When we talk about GMC, the Sierra 1500 often takes center stage. It’s the brand’s bread and butter, surpassing all other models in sales. This full-size pickup is the middle child, sitting comfortably between the smaller Canyon and the heavy-duty Sierra HD models. Sharing its architectural DNA with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Sierra 1500 faces off against some formidable opponents like the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500.
What’s Cooking for 2025?
Introduced with a fresh face in 2019 and a significant refresh in 2022, the Sierra 1500 has kept its look sharp and appealing. Last year, we witnessed the debut of the all-electric Sierra EV, marking a significant milestone in GMC’s lineup. For 2025, the Sierra 1500 remains largely a carryover, but that’s no bad thing given its solid foundation.
A Tantalizing Mix of Style and Substance
The Sierra 1500 pulls a page from Ram’s playbook—it’s not just a workhorse; it’s a stylish and sophisticated full-size truck. The sheer variety in powertrains, cab configurations, and bed lengths means you can tailor this truck to your exact needs. Each engine option is robust, and the driving dynamics are simply outstanding. Whether you’re talking braking, steering, or throttle response, the Sierra 1500 excels.
One of the standout features is GM’s Super Cruise technology. The more time we spend with this hands-free driving tech, the more impressed we are. The interior also deserves high praise with its premium materials and user-friendly layout, making every drive a pleasant experience.
A Few Sides That Need Adjusting
However, not everything is perfect. The higher trim levels come with steep pricing that might make you think twice. And if you’re holding out for a hybrid model, you’re out of luck—though the EV version is a viable alternative. Additionally, the 22-inch wheel upgrade, while visually appealing, can significantly degrade the ride quality. And for those looking at the Denali trim, be warned: its interior might be too luxurious for the rough and tumble life of a work truck.
Under the Hood: Power and Efficiency
GMC has a diverse menu of powertrains for the Sierra 1500. You can choose from a turbo-four, non-turbo V-8 gas engines, or a turbo inline-six diesel. Both RWD and 4WD options are available, ensuring you get the right setup for your needs. Fuel economy is pretty consistent with last year’s numbers, ranging from 18/22 mpg city/highway for the four-cylinder RWD to a lower 14/16 mpg for the AT4X 4WD off-road model.
Here’s a quick rundown of the available engines:
- Turbo-four with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Non-turbo V-8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Another V-8 option with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, also with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Turbo inline-six diesel with 305 hp and a whopping 495 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Speed King: Which Sierra 1500 is the Quickest?
When it comes to speed, the Denali models are your best bet among the gas-powered trucks. The 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, which we tested, managed to hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds. This time shaved off 0.1 seconds from the previous model, earning it a spot on our list of the 10 Quickest Trucks. However, with the new Sierra EV, Chevy Silverado EV, and Ram’s 1500 REV on the horizon, this speed index could see some shifts, potentially bumping the GMC from its list position.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Built for Heavy Lifting
Towing Capacity: For those who need to haul heavy loads, the Sierra 1500 equipped with the Duramax engine continues to lead the pack. The 2025 models are expected to maintain last year’s towing capacities, with the Duramax RWD models capable of towing up to 13,200 pounds and the 4WD models up to 13,000 pounds. The turbo-four engine models offer the least towing capacity, at 9,500 pounds for the RWD and 9,200 pounds for the 4WD.
Payload Capacity: The 2025 Sierra 1500 models with the turbo-four engine also shine in terms of payload. The RWD versions can carry up to 2,240 pounds, while the 4WD models can handle up to 2,120 pounds. In contrast, the trucks equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 and 4WD have the lowest payload capacity, at 1,820 pounds.
Cab and Bed Options: Versatility at Its Best
The 2025 Sierra 1500 will continue to offer a variety of configurations to suit different needs:
- Cab Options: Choose from two-row double and crew cab configurations that seat up to six, or a single-row regular cab model that accommodates up to three passengers.
- Bed Sizes: The truck will feature three bed sizes:
- A 79-inch standard box, compatible with any cab.
- A 98-inch long box, exclusive to the regular cab.
- A 70-inch short box, only available with the crew cab.
Safety Ratings and Features: Keeping You Protected
Safety is a priority with the Sierra 1500. Standard features across all models include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beams
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
GMC’s Pro Safety suite will remain standard, while the advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving technology may become available on more models beyond just the Denalis.
The 2024 crew cab versions earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and similar ratings are expected for the 2025 models. IIHS testing also gave the Sierra several Good ratings for crashworthiness.
Technology: Modern and User-Friendly
The 2025 Sierra 1500 is expected to come packed with tech features to enhance your driving experience:
- Standard Features: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a high-definition rear camera, and a 7.0-inch central touchscreen on the base model.
- Higher Trim Features: A 13.4-inch touchscreen and a six-function tailgate are among the features available on higher trims. An automatic locking rear differential is standard on several trim levels as well.
