New 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
Overview
The GMC Sierra 1500 has long been one of America’s most popular full-size pickup trucks, competing directly with the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500. For 2025, GMC hasn’t made radical changes to the Sierra lineup, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The current generation has proven itself to be tough, versatile, and modern, and the updates for this year simply refine what’s already a strong package.
Whether you need a workhorse for lifting large items, a comfortable daily vehicle, or a sumptuous truck to rival high-end SUVs, the 2025 Sierra 1500 has something for you.
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What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Sierra 1500 doesn’t bring sweeping redesigns. Instead, GMC focused on polishing small details. Buyers will notice new 22-inch wheel designs, and the lineup continues with the same variety of trims, cab styles, and powertrain options as before. Considering this generation was refreshed in 2022, it makes sense that GMC is letting the formula breathe a little longer before the next big leap.
Trims and Pricing
The Sierra 1500 is offered in a wide range of trims, giving customers everything from a straightforward work truck to a luxury machine that wouldn’t look out of place parked outside a five-star resort. Prices for 2025 start at $39,145 and climb up to nearly $87,000 for the fully loaded Denali Ultimate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of trims:
- Pro – $39,145
- SLE – $49,645
- Elevation – $51,345 (a great middle-ground with stylish touches)
- SLT – $57,095
- AT4 – $67,995 (rugged off-road focus)
- Denali – $68,090 (luxury meets muscle)
- AT4X – $80,595 (serious off-road hardware)
Denali Ultimate – $86,890 (the flagship, packed with luxury)
For most buyers, the Elevation trim is a sweet spot—it delivers good value, sharp looks, and plenty of features without reaching Denali prices.
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Engine Options and Performance
One of the Sierra’s main advantages is its engine lineup. Buyers can tailor the truck to their needs, whether that’s efficiency, brute strength, or something in between. The lineup includes:
- 2.7L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder – 310 hp, 420 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Surprisingly strong for a base engine.
- 5.3L V8 – 355 hp, a proven workhorse with plenty of towing muscle.
- 6.2L V8 – 420 hp, delivers serious power and can hustle this big truck to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel – 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, ideal for hauling and fuel efficiency.
The V8s and diesels are paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive options across the lineup.
The Sierra drives admirably for a huge truck. The steering is direct, and body roll is kept under control, making it surprisingly stable on curvy roads. While the Ram 1500 has a little smoother ride, the Sierra is strong and stable.
Off-Road Capability
GMC offers two trim levels designed specifically for off-road driving.
- AT4 – Upgrades to a two-inch raise, skid plates, and off-road suspension for severe trail use.
- AT4X – Goes even farther with front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic dampers, aggressive off-road tires, and additional underbody protection. An optional AEV package equips steel bumpers, a winch, and rock sliders, making it one of the most capable off-road trucks in its class.
Towing and Hauling
At its best, the Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds and handle a payload of 2,530 pounds. That’s enough to tow large trailers, boats, or work equipment without breaking a sweat. The Duramax diesel is particularly appealing for towing thanks to its massive torque.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency varies depending on engine and configuration. The diesel is the champ here, rated up to 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, making it the smart pick for long-distance haulers. The 6.2L V8, while strong, gets roughly 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the interstate. In real-world highway testing, a Sierra Denali with the 6.2L returned 18 mpg, which is right in line with expectations.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the Sierra feels like it’s built for the driver. Controls are intuitive, and as you move up the trims, the materials improve dramatically. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on all trim levels, with higher trims adding luxury features such as a head-up display, open-pore wood trim, and quilted leather seating.
At the top, the Denali Ultimate turns the Sierra into a luxury lounge on wheels. You’ll find 16-way power seats with massage, top-grade leather, and every tech feature you could imagine. It’s the kind of truck that can tow a boat during the day and take you to a black-tie dinner at night.
Practicality is strong, too. The Sierra offers plenty of small-item storage and GMC’s MultiPro tailgate, which folds and adjusts in six different ways. A carbon-fiber cargo bed is also available, designed to be lighter and stronger than traditional steel.
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Technology and Safety
Technology is an important aspect of the Sierra experience. Most trim levels include a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Built-in Google software provides maps, an app store, and voice assistance. Music lovers will appreciate the optional 12-speaker Bose audio system, while wireless charging and multiple USB ports keep gadgets topped up.
Safety features include:
- Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
For hands-free driving, GMC offers Super Cruise—a system that works on thousands of miles of mapped highways, even while towing a trailer.
