Editor's Overview
GMC’s 2016 Sierra may be more upscale than comparable half-ton pickups from Toyota, Ford or Ram, but it’s no less capable.
Pricing
Cars For Sale
KBB.com Expert Review
You'll Like This Car If...
GMC’s 2016 Sierra 1500 has bragging rights for the most powerful gasoline V8 in its class. The Sierra 1500 boasts a larger-than-life exterior, impressive 12,000-pound trailer rating and such uncommon features as available lane-departure warning and auto high-beam dimming.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you need maximum towing power and fuel economy, the Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan offer a diesel engine option not available on the Sierra. If all you need is a truck to haul personal items, a more manageable midsize, like the GMC Canyon or Toyota Tacoma, makes a better choice.
What's New for 2016
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 receives some major front-end styling revisions, as well as the addition of an 8-speed automatic on SLT and Denali models with the 5.3-liter engine. Other new options include lane-keep assist, power-articulating-assist steps and two new audio systems featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Consumer Reviews
Based on 84 ratings for the 2014 - 2018 models.
JK
August 30, 2018
Highly recommend this truck!
Smooth ride with plenty of pick up when needed. Luxurious, yet rugged. Very comfortable interior and amenities.
GOTMINE
July 12, 2018
MY 2ND GAS 2500
I LOVE IT, I HAVE OWNED 2011 2500 GAS 4X2 AND THIS ONE IS THE BEST
JK
July 06, 2018
Excellent ride and power!
The Sierra certainly lives up to its claim of being the best full-size truck in regards to overall luxuries, power, and owner...
SamSin
December 05, 2017
Best Truck Ever
To be honest my Tacoma was a great truck with no problems. I retired and bought a travel trailer needed a truck that could pull it...
tpm
October 17, 2017
Just one outstanding vehicle, great ride..
One Nice Truck
Sinisterdeuce
August 02, 2017
The finest truck I have ever owned.
This is a magnificent vehicle loaded with technology and comfortable features. Its a gasoline powered 6.0L with power to spare. If you...
Bubster
April 22, 2017
So far so good!
Ive owned a few other trucks prior to this 2016 Denali Dually Duramax. Dodge was horrible for quality and service. I traded in my 2008...
Beastmo
April 16, 2017
Truck is a beast
I love this truck. I had 1 warranty issue at 5k miles. The steering gear failed - this was not the first truck that had this problem...
MCPOC
March 05, 2017
Sounds and runs great!
Thought this my be my last vehicle, so I bought what I wanted. Had aftermarket Borla dual exhaust installed by dealer and recently...
FordMan
January 25, 2017
Love my Truck
I've owned this truck for about 18 months. Used it for hunting, hauling, long trips, and taking my girl (and our kids) on the town. ...
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Performance
Seating Capacity
Cargo/Interior Space
Basic Warranty
Safety Ratings
Similar Vehicles
KBB Editor's Overview
If you like big and blocky, GMC’s 2016 Sierra 1500 pickup truck’s got your name written all over it. Sharing its mechanical foundations with the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC adds more styling and features to elevate the Sierra 1500 above the average full-size pickup. Although the Ford and Ram can be decked out with features that easily rival the Sierra, the same cannot be said for the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan. Of course, this description applies only to the upper SLT and Denali trims; the base work truck is just as pedestrian as its competitors’ base models. What matters most to pickup buyers, however, is the ability to tow, haul and accelerate. To this end, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 excels in every category.
You'll Like This Pickup If...
GMC’s 2016 Sierra 1500 has bragging rights for the most powerful gasoline V8 in its class. The Sierra 1500 boasts a larger-than-life exterior, impressive 12,000-pound trailer rating and such uncommon features as available lane-departure warning and auto high-beam dimming.
You May Not Like This Pickup If...
If you need maximum towing power and fuel economy, the Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan offer a diesel engine option not available on the Sierra. If all you need is a truck to haul personal items, a more manageable midsize, like the GMC Canyon or Toyota Tacoma, makes a better choice.
What's New for 2016
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 receives some major front-end styling revisions, as well as the addition of an 8-speed automatic on SLT and Denali models with the 5.3-liter engine. Other new options include lane-keep assist, power-articulating-assist steps and two new audio systems featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Driving It
Driving Impressions
GMC’s full-size 2016 Sierra pickup seems almost at odds with itself. On the one hand, the Sierra is a rugged and capable full-size truck. On the other, it’s a luxurious ride so nice you may not want to get it dirty, let alone take it to the work site. The 5.3-liter V8 is probably the best engine for this type of truck, being both powerful and somewhat economical. At highway speeds, we found the Sierra’s cabin remarkably quiet and comfortable, while the truck’s suspension easily absorbed minor road distortions. We did find that over larger bumps and washboard surfaces, the Sierra’s body-on-frame design showed its limitations, sending some rather unpleasant shuddering through the passenger cabin. In the towing arena, the Sierra displayed little fuss while towing a 5,000-pound Airstream trailer, and the lane-departure warning and assist proved a valuable option worth every penny.
Favorite Features
CONNECTED INFOTAINMENT
For 2016, GMC’s Sierra full-size pickup features two IntelliLink audio systems, one with a 7-inch screen and the other, eight inches. Both systems can be equipped with OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi and are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Five USB ports and a 110-volt outlet are super handy.
DRIVER-ALERT SEAT
As part of the 2016 GMC Sierra’s lane-departure and forward-collision warning, this vibrating driver’s seat alerts the driver of potential danger. Depending on the direction of the vehicle’s drift, the system sends vibrating pulses through the seat cushion’s left or right side.
Vehicle Details
Interior
With big buttons and knobs coated in rubber for easy grip even when wearing gloves, GMC’s 2016 Sierra's roomy interior is built with work in mind. Yet it also can be luxurious, with features such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and communication ports that will outnumber most drivers' devices. Cab configurations include regular with a 3-passenger bench, double cab with seating for five or six, and crew cab with the most room for five or six. As should be expected in a big truck, the front seats are massive. Flip-up rear seats offer more cargo versatility.
Exterior
We dub GMC’s latest styling experiment "contemporary macho." Like previous GMC trucks, this full-size pickup features blocky styling highlighted by swollen fender flares and a grille that would do a semi-truck proud. With the new styling come practical innovations like corner steps built into the rear bumper. These provide a foothold for bed access, and by design are covered to mitigate slipping in wet environments. Handgrips and available bed-mounted LED lights are other features we like. Bed lengths range from 5-feet-8 inches to eight feet. Double-cab models now have standard front-hinged rear doors for easier access.
Notable Standard Equipment
Even the most basic 2016 GMC Sierra includes features like air conditioning, cruise control, cloth seats and a 7-inch touch-screen AM/FM radio with USB/SD inputs, but no CD player, Bluetooth or telescoping steering wheel. Step up to an SLE trim and you'll get a rearview camera, 6-speaker audio and 17-inch wheels made of premium aluminum instead of steel. SLT trims bring features like the 5.3-liter V8 engine, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch-screen command center, power-adjustable pedals and leather-appointed seats. Foremen will appreciate the Sierra Denali's 20-inch chrome wheels, navigation system, Bose audio and leather-clad front bucket seats.
Notable Optional Equipment
Add-ons are available across the 2016 Sierra lineup to make it more functional and comfortable. All Sierras can be ordered as 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel (4WD), while those seeking the most power and towing capability should look to the 6.2-liter V8 available on Sierra SLT and Denali models. Options include the Driver Alert Package with lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, IntelliBeam headlights and forward-collision alert, plus front and rear park-assist. The All-Terrain Package features off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, an underbody shield and 18-inch wheels. Interior comforts include heated and cooled front seats, navigation, a power sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Under the Hood
Three engine choices are available for the 2016 GMC Sierra: a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8 and the top-dog 6.2-liter V8 available for SLT and Denali models. The V6 is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter employ an 8-speed automatic, but only when ordered with the SLE and Denali trim. All three engines have laudable towing capacity, including the V6's max of 7,200 pounds. The 6.2-liter V8 can pull up to 12,000 pounds. With the ability to tow 11,500 pounds and a highway rating of 23 mpg, the 5.3-liter V8 is the middle child in GMC's engine lineup. All engines use direct injection and Active Fuel Management, which allows them to run on fewer cylinders and thus use less fuel.
4.3-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (2WD), 17/22 mpg (4WD)
5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (2WD), 16/22 mpg (4WD)
6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (2WD), 14/20 mpg (4WD)
Pricing Notes
With the Sierra's wide range of configurations comes a wide range of prices. A base, regular-cab 2016 GMC Sierra has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just shy of of $28,500. Double-cab models start closer to $32,000 while Crew Cab models start just under $37,000. Start climbing trim levels and adding options, and prices can climb by tens of thousands of dollars. A fully equipped Sierra SLT or Denali can easily break the $50,000 mark. The Sierra's starting price is slightly higher than the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, while the Nissan Titan (King Cab and Crew Cab only) starts around $30,000. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Sierra's resale value is projected to be in line with that of its domestic rivals and the Nissan Titan, but behind that of the segment-leading Toyota Tundra.
