2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Features

April 14, 2021 · 5 min read

Blue 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali off road

The full-size truck market has strong competition, but the new GMC Sierra 1500 is up there with the best. With a wide selection of powertrain options, impressive hauling capabilities, and plenty of room for passengers in its crew cab, this GMC truck has a lot to offer. Let's run through some of its top features.

Versatile Power Trains

Image via Flickr by truckhardware

You can choose from five engine options depending on what you plan on using your Sierra 1500 for. The base V-6 engine generates 285 horsepower and is good for city and highway driving and performing light work. A similar amount of power is produced by the turbodiesel option, which manages 277 horsepower. The turbodiesel is ideal if fuel economy is your main concern, since it improves the Sierra 1500's gas mileage to an impressive 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The next step up is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which puts out 310 horsepower.

For towing large loads and performing heavy work, you'll probably want to choose from the Sierra 1500's two V-8 options. The first is a 5.3-liter V-8 that produces 355 horsepower. The second is a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower that will give you excellent acceleration and the 1500's top towing capacity.

Strong Off-Roading Capabilities

The best choice from the Sierra 1500's six trim levels for off-road enthusiasts is the AT4 trim. It comes standard with hill descent control, skid plates, off-road suspension, and front-row bucket seats for improved support.

However, even if you don't go all-out with the AT4, every Sierra 1500 trim has a four-wheel-drive option, which will be adequate for light off-roading.

Selection of Bed Lengths

The Sierra's bed lengths range from a mammoth 8-foot-long bed to a more compact but still substantial cargo box that measures 5 feet, 8 inches in length. The longest cargo bed, which is well suited for work trucks, is available only with the three-seater regular cab. If you need more passenger space and opt for a larger cab, you can still choose between the shortest bed and the mid-length bed, which measures 6 feet, 6 inches.

Cabs To Suit Everyone's Needs

The Regular Cab is ideal if you'll be using your Sierra 1500 primarily as a work truck. There's space for three people to sit comfortably up front, and you can use the extra space you gain by not having a rear row of seating to opt for the longest cargo bed.

The Double Cab adds a second row of seating, increasing your passenger capacity to six. However, if you regularly have tall passengers riding in the back or take your truck on long drives, you may prefer to step up to the Crew Cab, which adds a lot more legroom to the second row. You can pair the Crew Cab with the mid-length cargo bed to get the largest amount of passenger and storage space. Just bear in mind that if you do this, the total length of your Sierra 1500 increases by about 10 inches.

Powerful Towing Capacity

The Sierra 1500's towing capacity is 11,800 pounds and it can lug around loads in its cargo box of up to 2,250 pounds. To reach the top towing capacity, you'll need to configure your Sierra 1500 with the mid-length cargo bed, Double Cab, 6.2-liter V-8 engine, and four-wheel drive. But for many buyers, the Sierra's towing capacity will prove more than adequate with a less powerful setup. Even the smaller turbodiesel four-cylinder engine is capable of towing over 9,000 pounds.

If the maximum hauling payload is what counts for you, your best option is the Regular Cab paired with the longest cargo bed.

User-Friendly Infotainment and Technology

The Sierra 1500's standard infotainment system includes a 7-inch screen and six-speaker audio system, although that's reduced to two speakers in the Regular Cab. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto also come standard.

You can upgrade to an 8-inch screen and seven-speaker premium audio system. Additionally, you can opt for a wireless hot spot, which could come in handy during long drives or if you're taking your truck off the beaten track.

You can add other tech features for your comfort or convenience. For example, keyless entry will make your life a lot easier if you need to get into your truck while carrying a load, and GMC's dual-zone automatic climate control will help keep you and your passengers comfortable once you're inside.

Luxury Trims for Interior Comfort

If you want to add a touch of luxury to your cab, try starting with the 1500's SLT trim. It comes with leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats. The top Denali trim takes things a step further with a premium infotainment system equipped with a larger screen, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

Tailored Appearance and Work Packages

To give your truck an individual touch, you can select from several appearance and work packages. For example, the Elevation Black package costs an additional $1,095, and gets you black GMC emblems and assist steps.

If you regularly tow, the trailering package includes a 2-inch hitch receiver, hitch guidance, and an automatic locking rear differential. If you move up to the Max Trailering package, your truck will be equipped with a strengthened rear axle, improved rear suspension, and a trailer brake controller. The top-of-the-line choice for towing experts is the Prograde Trailering package, which adds a trailer camera, and a trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring system.

Check Out the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 in Grand Forks, ND

We hope our overview of the best features of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has made your search for a full-size truck a lot easier. Do you still have questions about the truck or any of its trims? Would you like to learn more about its towing capabilities, engine performance, or anything else? Don't hesitate to contact our friendly team of auto experts today at Rydell Chevrolet GMC. We're waiting to guide you through the buying process so you can focus on getting behind the wheel of your new truck.

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Sep 03, 2021 in GMC Model Features

What Does Denali Mean for GMC?

All GMC vehicles stand out for their high quality and great performance. This is summed up in the automaker's apt description of its vehicles as "Professional Grade." But if the pinnacle of luxury and capability is what you're after, you can't overlook GMC's Denali badge. more What Does Denali Mean? Image via Flickr by JLaw45 via CC BY 2.0 Denali is a word from the Koyukon Athabaskan language of the Native peoples of Alaska that means “the great one.” It was used for centuries to describe the highest mountain in the state, which was renamed Mount McKinley during the 19th-century gold rush. After an extended period of pressure, U.S. authorities eventually agreed to formally change the mountain's name back to Denali in 2015. You may be thinking that GMC's decision to give its vehicles the Denali label is setting the bar very high, and that's entirely true. Like the mountain of the same name, Denali vehicles tower over their competitors in terms of engine power and performance, unique styling, and interior luxury and comfort. That's the case whether you opt for a GMC Denali truck or SUV. Which GMC Trucks Have the Denali Badge? GMC's two truck offerings, the Sierra 1500 and Canyon, both carry the Denali badge. In both the full-sized Sierra and mid-sized Canyon, the Denali trim is GMC's range-topping option. GMC Canyon The mid-sized Canyon has a starting price of just over $26,000. In its base setup, the Canyon impresses with a 2.5-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, you get a power-adjustable driver's seat and a 7-inch infotainment screen. However, the Canyon Denali trim takes things to the next level. Under the hood, it's equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that churns out 308 horsepower, which will give you significantly more power for your towing and hauling needs. It also features ventilated and heated front seats in the cabin, a seven-speaker premium stereo, and a wireless hot spot. GMC Sierra It's a similar story with the full-sized Sierra. The base Sierra 1500 earns its Professional Grade status thanks to its V-6 engine that's capable of generating 285 horsepower, a 7-inch touch screen, and a six-speaker stereo in the cabin. But the Denali's features go even further. It boasts an incredible 420 horsepower under the hood in the form of a 6.2-liter V-8 powerhouse. In the cab, you get an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen and a Bose premium stereo. Which GMC SUVs Can You Get in Denali? GMC's crossover and SUV offerings, the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon, also carry the Denali badge. Like GMC's trucks, the “great one” label here is entirely warranted. GMC Terrain The Terrain is GMC's compact crossover with seating for five people and plenty of cargo storage. In its base setup, you get a turbocharged V-4 engine that puts out 170 horsepower, which will prove more than adequate for many of your daily driving needs. The base SL trim also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, and alloy wheels. The Terrain Denali provides extra power and comfort. Its engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged V-4 that puts out 252 horsepower. This range-topping Terrain also benefits from a premium suspension system to improve ride quality, a heated steering wheel, and the option to add heated rear seats. GMC Acadia Stepping up to the mid-sized Acadia, you'll find a spacious cabin with three rows of seating for up to seven people. The base trim features a 193-horsepower V-4 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside the cabin, you get cloth upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment screen with smart phone compatibility, and a wireless hot spot. The top-of-the-line Denali has all that and more. You'll enjoy more energetic acceleration from its 310-horsepower V-6 engine, and you can relax into its ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. In terms of entertainment, the Acadia Denali wows with wireless device charging, an optional rear-seat infotainment system, and an eight-speaker premium stereo. GMC Yukon GMC's large SUV offering is the Yukon. It features seating for up to eight people and a 355-horsepower V-8 engine. Standard features in the base SLE trim include remote start, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, and cloth upholstery. The Yukon Denali adds additional power and comfort. The engine is a 420-horsepower V-8, while the interior is fitted with premium leather materials. Denali Yukon models have second-row bucket seats for added comfort on long or short journeys. The Yukon XL is an even larger version of the Yukon that caters to those who need even more cargo storage than the standard Yukon can provide. What Are Some Common Denali Features? Whether you opt for the Denali badge on a GMC truck or SUV, there are some common design and styling features that help to set the “great ones” apart from other GMC vehicles. The first features likely to catch your attention are the engraved Denali badge and iconic chrome grill. Denalis also boast chrome finishings, wood trim throughout the cabin, and comfortable leather upholstery. Technology in the Denali is also cutting-edge. Its wireless hot spots can host up to seven devices at one time. GMC's Denali trucks and SUVs are also equipped with an impressive range of safety features as part of the GMC Pro Safety package. These include pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Now that you know what makes the Denali badge special, why not drop by our showroom to see one in real life? Here at Rydell Chevrolet GMC in Grand Forks, we have a great range of trucks and SUVs to meet your needs, whether you're looking for a powerful work truck or a family-friendly passenger carrier. If you want to see how a GMC with the Denali badge performs on North Dakota's roads, you can arrange to test drive one of our vehicles. That way, you can get a feel for what it's like to sit behind the wheel of a GMC Denali before you commit to the purchase. After your test drive, our finance experts and sales team will be more than happy to walk you through the purchase process so you can make one of GMC's “great ones” your own.

Jan 07, 2021 in GMC Model Features

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Configurations

At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we are eagerly anticipating the new year and the exciting launch of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Blazing onto the scene in six trims and a variety of configurations, this light-duty pickup truck has something for everyone. We've broken down the trim levels to make sure you understand each one's exact specifications. You'll be able to cut through the noise and focus directly on the trims that fit you best. more 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Base: Starts at $30,000 Image via Flickr by truckhardware The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's Base trim is nothing to sneeze at. Powered by a 4.3-liter gas-powered engine that generates 285 horsepower, this truck can tow up to 7,900 pounds and still average a combined 18 mpg. You can choose from regular, double, and crew cab configurations, depending on your needs. The truck's V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission promise you power for every venture, while its tech updates make it a truck for the modern era. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Base is also 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capable, ensuring you have endless connectivity. This truck takes safety and security seriously, too. The lockable glove box and dual front side-impact air bags mean you'll have peace of mind when you hit the road. The gas-pressurized front and rear shocks ensure every trip is quiet and comfortable. You'll be riding high in this good-looking truck with its powerful lines, 17-inch wheels, and imposing grille. Best of all, the Base's starting price is only $30,000. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE: Starts at $41,300 The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE trim upgrades to a 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter inline-four engine. The truck's six seats provide a spacious and cushioned ride. Starting at $41,300, the SLE offers a lot of bang for its buck. The trim's impressive convenience features include cruise control, two 12-volt DC power outlets, a key fob release for the trunk and hatch, and a locking storage tray under the front seats that allows you to stay organized. You can customize this truck to reflect your personality by choosing between 15 exterior colors that range from dramatic black and strong blue to a truly vibrant orange. The SLE trim is not only fun to drive but also practical and filled with modern gadgets. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation: Starts at $42,900 Starting at $42,900 and equipped with the same engine as the SLE, the Sierra 1500 Elevation trim guarantees you a payload capacity of 2,060 pounds and an eight-speed automatic transmission. You also have the option to add a heavy-duty radiator. You'll be pleased to know that the Elevation is a low-emission vehicle, meaning this hard-working truck is also working hard to protect the environment. The Elevation's strong frame and exterior design aren't its only good-looking features. The simulated wood and metal door panel adds a touch of rugged class. The power two-way driver lumbar support provides comfort and stability as you head to the job site or off-road on your next adventure. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT: Starts at $47,300 You won't get bored riding in the 2021 GMC Sierra SLT. It's propelled by a robust 5.3-liter V-8 engine that generates 355 horsepower and pairs with either an eight-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission. This trim gains several exciting interior features as well, including a primary monitor touch screen and a voice-activated radio that allows you to search for your favorite tunes without taking your eyes off the road. Safety is paramount in this truck's design, as evidenced by its HD rear-vision camera and hitch view. The SLT's key-in-ignition warning will help you avoid the frustration of being locked out of your vehicle. You also have the option of adding a camera to the cargo bed. The SLT has a starting price of $47,300. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: Starts at $54,300 The 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 is the ultimate trim for off-road action. For $54,300, you can load your friends into this five-seater for a wild adventure. Of course, the AT4 makes sure you can bump down all manner of roads safely thanks to its front anti-roll bar, off-road suspension, and front coil springs. You won't be forced to sleep in a paltry little tent on your next camping trip, either. The AT4 can tow up to 9,200 pounds, which is well over the weight of the average camper trailer. Drive in style behind the wheel of this GMC Sierra trim. The interior is wrapped in leather upholstery, and you can customize the cab's look by choosing from three available colors. When it comes to class and power, the AT4 has it all. Under the hood, choose between the Sierra's gas-powered V-8 engine or a 277-horsepower, 3.0-liter diesel-powered inline-six. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali: Starts at $55,600 Every inch of galvanized steel and aluminum on the Denali trim means business. This truck's classic exterior design includes a shining chrome grille and hypnotizing 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Denali's cabin meets all your modern tech demands. The addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone connectivity in this configuration of the 2021 GMC Sierra allows you to blast your favorite band through all seven of the truck's speakers while you cruise down the road. With the Denali, you will never have to worry about waiting for a tow truck after blowing out a tire, as it comes equipped with an underbody mounted spare. The Denali is full of practical details such as occupant-sensing air bags and driveline traction control. The electronic stability control with anti-roll is another great feature that will keep you safe. Get behind the wheel of this top-of-the-line trim starting at $55,600. Test Drive a GMC Sierra 1500 in Grand Forks You'll find plenty to appreciate about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's trims, whether you opt for the functional Base or find yourself in the luxurious Denali. Power, safety, and practicality are at the forefront of every trim's design. Each one is available with either 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains. To find the GMC Sierra 1500 configuration for you, contact us at Rydell Chevrolet GMC. We'll help you get behind the wheel of your dream truck at a great special price.