The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of several light-duty full-size pickup truck options on the market. The Sierra 1500 is essentially the twin of the Chevrolet Silverado. It delivers a comfortable interior, clean styling, a nice ride, and an excellent infotainment system.
Your Choice of Configurations
One of the great things about the 2018 GMC Sierra is the sheer number of available configurations. The entry-level models are fairly basic without coming off as barebones. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line model delivers all the luxury you would expect from a high-end brand. There are also numerous packages, such as the All-Terrain for those who plan on spending a lot of time on the trail. There are also multiple engines, your choice of transmission, and options for both the drivetrain and cabin. Depending on your chosen cabin, you can get a 5-foot-8-inch, 6-foot-6, or 8-foot bed.
Performance and Capabilities
Most who consider the GMC Sierra 1500 do so because of the powerful engine and tough construction that let this pickup handle towing and hauling with ease. The base 4.3-liter V6 puts out 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet. It works with a 6-speed automatic to tow 7,600 pounds while delivering reasonable efficiency. Most drivers will upgrade to at least the 5.3-liter V8. It offers 355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet, and the ability to tow 11,000 pounds. If you choose the SLT or Denali trim with this engine, you will get the 8-speed automatic for nearly imperceptible shifts.
You can also go with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower plus 460 pound-feet for torque. It can tow as much as 12,500 pounds. An interesting offering for 2018 is the mild-hybrid known as eAssist, but it is only available at certain GMC dealers. This powertrain takes the 5.3-liter V8 and adds a 0.45-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor to let you coast without gas or deliver extra grunt. This eAssist system adds 13 horsepower and 44 pound-feet. You are unlikely to see a huge difference in terms of acceleration. Yet the boost of 2 mpg is a good enough reason for some to go with this powertrain, especially if you drive a lot.
Comfort and Features
You can choose to configure your 2018 GMC Sierra with a regular, extended, or crew cab. Extended cabs offer four front-hinged doors, and crew cabs deliver an interior similar to that of an SUV. You can fit up to six passengers in the crew cab, and the rear bench’s base can fold up for storing larger items.
In terms of features, even the entry-level Sierra 1500 will give you a 7-inch touchscreen for audio, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. The standard cab offers power accessories on the base trim, which are standard on higher trims or on other cabin styles. Moving up to the Sierra SLE upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen. Featuring either Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather on the steering wheel, and cloth upholstery. Higher trims can deliver HID headlights, leather upholstery, power-retractable side steps, and even suspension tuning that features magnetic dampers.
