer-brake controller. Add a $395 coat of Mineral Metallic paint, and the truck’s price totaled a hefty $63,795.

What’s New: After an extensive refresh for 2016, the Sierra 1500 enters 2017 with only a handful of minor changes. Automatic shutters behind the grille are standard, a capless fuel filler is introduced, and a low-speed automated braking system has been added to the truck’s available Enhanced Driver Alert package (which includes lane-keeping assist, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision alert, and a Safety Alert Seat that vibrates if the vehicle senses a potential collision). Additionally, crew-cab models can tow as much as 12,500 pounds—500 more than last year—and all 2017 Sierras come equipped with General Motors’ Teen Driver technology, a feature that gives helicopter parents a window into their young driver’s habits behind the wheel.

What We Like: The Sierra 1500 is a handsome machine, especially when decked out in the ultraluxurious Denali trim or the sinister-looking All Terrain X package. Inside, the Sierra 1500 features a number of spacious storage pockets and bins, while logical controls make navigating the HVAC and multimedia systems a breeze. The interior is quiet, and the crew cab’s massive rear quarters provide plenty of space for passengers to stretch out. Like the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra is relatively light and responsive on the road for a big truck. Although they’re limited to the option sheets of pricier models, the 6.2-liter V-8 and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission make a powerful pair, able to launch these big trucks to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

What We Don’t Like: As with most full-size pickups, don’t let the Sierra 1500’s $29,400 base price fool you—this is an expensive tool. Feature-laden SLT models start at $43,275 and can quickly inflate with the addition of a few simple options such as a bigger cab or four-wheel drive. Oddly, some items, such as a proximity key with push-button start and adaptive cruise control, aren’t on the options menu, while crew-cab models lack high-level HVAC vents for rear-seat occupants. Also, like its bow-tie sibling, the Sierra’s ride quality suffers considerably on its available 22-inch wheels, and to the detail-oriented, its slightly off-center driving position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument cluster can be an irritating design flaw.

Verdict: A Chevy truck with a more highbrow badge.

Photo gallery - http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2017-gmc-sierra-1500-quick-take-review

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear- or rear-/4-wheel-drive, 3-, 5-, or 6-passenger, 2- or 4-door pickup

PRICING:

Base, $29,400;
Base 5.3, $30,695;
Base 4WD, $33,340;
Base 5.3 4WD, $34,635;
SLE, $36,150;
SLE 5.3, $37,445;
SLE 4WD, $40,055;
SLE 5.3 4WD, $41,250;
SLT, $43,275;
SLT 6.2, $45,970;
SLT 4WD, $46,525;
SLT 6.2 4WD, $51,580;
SLT eAssist, $52,125;
Denali, $53,350;
All Terrain X 6.2 4WD, $54,960;
Denali 6.2, $55,845;
Denali 4WD, $56,500;
Denali 6.2 4WD, $58,995

ENGINE TYPES:

Pushrod 12-valve 4.3-liter V-6, 285 hp, 305 lb-ft

Pushrod 16-valve 5.3-liter V-8, 355 or 365 hp, 383 lb-ft

Pushrod 16-valve 5.3-liter V-8, 355 hp, 383 lb-ft + AC motor, 13 hp, 44 lb-ft (combined output, 355 hp, 0.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)

Pushrod 16-valve 6.2-liter V-8, 420 hp, 460 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS:

6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 119.0-153.0 in
Length: 205.0-239.0 in
Width: 80.0 in Height: 73.7-74.1 in
Passenger volume: 73-136 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4700-5700 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15-18/20-24 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L V-8 4x4
Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Zero to 90 mph: 11.4 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.0 sec @ 99 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 99 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 179 ft
C/D observed fuel economy: 15 mpg