Consumers shopping around for a full-size pickup truck are spoiled for choice between offerings from Chevrolet, Ford, Ram, and more. But for those wanting something more luxurious and stylish, there's the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The range-topping Sierra Denali 1500 is downright plush, rivaling some of the best luxury trucks on the road at the moment.
What's New for 2018
With a redesign expected around the corner, the Sierra 1500 shows up with minor changes for 2018. There are two new exterior colors – Deep Mahogany Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat – while a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, and a rearview camera are now part of the pickup truck's standard features. Tire Fill Alert has also been added to the truck to let drivers know that the tires have reached the proper setting. The new colors and the Tire Fill Alert system have been added to the Sierra Denali 1500, as well.
Choosing Your GMC Sierra 1500
Just like the majority of other full-size pickup trucks on the road, the Sierra 1500 is available in three different body styles to choose from: Regular, Double, and Crew. The Regular Cab, which is a two-door pickup that can seat three passengers, is available with either a standard 6.5-foot bed or an 8.0-foot long bed. Crew Cabs, which are four-door models capable of seating up to six passengers, are available with a short 5.7-foot box and a standard 6.5-foot bed. Lastly, the Double Cab that has smaller rear doors and a more cramped rear seating position, is only available with the standard 6.5-foot bed.
5.75-foot Bed | 6.5-foot Bed | 8-foot Bed | |
Regualr Cab | N/A | Standard | Optional |
Double Cab | N/A | Standard | N/A |
Crew Cab | Standard | Optional | N/A |
Engine choices range from a 4.3-liter V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque to a 6.2-liter V8 motor that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The middle child of the family is a 5.3-liter V8 engine generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. There are two transmission options that the engine can be paired to: a six-speed or an eight-speed automatic.
Adding four-wheel drive to the truck costs an additional $3,150 for Crew Cab models, $3,980 on Double Cab models, $3,940 on Regular Cab models with the standard box, and $3,850 on Regular Cab models with the long box.
When properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 can tow 12,500 pounds, which is better than the Ram 1500, identical to the Silverado 1500, but a good margin off the Ford F-150.
While we’re fans of luxurious vehicles, the SLE trim is the most bang for the buck when it comes to the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The model, especially with one of the V8 engines, combines the best of a capable full-size truck and a luxury vehicle. The Max Trailering Package is a worthy addition, as is the SLE Value Package for consumers that want to be comfortable while completing truck-like tasks.