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A GMC Pickup at a showroom.

GM Pickup Trucks Dominate the J.D. Power 2021 Top Rated List

GM has been making solid trucks for years, so it’s no surprise that their trucks dominate the J.D. Power 2021 Top Rated Trucks list. Between the large GM pickup trucks (Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra) and the small and midsize pickups (Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon), GM knows what consumers want from their trucks.

GM Pickup trucks have been best-sellers for years, so it’s no surprise that their trucks dominate the J.D. Power 2021 Top Rated Trucks list. Between the large pickup trucks (Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra) and the small and midsize pickups (Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon), GM knows what consumers want from their trucks. Here are the top rated GM pickup trucks for 2021.

A white GMC Sierra parked in a showroom.
GMC Sierra AT4 | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

2021 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is the number one top rated large pickup truck, and it’s no surprise why. With four engine options (a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s, and a 2.7-liter turbo I4), and an array of transmissions to choose from, the Silverado has no shortage of drivetrain configurations. The Silverado also has four-wheel and rear-wheel drive, gets 23/33 mpg and can carry up to 2,280 lbs. The 3.0 liter diesel can tow up to 9,500 lbs. and has superb towing safety tools.

The Silverado has so many cab and bed configurations you can build your dream truck. It also has eight trim options ranging from the budget-friendly Work Truck to the premium High Country. 

Related: Why Trucks Are Called Pickup Trucks

2021 GMC Sierra

The 2021 GMC Sierra is number three on the J.D. Power Top Rated Truck list, with consumers calling the driving experience “Great.” The Sierra offers a smooth ride and a solid infotainment system, but doesn’t have the same high-end appeal as some of its other top rated competitors.

U.S. News reports that the Sierra’s engine options include a V6, a turbo-four, a turbodiesel, and two V8s (a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter) to choose from. There are also six trim options available, and three cab configurations. The 2021 Sierra has expansive leg room in the long cab option.

2021 Chevy Colorado

The 2021 Chevy Colorado is number three on the J.D. Power Top Rated midsize truck list. Consumers weren’t impressed with the Colorado’s Driving Experience (it scored just a 69/100), but they did love its reliability and resale value. The Chevrolet Colorado comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 308 hp and gets 17/24 mpg. While it handles better than most trucks, its lack of technology and its cheap plastic interior could be improved.

The Colorado does offer options such as a power-opening tailgate, motorized running boards and heated front seats, which may make up for its otherwise inferior interior. 

2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon is ranked number one on J.D. Power’s top rated small pickup trucks. It’s a compact pickup with engine options of a 2.5-liter, 200 hp, a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 hp, and a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel with 181 hp. The Canyon gets 13/26 mpg and has rear-wheel drive. It can trailer up to 7,000 lbs. with its gas engine and 7,700 with the diesel. 

U.S. News called the Canyon an “easy-to-drive truck” but also lamented its lack of a luxury interior and its low safety rating in the compact truck class. The Canyon’s seats are stiff and uncomfortable, though its small size makes it simple to maneuver through traffic and a breeze to park.

With so many GM pickup trucks on the top rated list, it shouldn’t be hard to find one you like. Let this list be a starting point to finding the pickup you need (and the motorized running boards you want).

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