The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Google built-in works well
- Classy interior
- Great towing ability
- Macho styling
Dislikes
- Guzzles fuel
- Expensive diesel
- So-so outward vision
- Is it just too big?
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 GMC Sierra is at home on the work site or heading out for date night. Budget accordingly, though.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 GMC Sierra? What does it compare to?
The 2024 GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck, which we cover here in popular 1500 form. Shop it against the related Chevrolet Silverado, plus the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150.
Is the 2024 GMC Sierra a good truck?
It might not fit in your garage, but the 2024 GMC Sierra is a strong choice otherwise thanks to its broad lineup and available in-cabin tech. It’s a 6.2 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 GMC Sierra?
GMC isn’t expected to make many changes for the 2024 model year.
The Sierra comes in three basic forms: regular, extended, and crew cab bodies, some of which are available with two different bed-length options. Most buyers opt for a crew cab. Regardless, each Sierra version is handsome if somewhat imposing thanks to a huge, tall grille surrounded by complex, clamp-shape headlights. Off-road versions are distinguished by a unique bumper design and red tow hooks, plus meaty tires. The dressy Denali looks sharp with its extra brightwork outside.
Inside, GMC has two interior layouts: lower-end models have a simple dash that carries over from the last few years. Most versions have a fresh layout with a big 13.4-inch touchscreen, which uses nearly twice the real estate of the standard setup.
Four engine choices start with a 310-hp turbo-4 that offers good power if not exactly amazing thrift. Available V-8s include naturally aspirated 5.3- and 6.2-liter units, while a costly but smooth 3.0-liter turbodiesel is also on offer. The base engine sends power to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, while a somewhat clumsy 10-speed is included otherwise.
The Sierra sticks with a conventional independent front and leaf-sprung rear suspension setup, which rides well enough—and even better with the adaptive dampers on the Denali.
If you can find a trail wide enough, the Sierra can happily clamber down it even in its most basic form. The AT4X version features a 2-inch higher ride height and trick Multimatic dampers that soak up big bumps.
The basic Pro version serves fleet buyers with decent comfort, while SLE and Elevation models are geared more toward non-commercial users. In crew cab form, all have great seats up front and a stretch-out back seat. Interior materials mostly impress—as they should for these prices, since a well-equipped mid-level model can easily top $60,000 with a few options. The widescreen fitted to all but the Pro version can be upgraded with trick Google Maps integration that works just like your home computer.
Standard crash-avoidance tech includes the basics: automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control is optional, while higher-end trim levels can be outfitted with GMC’s impressive SuperCruise system for stints of true hands-off driving on thousands of miles of mapped highways.
How much does the 2024 GMC Sierra cost?
Pull out your pocketbook. While a 2024 GMC Sierra Pro may cost less than $40,000 to start, adding options will hike the price substantially. Budget at least $55,000 for an SLE or Elevation with a few options. Denali trucks can easily reach toward $80,000.
Where is the 2024 GMC Sierra made?
Depending on the configuration, it can be built in Michigan, Indiana, or Mexico.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Styling
The 2024 GMC Sierra blends macho with sophistication.
Is the GMC Sierra a good-looking truck?
It’s not as brash as some of its competitors, including its close cousin, the Chevy Silverado. We award the 2024 Sierra a 7 out of 10 for its styling thanks to a sublime cabin and an expressive exterior.
The Sierra has a tall, blocky front end, with a broad grille that arches downward toward the front bumper as it makes its way across the fascia. Each trim level has at least some degree of differentiation, including exposed skid plates and a higher stance on AT4 and AT4X versions.
Inside, most Sierra trim levels have an upscale look with a wide touchscreen and toggle-style switches for audio and secondary functions. Work your way up the trim-level chart and you’ll find a cabin draped in leather, wood, suede, and other upscale touches that give the toniest Sierras a downright luxurious feel.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Performance
Though far from nimble, the 2024 GMC Sierra has a huge amount of capability ready to be tapped.
The latest GMC Sierra offers up serious towing confidence thanks to its strong engines. Those 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder choices offset a ride that can be somewhat bouncy compared to the smoother Ram 1500. It’s not exactly city- or parking lot-friendly, either. The Sierra is an even 5.
Is the GMC Sierra 4WD?
A good number of Sierras are four-wheel drive, yes. GMC’s system includes an automatic mode for use on any kind of terrain. AT4 and AT4X models are particularly capable thanks to their higher ride height, chunky tires, and locking rear differentials. The AT4X even adds spool-valve dampers to better absorb rock hits. Neither model quite matches the Silverado 1500 ZR2 when it comes to top-shelf capability.
How fast is the GMC Sierra?
It’s plenty quick even with the 2.7-liter turbo-4 that serves as the entry to this lineup. That model’s 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque deliver the ability to tow up to 9,500 pounds. You’ll want to step up to the 5.3-liter V-8 if you plan to routinely tug heavy loads, though. Its 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque give it a maximum rating of 11,200 pounds, when properly outfitted.
The strongest–and thirstiest—choice here is the 6.2-liter V-8, which nudges 420 hp and 465 lb-ft to the wheels and can lug as much as 13,000 pounds.
The top towing model is the pricey 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6. It’s rated at 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, giving it an extra 200 pounds of maximum trailering capability. It’s smooth and strong, but it will take a long time for the average driver to recoup its hefty cost of entry.
Ride-wise, the Sierra’s heft helps it absorb bumps quite well. The ride can get a little unsettled on bumpy roads, especially with an unladen bed. This is typical of a full-size pickup with leaf springs—and it’s something you won’t experience to the same degree in Ram and Toyota trucks with their coil springs.
Quick steering helps the Sierra handle well enough on a winding road, but it can be a chore to muscle around town simply because it’s so big. Highway stability impresses, though.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Comfort & Quality
The 2024 GMC Sierra has a huge interior that can be outfitted like a proper luxury car.
The 2024 GMC Sierra has a big cabin and a huge bed full of convenient touches. It’s an 8 thanks to the way it handles passengers front and rear, plus its cargo-hauling ability.
GMC offers three cab configurations, though most shoppers will likely wind up with a crew cab. Big doors open to reveal plenty of room for passengers front and rear. The supportive front seats—bench or buckets separated by a wide console—have plentiful power adjustment on most trim levels. There are many small-item storage spaces, too, including various lockers and pockets in the dash, center console, and doors.
Three bed sizes—5-foot-8, 6-foot-6, and 8-foot—are available, depending on the cab selected. They can be outfitted with movable tie-downs, LED lights, bumper steps, power outlets, and a nifty adjustable tailgate that can double as a step ladder or a workspace. An allegedly quite durable carbon-fiber bed is available, too.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety
The 2024 GMC Sierra has a good safety record for a full-size pickup truck.
How safe is the GMC Sierra?
The 2024 Sierra comes standard with the kind of crash-avoidance tech we expect at this price point, and it can be equipped with parent company GM’s Super Cruise system for limited hands-off driving. It has also received good scores in NHTSA testing, earning it an 8 out of 10 on the TCC scale.
Every Sierra comes with automatic emergency braking that can detect and stop for pedestrians, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high-beam headlights. Worthwhile options include parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise is a pricey extra, but it’s excellent for drivers who plan to spend a lot of time on the highway.
The NHTSA gives the Sierra mostly five-star ratings. This truck hasn’t been tested by the IIHS, but the similar Chevy Silverado received mostly “Good” scores.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Features
The 2024 GMC Sierra is priced like the luxury truck that it is.
The Sierra runs about $40,000 to start, and it climbs quickly from there. We award this lineup an 8 thanks to the sheer breadth of trim levels and options, an excellent infotainment system, and some truly impressive tech such as Super Cruise.
Budget $40,000 to start, but don’t expect a ton of change—or a ton of features. That money buys a base Pro trim level with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, power features, and not much more. The cheapest way into a crew-cab model with four-wheel drive means spending $50,000—and that’s before you dig your way into GMC’s myriad options.
Which GMC Sierra should I buy?
The mid-level Sierra Elevation strikes a reasonable balance between value and features. You’ll get the larger touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats and steering wheel, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, a six-way tailgate, and a few other niceties for roughly $60,000 when outfitted with four-wheel drive and the crew cab body.
How much is a fully loaded GMC Sierra?
Buckle up. GMC wants well north of $80,000 for a Sierra Denali Ultimate, and you can still pile on a few extras. That money buys a proper luxury vehicle with soft leather, 12 Bose speakers, head-up display, massaging and cooling front seats, and even speakers integrated into the tailgate.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel Economy
The 2024 GMC Sierra’s V-8 isn’t as thirsty as some rivals.
Is the GMC Sierra good on gas?
By big pickup standards, it’s really not that bad. It’s still a 1 on the TCC scale, which looks at all vehicles together. V-8 models with four-wheel drive check in around 17 mpg combined per estimates using the EPA’s test. Cylinder deactivation means that the Sierra is a little less thirsty at highway speeds than some competitors with similar power.
Don’t look to the base turbo-4 for any real improvement in fuel economy. The EPA’s test pegs it at just 19 mpg combined.
Not surprisingly, the least thirsty choice here is the turbodiesel, which rates between 24 and 26 mpg combined. Given the extra cost of diesel fuel—and the upcharge for the engine—it’s not a cost-saver, though.
Note that off-road versions generally see a fuel-economy hit, too.
