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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

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Overview

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2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

On the surface, GMC's Sierra half-ton pickup for 2013 may look like a Chevy Silverado clone, but dig a little deeper and you'll find some subtle and some not-so-subtle differences. The Sierra's engines, transmissions and body configurations are the same, as are the specifications for power, fuel economy and towing. But the 2013 GMC Sierra displays a more professional appearance, with copious amounts of chrome in the grille and more stylish wheel options. There's also the Denali trim that elevates the Sierra to near-Cadillac status. Of course, the 2013 GMC Sierra is still a work truck and so it is equipped with a number of helpful workplace features and options. There is even a Hybrid model, something no other manufacturer outside of GM offers.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your towing needs run in the 7,000-10,000 pound range, a compact pickup isn't going to cut it; the full-size 2013 GMC Sierra, on the other hand, will. Models range from a basic Work Truck to the frugal 23-mpg Sierra Hybrid to the luxurious Denali.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your truck needs revolve around light towing and recreational outings, a smaller mid-size or compact pickup might be more desirable. Not only will you save money at the pump, the sticker price is likely to be lower as well.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.1
Value

7.1
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#7

out of 8

MPG

#6

out of 8

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

Changes to the 2013 GMC Sierra half-ton are limited to two new exterior colors and the addition of powertrain grade-braking that uses transmission downshifting to ease stress and temperature build-up on the brake rotors.

Driving the Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Ample power and a civilized ride are two of the 2013 GMC Sierra's most welcome attributes. The Sierra's rigid chassis and tight panel fitment are made possible by the...

fully-boxed ladder frame, while the coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering provide a level of control uncommon in such a high-center-of-gravity vehicle. Our time in the Sierra covered a number of road surfaces and conditions. Even over the roughest surfaces, the half-ton Sierra's cabin remained calm, bothered neither by noise or vibration. As for engine choices, we think the 4.3-liter V6 is adequate for most light jobs, but we prefer the pulling and passing power provided by the 5.3-liter V8. The ultimate power play belongs to the Denali, which has a 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. All of the Sierra's V8 engines can run on E85, and the 5.3-liter V8 includes Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology for maximum fuel efficiency.

Favorite Features

HEATED AND COOLING SEATS
Standard on the Denali and available on SLT trims, these seats almost guarantee to keep the front occupants cozy in winter and summer.

ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT
The Active Fuel Management system available on the 5.3-liter V8s cuts the operation of four cylinders when they are unneeded and thus enhances fuel economy.

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Details

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

For 2013, the GMC Sierra pickup offers two distinct interiors aimed at satisfying two distinctly different customers. On WT, SL and SLE trims, GMC's "pure pickup" interior theme includes more use of vinyl on the floor coverings, as well as larger door handles and instrument-panel knobs. Moving to the SLT and Denali trims brings the same upscale interior found on the GMC Yukon, providing plenty of soft-touch surfaces, wood-grain trim and, on Denali models, a heated steering wheel. Crew Cab models feature a 60/40-split rear seat with a fold-up seat bottom that creates a large, uninterrupted load floor.

Exterior

The 2013 GMC Sierra distinguishes itself from its Chevrolet cousin with a bold 4-bar grille design, more expressive front and rear fender flares and more stylish 20-inch alloy wheels. The GMC Sierra features a large box area with high walls to maximize cargo capacity, although this same design can make it difficult to reach the center of the bed, as is required when accessing a bed-mounted tool box. Another feature we like are the Extended Cab's rear access doors that swing out 170 degrees, making it easy to load people or items into the rear of the cab.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

GMC's 2013 Sierra 1500 comes in seven trim levels, from basic to sinfully luxurious. Cloth seats are standard on WT, SE and SLE models, and leather seating is available on SLE models. The Denali is a distinct model unto itself and includes as standard a 6.2-liter V8 engine. SLT models include standard leather seats, the "luxury" instrument panel, 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Bose speakers and Bluetooth. The crew-cab SLT version is even more luxurious with rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rear-seat audio system. Even the base trim level includes cruise control, air conditioning, XM Satellite radio and side-impact and head-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Convenience features offered on SLE and SLT models include touch-screen navigation/sound system, power-operated moonroof, rear backup camera and a power-sliding rear window. The Denali trim offers heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and rear backup camera as standard. The 2013 GMC Sierra offers five distinct suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements. They include Z83 for a solid, smooth ride; Z85 for enhanced handling and trailer towing; Z71 for enhanced off-road capability; Z60 for street performance with 20-inch wheels; and NHT for maximum towing capacity.

Under the Hood

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Engine photo

While we expect the 4.3-liter V6 and 4.8-liter V8 to be more than adequate in Work Truck applications, we recommend the 5.3-liter V8 engines, most with cast-iron blocks and some with aluminum, but all with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing. And for those who want more power or towing capacity, the 6.2-liter V8, available only on the Denali trim level, is tops in its class, offering significantly more power and torque with very little penalty in fuel economy. The 2013 Sierra Hybrid truck features a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with an electric motor/generator built into the transmission. The two-mode system employs two 60-kilowatt electric motors that can power the truck on pure electric at low speeds or assist the gasoline engine at higher speeds.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4,600 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (2WD), 14/18 mpg (4WD)

4.8-liter V8
302 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (2WD), 13/18 mpg (4WD), 10/14 mpg (E85, 2WD), 10/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
315 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm (E85)
335 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
348 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (gasoline), 11/16 mpg (2WD, E85), 15/22 mpg (XFE), 11/16 mpg (XFE, E85), 15/21 mpg (4WD), 11/16 mpg (4WD, E85)

6.2-liter V8
403 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (2WD), 12/18 mpg (4WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 2WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)

6.0-liter V8 hybrid
332 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500's starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $23,500 delivers a capable but plain Work Truck. The SLE trim level with substantial equipment starts closer to $30,000. The SLT Extended Cab model begins at an MSRP close to $37,000, and a fully-loaded all-wheel-drive Denali approaches the $55,000 mark. Be sure to check the Incentives tab to see what savings may be on the table. We advise that you check the kbb.com Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers are paying in your area. The Sierra offers good projected resale values for its segment, higher than those for the Ram 1500, on par with those of the Nissan Titan, but below those of the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra.

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2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 671 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.1/10

I guess the newnes is still here...lol

By Greg C (FL) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I guess Im still happy from having a new truck.. Being a guy that never had much Worked my but off now i can afforn a nice new vehicle.. I pretty happy with mine. Dont have any complaints.... And I actualy like the salesman. I didnt want to ring there neck out after purchase... If God is willing My next one will be the the big Diesel.... Very Happy Camper...."

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I guess the newnes is still here...lol

By Greg C (FL) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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My first truck couldn't have been a better one!

By dozer13 (TX) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "seats, Bose stereo, exterior looks, reliable"

Cons: "as predicted-gas mileage typical of a truck, price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My first truck, could not be a better one. There may be better trucks out there, but GMC provides a solid truck that is reliable and safe. Very little problems. Highly recommended."

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Does it ALL

By Day (IN) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "Used oil but the dealer did a good job fixing it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It handles great, looks great, pulls great, goes in the snow, goes in the field, is a real workhorse!!!"

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Does not compare well with Ford F150 Platinum

By mikeyg (NM) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,891

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I went from a Ford F150 to this Denali. I notice the following differences; Pros - The GMC rides nicer and the front interior cabin set up is nicer. I also think the GMC is a really good looking vehicle from front to back. Cons- The truck comes without a bed liner of any kind, the r/v camera is a joke and difficult to view when backing to a trailer, the back seat is cramped compared to Ford. Lots of road noise and back doors sound like tin cans when closing. Also the OnStar did not work and I had to take it back to the dealer to re-enter codes. Still didn't work. Spent three hours one afternoon on the phone with OnStar to get it to work (had to upgrade software on truck??!!??). The truck has a bad habit of locking its own doors whether you intend to lock them or not. I've been locked out three times. I now keep spare keys at various locations. In summary - nice looking and riding vehicle but leaves a lot to be desired at this price point."

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drive line slack

By shorthand (MS) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Happy with truck except for above problem"

Cons: "problem has not been resolved"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The truck has slack in the drive train. It is more noticeable in stop and go traffic, and when you turn to the right you can hear a clunk noise as the slack comes out of the drive line. I took the truck back to the dearlership and was told by the technician that I was not the only one who had this same problem. According to GM and the dealership the solution was for me to change my driving habits."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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