2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Preview
Competes with: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra
Looks like: The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
Drivetrain: 285-horsepower (305 pounds-feet of torque), 4.3-liter V-6; 355-horsepower (383 pounds-feet of torque), 5.3-liter V-8; 420-horsepower (460 pounds-feet of torque), 6.2-liter V-8; six-speed transmission for 4.3-liter and 5.3-liter, and eight-speed optional for 5.3-liter and standard for 6.2-liter; two- and four-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Late 2017
For model-year 2018, there is relatively little change for the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck. The Sierra 1500 is the lower-volume structural twin to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 half-ton pickup and shares many of the same assets and liabilities, but there are quite a few trim package and pricing differences. It's worth noting that the average transaction prices for GMC pickups are typically higher than Chevy, reflecting their premium marketing posture.
Among the few distinguishing offerings for GMC, the Sierra 1500 offers the All Terrain X package and Denali premium-priced trim exclusively, the latter of which is one of the few vehicles (along with the Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150) to offer 22-inch aluminum wheels in the segment. Denali trims are only offered on crew cabs.
One of the most interesting features and abilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it offers the best towing in the segment thanks in large part to a heavy-duty NHT ordering package. The package upgrades to a larger 9.76-inch rear axle that offers 12,500 pounds of towing when optioned appropriately. Additionally, there is an upgraded driver assistance technology (called eAssist) that improves overall fuel economy when included.
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers four trims that include a base-level Sierra (its work truck) package that starts right around $30,000, with the remaining more well-equipped levels being SLE, SLT and top-of-the-line Denali, as well as offering several special editions like the Elevation and All Terrain. The Sierra 1500 comes in both two- and four-wheel drive, with four separate wheelbases to accommodate both short- and long-bed regular cab models, a double-cab pickup with a 6-foot-6-inch bed, and a crew cab model that can be had with either a 5-foot-8-inch bed or 6-foot-6-inch bed.
The 2018 models have no new powertrain or driveline options, but we've been seeing more activity from our spy photographers saying they've seen and heard some heavily disguised GM pickups (likely the new 2019 models) with what sounds like a small diesel engine. Engine choices include the base-level all-aluminum 4.3-liter V-6, and two all-aluminum V-8s - one the 5.3-liter and the other the 6.2-liter.
All GM engine choices for the half-ton models have direct injection and active fuel management (cutting fuel to select cylinders) for extra fuel economy during lighter loads. Two-wheel-drive EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy for the three engines are 18/24/20 mpg, 16/23/19 mpg and 15/21/17 mpg, respectively. Additionally, depending on configuration and needs, the GMC offers four different axle ratios: 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1 and 3.73:1.
As for safety technology, again, GMC shares all of the same Chevy technologies, just in different trim package configurations. Standard safety equipment in the GMC Sierra 1500 pickups includes six airbags comprising front, head-curtain side airbags for outboard passengers, and seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and passengers; a rearview camera; and StabiliTrak with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control and hill start assist. SLE and SLT trims add forward collision alert, safety alert driver seat, IntelliBeam headlights, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, and low-speed forward auto braking.
Here's a list of the upgrades and changes to the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500:
- New colors offered for 2018 include Deep Mahogany Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat
- Tire pressure monitor system now includes tire fill alert
- Base model (1SA) now includes 7-inch color touch radio, six-speaker sound system (in regular cab) and rear-vision camera
- Range-extending eAssist system available across the country
Manufacturer images
Comments
"One of the most interesting features and abilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it offers the best towing in the segment" "that offers 12,500 pounds of towing when optioned appropriately"
Why is pickuptrucks.com still repeating that lie? We already cleared up that the F150 has been upgraded to 13,200 for 2018.
"One of the most interesting features and abilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it offers the best towing in the segment thanks in large part to a heavy-duty NHT ordering package. The package upgrades to a larger 9.76-inch rear axle that offers 12,500 pounds of towing when optioned appropriately. "
We have already cleared up that the F150 has been ugraded to 13,200lbs for 2018 so why is pickuptrucks.com still repeating this lie?
Sorry about the double post. I did not see the first one get posted.
The 26 gallon fuel tank is unacceptable!
Best looking and capable 1/2 ton available.
needs a grab handle above the passenger door. other then that , just about perfect
Didnt we just review this identical truck? Same story nothing new to see here from the identical twin. Snoozefest.
A much better looking truck than the Silverado; again it needs rear ac vents, larger fuel tank, Blind Spot Monitor, and fix the rear seat angle. The seat in the rear of the crew cabs is at a weird angle and the seat cushion's position results in 1/3 of your thigh being off the seat.
It is also unacceptable that GM will not give you a color matched truck with the max-towing package. Not everyone that wants the max tow package, wants the wall of chrome on the front of their trucks. The NHT Max Tow package is only available on LT/SLE, LTZ/SLT. The package is unavailable on LT Z71 (SLE All Terrain), LTZ Z71 (STL All Terrain), and High Country/Denali.
GM, how about fixing the terrible shifting of your current trucks? My ONLY complaint (big deal IMO) is about my 2015 GMC 1500 V8 w/6 speed transmission in that it hunts for gears and makes loud clunking noises. Hit the gas pedal and it acts like a turbo trying to spool it self up, its a dam slow truck. Can someone share is their a fix for this problem, even after market? Address the problem in 2019 GM or get the hell out of the business!!!!!!
Great looking exterior. Interior... not so much
@ Fishhawk GM can't seem to tune their 6 speed transmission worth a crap, and the fact they throw tons of torque management on top of it makes these trucks feel like dogs. The only thing that will give you better drivability with the 6 speed will be an aftermarket tune.
The 5.3 with the 6 speed in my 2016 Silverado LT Z71 is very disappointing to say the least. It's night and day going from my 5.3/6 speed Silverado to my 2016 5.7/6 speed Platinum Tundra. The Tundra actually goes when I hit the gas pedal, unlike the Silverado which has to get through the torque management before the truck will actually accelerate.
You see Ford folks the same truck G.M.C but one cost more and sales less. Thats is why Ford is the best selling truck. Cheap fleet.
Guys, Guys, calm down, there is alot of things GM needs to fix, lets face it they are not listening, hence why they cant beat Ford for the mid size truck category. They need to take a page from Ford, which they will in about 10 years and be again 10 years behind as they are now. get used to it, ther is a reason why they have more complaints than any other brand
I remember a day when the accelerator would make the truck go. Gm needs to go back to cable systems since they cannot perfect the electronic accelerator.
Best looking and capable 1/2 ton available.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Sep 18, 2017 8:49:20 AM
Of course we know that you are referring to the 2018 FORD F 150.
Does it come equipped with Excedrin and a motion sickness bag for the shaking. I know the Chevy does not, but figured as this is supposed to be a higher line vehicle it would.
"One of the most interesting features and abilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it offers the best towing in the segment" "that offers 12,500 pounds of towing when optioned appropriately"
Why is pickuptrucks.com still repeating that lie? We already cleared up that the F150 has been upgraded to 13,200 for 2018.
Posted by: Walt | Sep 18, 2017 8:32:04 AM
Go option up a F150 Supercrew as close to a Sierra crewcab as possible then see if it is still 13,200.
Why have 2 reports on the same exact truck? Just different grills but mechanically EXACTLY the same old same old.
N-n-nice t-t-truck-k-k ...
I remember a day when the accelerator would make the truck go. Gm needs to go back to cable systems since they cannot perfect the electronic accelerator. Posted by: papajim | Sep 18, 2017 10:14:08 AM
@PUTC
Not posted by me.
Maybe your web software offers you a way to ID commenters via their IP address and block comments from fakers like the one above.
So Papajim do you like or wish to defend
the rather the rather poor electronic accelerator? Its a rather Vega or Chevette bit of technology right up there 8-6-4 engines. LOL!!
Another great truck from GM that will stand the test of time.
@papa, please inform us on the accelerator and how all that works, this is the fist time I see you finally come to your senses and instead of defending GM, you knock them, well done.
GMC Engine 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 (383 pounds-feet of torque) eight-speed automatic transmission
Ford Engine 395 hp, 5.0-liter V-8 (400 pounds-feet of torque) ten-speed automatic transmission
1955 old style pushrod engine vs new style 4 cam/32v engine
Another middling truck from GM that is a waste of time
I don't like this.
What a great looking truck. Can't beat it's performance.
Ford can make all the false claim's they want, still can't perform half as good as this truck.
Yawn.
Yep, GM towing max 12.5
FORD. 13.2. Winner -FORD.
@ Blueman
Ill take a 5.3L any day over your high strung 5.0L car motor you clown!!
The one thing GM needs to do is stop detuning the 5.3L from the factory. It can easily get 400HP. I have tuned my 5.3L and it is a whole different beast! I hope GM does this for the 2019 model.
I can't complain though. I get 23 MPGs on interstate going 75 mph all day and get over 14 mpgs pulling my 4000lb boat to lake.
No gerbil motor from Ford is going to get that...I should know my step dad has one along with father in law, brother in law and nephew.....they have just drank to much of "Ford Lies Propaganda Cool-aide" to know the difference.
"One of the most interesting features and abilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 is that it offers the best towing in the segment" "that offers 12,500 pounds of towing when optioned appropriately"
Why is pickuptrucks.com still repeating that lie? We already cleared up that the F150 has been upgraded to 13,200 for 2018.
Posted by: Walt | Sep 18, 2017 8:32:04 AM
Go option up a F150 Supercrew as close to a Sierra crewcab as possible then see if it is still 13,200.
Posted by: uh huh | Sep 18, 2017 10:24:45 AM
So I did. The F150 is rated for 13,200 in 2wd and 13,000 in 4wd versions. http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2018/models/f150-lariat/?gnav=vhpnav
The Sierra is rated for 12,500 in 2wd and a jaw dropping 11,700 in 4wd versions. Additionally, there is a footnote that towing capacity is reduced by the weight of options and cargo so I am really not sure how much less it is really rated to pull. http://www.gmc.com/trailering-towing/towing-charts.html
Best looking truck on the market.
Plus they offer HID LED daytime running lamps that look amazing at night or day....what does Ford offer?? Oh ya, yellow dull looking trash lights! Just saw new one coming back from lunch! What a joke! Poor guy almost snapped his neck and drove into ditch looking at my truck! Wishing his looked at sinister as mine going down the road!
Tyler: Great point missed by most. Can't lose chrome with GM HD tow pkg. And I note in Canada, must take bench seat too! Why not allow with All terrain pkg? For allows max tow on every trim with exception of Limited I recall.
Uh huh: Your thinking payload rating, not max tow rating. Ford is higher.
Out on street GM max tow quite rare, Ford quite common.
I like the GM max tow pkg, but with limitations its a no go for me.
GMC Engine 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 (383 pounds-feet of torque) eight-speed automatic transmission
Ford Engine 395 hp, 5.0-liter V-8 (400 pounds-feet of torque) ten-speed automatic transmission
1955 old style pushrod engine vs new style 4 cam/32v engine
Posted by: Blueman | Sep 18, 2017 11:33:05 AM
Only idiots use the ohv vs dohc in arguments anymore. Each design has merits and application and output are more relevant.
How much time does your Ford spend above 5000 rpm?
Even the current Ford V8's at Ford have peaky torque curves that overstate the performance.
The extra 40 hp and 15 ft lbs will show its lack of grunt when the 5.3 and the 5.0 both get the same transmission. Do a search on the torque curves on these motors and see how much flatter the gm v8 is. I won't even get into real world mileage on the mod V8. If GM would fix the damn torque management it wouldn't be close.
Even in the current form I bet those Ford v8's do not approach the 3.5 in terms of performance, with 30 more HP!
Best 1/2 ton truck motor Ford sells is an outsourced Mazda motor, LOL! Now if they could just keep it out of the shop.....
LOL, ford can make all the false claims they want, the GM twins will always be more capable trucks.
Face it , ford builds garbage, and there followers buy it up, comes from breathing to much exhaust fumes.
LOL, ford can make all the false claims they want, the GM twins will always be more capable trucks.
Face it , ford builds garbage, and there followers buy it up, comes from breathing to much exhaust fumes.
Posted by: Uglyfords | Sep 18, 2017 12:39:55 PM
HAHAHA
I see what you did there.....
LOL, GM can make all the false claims they want, FORD will always be a more capable truck.
Face it , GM builds garbage, and their followers buy it up, this comes from breathing to much exhaust fumes and drinking the Kool Aid.
Only idiots use the ohv vs dohc in arguments anymore.
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 12:39:54 PM
A notable power upgrade to the C8 Corvette will occur in January 2019, attributable to a new four-cam, 32-valve V-8. (aka Ford Power)LOL
Welcome 1955 Chevy boys to the 21st Century. LOL
http://blog.caranddriver.com/c8-in-2018-the-latest-on-the-mid-engine-chevrolet-corvette/
Best 1/2 ton truck motor Ford sells is an outsourced Mazda motor, LOL! Now if they could just keep it out of the shop.....
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 12:39:54 PM
What are they putting in Marijuana these days, damn, next thing you know this moron will claim he's god and attempt to kill his family
Crazies!!
@Tyler, thanks I may choose an after-market tuner I don't mind giving up a mpg or two if it fixes the gear hunting and slow acceleration. It's a shame owners have to go this route or sell the truck. BTW, bring it to a GM dealership and they won't fix it regardless of warranty or not. Thank you, Fishhawk.
Best 1/2 ton truck motor Ford sells is an outsourced Mazda motor, LOL! Now if they could just keep it out of the shop.....
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 12:39:54 PM
What are they putting in Marijuana these days, damn, next thing you know this moron will claim he's god and attempt to kill his family
Crazies!!
Posted by: Frank | Sep 18, 2017 2:25:09 PM
You're all hat and no cattle.
Your best response is a personal attack, because your clueless when it comes to automobiles.
There has to be more to do at the middle school these days to keep Frank busy.
Oh wait, you can't come near a school due to the restraining order. We get it, sorry about your issues.
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 3:08:19 PM
Step aside, nobody care what you have to say. I know plenty about cars/trucks, I just don't find a reason to share them with you.
Adios!!
Face it , GM builds garbage, and their followers buy it up, this comes from breathing to much exhaust fumes and drinking the Kool Aid.
Posted by: GM Blows Chunks | Sep 18, 2017 1:52:42 PM
The irony of that comment coming from a Ford fan is too funny.
Oh wait, you can't come near a school due to the restraining order. We get it, sorry about your issues.
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 3:08:19 PM
Where does this mentality come from, you must be from the SOUTH.
Only idiots use the ohv vs dohc in arguments anymore.
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 12:39:54 PM
A notable power upgrade to the C8 Corvette will occur in January 2019, attributable to a new four-cam, 32-valve V-8. (aka Ford Power)LOL
Welcome 1955 Chevy boys to the 21st Century. LOL
http://blog.caranddriver.com/c8-in-2018-the-latest-on-the-mid-engine-chevrolet-corvette/
Posted by: Blueman | Sep 18, 2017 2:23:31 PM
Go ahead and finish my quote,
"Each design has merits and application and output are more relevant."
Thanks for proving my point.
Oh wait, you can't come near a school due to the restraining order. We get it, sorry about your issues.
Posted by: andrwken | Sep 18, 2017 3:08:19 PM
Where does this mentality come from, you must be from the SOUTH.
Posted by: Frank | Sep 18, 2017 3:15:33 PM
Nice Guess.
Couldn't be more wrong. Midwest.
Get off your phone at school and study so you can graduate.
You have never made of post of relevance to any discussion. Go ahead and prove me wrong by bringing your "car intellect" into the discussion for once.
I'll wait...
Yep, GM towing max 12.5
FORD. 13.2. Winner -FORD.
Posted by: GM Blows Chunks | Sep 18, 2017 12:08:32 PM
Yep, Ford says a lot of things. There sure are a lot of disappointed 6.7 liter Superduty owners after seeing the results of that engines performance failure during the premium HD challenge and FLT Ike gauntlet runs. Serves them right, they listened to Ford's claims and got burned. All you FORD losers should stop the hating on GM and direct your anger at FORD for burning you.
Wow, that 1st pic says it all; like the twin sister, it's another square barge with a clutter of square add-on plastic bits 'n pieces to makeup the most butt ugly frontal of all the trucks out there LOL!!
Of course, the signature matching square wheel wells just make it worse...geeez, what were those shaky GOVT motor designers thinking?!!
Fords got plenty of magic spring dust. They seem to always magically get new higher tow ratings every time they hear of a competitors' higher rating. I no longer believe ford ratings anymore.
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