The Sierra EV might have only hit the market in 2024, but GMC is already treating the pickup to a host of alluring upgrades that open the door to a new realm of off-road fun. The obvious highlight would be the introduction of a new AT4 trim that sees the Sierra EV packed with all the gear you’ll need for a weekend full of off-road adventure.
GMC has also introduced a new option in the Elevation trim, replacing the Denali as the new base model for 2026. The Elevation goes a long way towards improving the Sierra’s affordability, slashing more than $20,000 off the MSRP to give every driver the chance to experience the exciting new EV. Throw in a new Standard Range battery and some stylish new exterior colors to choose from, and it’s easy to see why there’s already so much excitement building around the 2026 model at your local GMC dealer.
Expanding the Trim Ladder
The new Elevation trim defies its modest starting price with a long list of premium features designed to create a convenient, modern driving experience. From its expansive 16.8-inch infotainment display with Google Built-In compatibility to its wireless smartphone charger, heated driver and front outboard passenger seats, and front trunk with integrated 120-volt power outlet, the Elevation provides a premium ride without the premium price tag. GMC has even graced the Elevation with its renowned MultiPro tailgate. This six-function hatch can easily adjust to improve access while loading and unloading the cargo bed.
The Denali Max Range occupies the top spot on the 2026 trim ladder, and its luxury credentials are already well established. The premium pickup packs a panoramic fixed glass roof, open-pore wood, leather upholstery, and an air ride adaptive suspension system that smooths out all the bumps in the road to improve your sense of serenity behind the wheel.
While the Elevation and Denali are worth a closer look for drivers seeking a value-packed pickup, the new AT4 trim is turning some heads. The 2019 Sierra 1500 was the first GMC model to feature the specialized off-road treatment, and the package has only improved in the years since. The AT4 trim now makes its way to the all-electric Sierra, allowing the EV to go where few have gone before. The AT4 includes all the equipment you’d want to explore the road less traveled, from 35-inch all-terrain tires to a unique four-wheel steering feature that enables the Sierra EV to make even the tightest turns. GMC has also given the AT4 an extra two inches of ground clearance compared to the standard model, which makes all the difference when clearing common off-road obstacles.
The AT4’s four-wheel steering feature ups the convenience factor in both on- and off-road scenarios, allowing the truck to maneuver through tight curves and taking all the frustration out of your next parking task. Four-wheel steering also allows drivers to access a novel Crab Walk feature that brings a whole new dimension to the Sierra EV. While most vehicles are limited to moving forward or backward, the Sierra’s Crab Walk feature allows the pickup to move diagonally by pointing the front and rear wheels in the same direction. The AT4 also gains a Terrain Mode system that serves as a low-speed, off-road cruise control. It’s a pretty compelling package that proves that going the EV route doesn’t need to mean leaving your off-road roots behind.
A Tech-Forward Truck
One of the AT4’s most compelling features has nothing to do with its off-road arsenal, but it does show just how tech-forward the 2026 Sierra EV is. The AT4 and the range-topping Denali Max Range have been outfitted with GM’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving tech. Offering true SAE Level 2 hands-free performance, Super Cruise employs a network of cameras, infrared LEDs, and radar to keep you firmly planted between the lines on select highways across the U.S. and Canada. The system works at speeds of up to 85 mph and will cover 750,000 miles of premapped roads by the end of 2025. While these hands-free driving systems are slowly making their way into various makes and models, Super Cruise routinely outperforms much of the competition. The Super Cruise system earned a stellar 75/100 score from Consumer Reports to place second amongst all current offerings, with the publication singling out the technology’s capabilities and performance, driver engagement features, and clarity.
The Sierra EV’s all-electric design also opens the door to some unique features and noteworthy stats. When equipped with the Max Range battery, the Sierra EV can travel up to 440 miles on a single charge, which is well above the current 300-mile industry average. Even the Extended Range battery trends well above the norm with 390 miles available. When you need to juice up, you won’t be waiting for long, with the EV adding up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charging station.
The Sierra’s 205-kWh battery isn’t just large enough to power the EV to greatness. It can also power a wide range of electrical devices with GMC’s 10.2-kW Energy Transfer Pro off-board power system. From power tools and appliances to stereo systems, coolers, and other electronics, you’ll never be hurting for power when you choose the Sierra EV due to its 120- and 24-volt outlets.
The Sierra can even be used as a home generator in the case of an unexpected power outage when opting for the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature and the optional GM Energy PowerShift Charger and V2H Enablement Kit. The 205-kWh battery can power the typical home for up to six days, or as long as three weeks if you monitor your energy consumption. This could be a godsend for those who live in areas where tough winter weather and frequent power outages make for an intolerably rustic experience.
Plenty of Optional Packages
The Sierra EV’s versatility already makes the pickup one of the best values in the cutting-edge segment, but if you want to personalize your ride, GMC has you covered. The truck is available with more than a half-dozen optional equipment packages for 2026, ranging from the Elevation’s Comfort and Convenience Package with its power-adjustable, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated, manual-folding mirrors, and Bose seven-speaker audio system. If that’s not enough tech to tickle your fancy, the aptly named Technology Package is here to help, with a rear-view camera mirror and a bed-view camera that enables you to simultaneously keep an eye on your cargo and monitor the road, no matter how much equipment you might be hauling in the bed. The package also includes the ProGrade Trailering System that lets drivers make the most out of the Sierra EV’s full 12,500-lb towing capacity courtesy of an integrated trailer brake control, trailer sway control, and added camera views that improve visibility around the truck.
The Premium Package does just what it says on the box, further elevating the Elevation trim with all the gear from the Comfort and Convenience and Technology packages, plus a spray-on bedliner and a MultiPro midgate that sees the rear wall of the cabin folded down to accommodate longer cargo in the bed. The MultiPro midgate is included in the AT4 Premium Package, as are the contents of the Technology package. The Super Cruise package is self-explanatory, including unheralded features like Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist and Driver Attention Assist.
It might seem hard to improve on the luxurious Denali model, but GMC has found a way to do so with the Denali Premium Package. If you’re in the market for a panoramic fixed glass roof, 60/40 split rear seats, and the advanced Energy Transfer offboarding power system with a bed-mounted 240-volt outlet, the Denali Premium Package is a must-have. The Denali Reserve Package comes standard on the Max Range model. It can be added to the Extended Range version to increase the comfort factor with the adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering with continuous damping, adaptive ride control, 24-inch high gloss black wheels, and an enhanced version of the Energy Transfer Pro system.
Build a Better Pickup
While we’ve touched on some of the highlights of the 2026 Sierra, there’s still plenty more to explore. Every trim is outfitted with all-wheel drive thanks to the truck’s dual electric motor setup, but the actual power output depends on which battery you settle on. The Standard Range Battery is no slouch with 605 on offer, but the Max Range is hard to resist with its 725-hp output. The massive power pack allows the Sierra EV to offer a scintillating zero-to-60-mph time, tearing up to speed in just 4.1 seconds when choosing the Denali trim.
The debut AT4 trim is equipped to handle challenging off-road terrain, and the new Elevation trim makes the Sierra EV a lot more accessible for those who are on a tighter budget. The Sierra’s V2H power capability, Super Cruise hands-free driving system, and modern interior make the pickup worth every penny. The available equipment packages can fill in any gaps you might find when crafting your own bespoke vehicle. Throw in a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 lbs, and EPA-estimated 64 MPGe, a six-foot cargo bed, and a customizable 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and it’s easy to understand why the 2026 Sierra EV has other electric pickups shaking in their tires.
