Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC

Apr 14, 2021

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

Blue 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali off road
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 Buick GMC. We’re waiting to guide you through the buying process so you can focus on getting behind the wheel of your new truck.