The last thing you should do if you're looking to buy a truck and aren't already loyal to a particular brand is ask a friend for advice. Pickup truck owners are notoriously territorial and won't hesitate to criticize other brands. Yet most of them don't even realize that the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado are practically the same truck. In the end, in my opinion, it all comes down to personal taste.
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers a number of unique features that make it stand out from the competition, as you'll discover throughout this review. What matters most isn't necessarily which truck you choose, but rather picking the right configuration—because with a lineup as vast and diverse as the Sierra's, it's easy to get overwhelmed.
Lineup and Pricing
If you think there's a lot of choice when shopping for a car or SUV, just wait until you see a pickup order guide. The GMC Sierra offers five cab and bed configurations—not to mention all the available trim levels and individual options. That's why its price can range from $52,425 to $113,710—and that's before diving into the options catalog.
There are plenty of versions to choose from, starting with the Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims, which are more or less affordable depending on the equipment you select. These generally stay below the $80,000 mark. If you opt for more specialized models like the SLT, AT4, or Denali, prices rise considerably. And finally, with the AT4X and Denali Ultimate versions, we cross the $100,000 threshold.
Category and Competition
There may not be many full-size pickups on the market, but competition is still fierce. With the exception of Toyota, trucks are the best-selling vehicles for every manufacturer that offers them. That means they constantly have to be at the top of their game.
For GMC, the Sierra 1500 offers an appealing range of options—especially for those who don't want to spend a fortune. The AT4 version offers impressive off-road capabilities, and there's no pickup more luxurious than the Sierra Denali.
Rivals: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra
Design and Technology
Design is playing an increasingly important role in the truck segment, and GMC has done a remarkable job with the Sierra in recent years. In my opinion, it's the most imposing model on the market, and I really like the color palette available for this American pickup. The Sierra also features some of the best-looking wheels in the segment.
Its interior is rugged, functional, and thoroughly modern. Once again, the brand's designers have something to be proud of. The Sierra boasts impressive build quality, and the cabin is more spacious than ever. On the tech side, I must say I'm a big fan of its multimedia system—it's efficient, fast, and fluid. The driver assistance features are impressive, and comfort is generous.
Performance
One of the key reasons pickup trucks are so popular and appreciated is the variety of powertrains they offer. In the case of the Sierra 1500, it all starts with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This is the only engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as all the others come with the renowned 10-speed automatic.
Next is the very popular 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six, producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine is extremely versatile and, in my opinion, the best diesel offering in the segment.
Then comes a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque—a reliable engine that's proven itself over the years. Finally, for those who need even more power, there's the 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Weak Points
More fuel-hungry than its rivals. No hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions are available.
Strong Points
A versatile, stylish, and very enjoyable truck to drive. It offers a distinctive design and is more functional than many competitors. Its value for money is excellent, and the wide range of configurations is a major plus.
Signature Element
In my view, the GMC Sierra is the truck that gives you the most for your money. It's a model chosen more with logic than emotion.
Final Word
Whether you're considering the entry-level Pro model or the top-of-the-line Denali, there isn't a single GMC Sierra that makes you feel like you should've spent more to get a better-equipped version—which isn't always the case with competitors. That's what I particularly like about the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
