If you are in the market for a hard-working, full-size pickup truck, then the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is your best bet. Loaded with the latest features and gadgets, you can customize this powerful pickup to suit your daily driving needs. Whether you need a family-friendly luxury truck or one that can haul a bed full of gravel, you will find that the Sierra 1500 meets all of your needs. Available in three cab styles and six trim levels, you can pick from five unique powertrains. Keeping that in mind, let’s explore the top 10 reasons why you will adore this professional-grade truck.
#10 – It Has an Array of Powertrain Choices.
Most full-size trucks come with more than one or two powertrain options. However, the 2021 GMC Sierra is unique in that it offers five different engines. The first is a 4.3-liter V6 that makes 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, while the second is a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder motor that generates 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 5.3-liter V8 that pushes out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The last gasoline option is a robust 6.2-liter V8 that churns out a staggering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer diesel, you can opt for the turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-6 engine that delivers 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the body and powertrain, the GMC Sierra 1500 can tow up to 11,800 lbs.
#9 – All Models Have Advanced Smartphone Integration.
The entry-level trim is known as the Base trim. However, this does not mean that it is basic by any means. In fact, every trim level, including the base, is equipped with advanced smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These enable you to use apps from your smartphone through the vehicle’s infotainment interface. You may also make and receive phone calls, send and read text messages, and even stream music. The Base trim displays the interface on a 7-inch touchscreen, which gets larger with higher trim levels. Multiple USB ports are provided for charging your mobile devices, and a 6-speaker stereo system is also standard.
#8 – It Can Be Equipped With the Multipro Tailgate.
The second trim level of the Sierra 1500 is known as the SLE. While it comes with a vast array of upgrades, one of our favorite additions is the MultiPro Tailgate. This innovative design offers six different functions, including Primary Gate, Primary Gate Load Stop, Easy Access, Full-Width Step, Inner Load Stop, and Inner Gate with Work Surface. The two Load Stop configurations use fold-out sections of the tailgate to help secure oversized cargos.
Easy Access allows the inner gate to fold down below the level of the bed so that you can stand close to the truck while unloading or loading your cargo. Full-Width Step allows the inner gate to fold into a large step for easy entry into the bed. The step isn’t fragile and can hold up to 375 pounds, but a conventional trailer hitch can interfere with its use. Finally, the Inner Gate with Work Surface transforms the tailgate into a desk or workbench for getting jobs done on the go.
#7 – It Has Amazing Towing Features.
Stepping up to the higher trims will get you even more enhancements, including additional features for towing. Hitching a trailer can be difficult, but the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offers Trailer Hitch Guidance Assist and a best-in-class surround vision system with up to fifteen separate camera views. These features make what was once a two-person job a one-person job. You will no longer have to rely on your friend to wave you back to get the perfect hitch on the first try.
#6 – There’s an Off-Roading Trim.
If you prefer a truck that is tricked out to hit the wild outdoors, then you need to check out the Sierra 1500 AT4. This off-roading trim comes with some incredible upgrades, including a revised suspension with monotube shock absorbers, a 2-inch lift, and a four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It also adds all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, and skid plates to protect the underbelly of the truck. Meanwhile, adjustable traction control and hill-descent control allow you to get going on slick roads and steep hills without incident. But the AT4 is not just an off-road machine – it still has all the comfort you would expect from a Sierra 1500, from ventilated front seats to a large center console for storage.
#5 – The Premium Model Is All-Inclusive.
If you have your eye on the cream of the crop, then you are looking at the top-tier Denali trim. This luxurious model is all-inclusive with state-of-the-art technology and supreme comfort. Riding on 20-inch wheels, you can easily get inside with the help of the side steps. All of the seats are heated, and the front seats are also cooled. There is a wireless charging pad to help prevent clutter, and the rear window is powered for quick opening. A premium Bose stereo has been installed, and the Driver Alert I Package is also included.
#4 – You can add the Driver Alert I Package.
The Driver Alert I Package adds a few advanced safety systems into the mix for your peace of mind. Blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert will help keep you vigilant of your surroundings. You will be notified if another vehicle enters your blind spot or moves behind you when you are backing up. Also, front and rear parking sensors are included to let you know when you are getting too close to an obstacle. No more fender benders with this package!
#3 – You Can Add the Driver Alert II Package.
The Driver Alert II Package takes safety to another level. With the addition of adaptive cruise control, your vehicle will automatically slow down or speed up to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is also included to alert you if there is an obstacle is in your direct path. If you do nothing to avoid a crash, then it will trigger the braking system to bring the vehicle to a halt. Finally, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist will prevent you from inadvertently drifting out of your lane or onto the shoulder.
#2 – There Is an Available Max Trailering Package.
If you work in construction or agriculture, you may want to consider adding the Max Trailering Package. This includes a revised gear ratio for additional torque, an enhanced cooling system to keep the engine from overheating, and heavy-duty suspension to better support the weight of larger trailers. With one of Sierra’s powerful engine options and this Max Trailering Package, you will be able to pull just about anything that you will need, from horse trailers and building supplies to boats and campers.
# 1 – You Can Opt for the Technology Package.
Our favorite option for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the Technology Package. When equipped, it adds a rear camera mirror and a bed-view camera. This enables you to see what’s going on behind you even if your back window is blocked by bulky cargo or a trailer. A head-up display is also included, which projects important information directly onto the windshield so that you can monitor everything without taking your eyes off the road. Finally, the surround-view camera system provides you with a birds-eye-view of your surroundings before you move. It doesn’t get much better than that!
