GMC offers a nice lineup this year with their pickups. It could be hard to choose just one. However, one of those pickups is starting to stand out from the rest of the lineup and that’s the GMC Sierra 1500. This truck has several trims, including the AT4 and the Denali, a Kelley Blue Book award winner, to pick from. 

This pickup has some sweet, new features that could be a game-changer for the Sierra. MotorTrend shared their thoughts on the pickup and reports what’s new for this model year. 

What’s new for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

The GMC Sierra will now have more trailering capacity with the diesel engine equipped. The pickup can now haul 1,900 lbs more than the previous model. When you opt for the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder motor, you can tow 2,300 more pounds than before.

GMC’s six-function MultiPro tailgate is available on more trim models than it was previously. You can find it standard on the SLT, AT4, and the Denali, while it’s an available option for the SLE and the Elevation, as reported by the GMC website. 

The AT4 trim has a couple new updates for the 2021 model year. This pickup now comes with Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires as well as a high clearance step for off-roading. 

Towing just got even easier 

The GMC Sierra 1500 now offers two trailer indicators for towing trailers. One is the length indicator, which gives the driver a surrounding view of the trailer to let them know it’s okay to switch lanes. The other is an angle indicator, which offers a view of the truck and trailer, letting the driver know the relationship between the two. 

You’ll also find two rearview camera angles as well. The first one is the rear trailer view. The driver will have guidelines to help them back up into a space safely. The other view is from the side, and it will activate whenever you place the truck into reverse. This view allows the driver to see both the left and right side of the trailer in a split view display, so they can see what’s going on around the trailer while they drive. 

There are cameras offering a cargo bed view. This helps a driver to connect to a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer. The Hitch Guidance feature, that comes with it, gives the driver a perfect view, so they can easily align the hitch to the trailer. The last feature joining the trailering system is a jackknife alert feature that will signal the driver when a possible jackknife situation could occur. This will allow them to correct the situation promptly. 

What else does the GMC Sierra 1500 offer?

The crew cab model offers the most head and legroom available in the lineup for both the front and rear passengers. The seats are ultra comfortable with leather-appointed material, and heating technology to keep passengers warm on a chilly day. 

GMC also uses their impressive, sound-absorbing technology to keep the cabin quiet from road or wind noise as you drive. By designing the dash, carpet, and the triple-sealed doors, they’re able to keep noise out and peacefulness in. 

You can choose from five different engine options. Their diesel motor is a Duramax 3.0-liter engine that produces 277 hp and gets 26 mpg on the highway with the four-wheel-drive version. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbo offers 310 hp and 21 highway mpg with 4WD. Their six-cylinder is a 4.3-liter generating 285 hp and could get 21 mpg on the highway with 2WD.

There are two V8 motors as well. One is a 5.3-liter EcoTec 3 generating 355 hp. It can get as high as 21 mpg on the highway when you pair it with the 10-speed transmission. The other V8 is a 6.2-liter EcoTec 3 producing 420 hp. This one can get 19 mpg on the highway using the AT4 trim. The other models can get up to 20 mpg.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a powerhouse when it comes to towing capabilities, thanks to the trailering technology introduced for this year. The new trailering features should make towing some of the biggest hauls an easy task.