2016 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2016 GMC Sierra lineup offers a load of trims and configurations which helps the buyers to pick exactly what they want, combining that with the fuel efficiency and impressive creature comforts the Sierra has become one of the fan favorites. The new cylinder deactivation technology helps to boost the fuel efficiency even more and reduces emissions as well. The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in two trims, the base trim ranges from $27,815 to $40,875, above that is the SLE trim which ranges from $34,565 to $45,000.

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The SLE trim offers the capabilities of a work truck along with some extra features to make the daily work commutes a bit more comfortable and enjoyable, all while not sacrificing the affordability, the SLE trim starts at $34,565. We highly recommend shelling out some extra buck to pick the SLE over the base trim. 

The Base and the SLE trims come standard with a 4.3L V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower along with 305 foot-pounds of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The other option is a 5.3L V8, which is otherwise standard on the Denali. The V8 puts out 355 horsepower along with 383 foot-pounds of torque through an 8-speed transmission. The base V6 engine is sufficiently powerful for daily grinds, and can haul heavy cargo pretty comfortably. However, the tall gearing on the 6-speed gearbox can make towing tricky, which is unfortunate. 

Comparing the competition, the 2016 RAM 1500 makes the most power out of its V6 unit, while GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado have the greatest torque output on offer. The RAM comes with a severe torque disadvantage, which generally hampers its towing capacity. The Ford F-150 is the quickest to 60 mph, while also putting down the best quarter-mile times. 

The GMC Sierra 1500 gets Cylinder Deactivation for 2016, which means when the driving load is lighter, four cylinders or two in the V6 are shut down to conserve fuel which is the reason for the high fuel efficiency. Thanks to this technology, the Sierra 1500 returns a respectable 18 MPG in the city, and 24 MPG on the highway, for an EPA rating of 20 MPG combined. The 2016 Sierra 1500 also gets a 26-gallon fuel tank, which helps in improving driving range. 

Among the competition, the 2016 Ford F-150 returns the highest fuel efficiency, albeit by a slim margin over the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. The Ford offers equally good city and combined economies as the other two, but comes with marginally better highway MPG. The RAM 1500, on the other hand, offers poor city economy, and doesn’t pose as one of the better alternatives in terms of fuel economy. 

The selection cabin and bed configurations offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 may overwhelm some, but the easiest way to choose is to pick everything you need. The Sierra 1500 offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, with ample headroom and legroom. However, the rear seats could have been better in terms of space and comfort. 

Otherwise, the Sierra comes fitted with several comfort features, including automatic climate control, adjustable seats and a hybrid gauge cluster. Cabin ergonomics are spot-on, and everything you touch feels high quality. There are also plenty of affordable options and packages to further enhance your Sierra 1500 cabin experience.

Among the competition, the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have the greatest headroom on offer. The Ford F-150, on the other hand, offers the most shoulder space, which can be a critical factor in accommodating the third passenger. The Sierra and the Silverado also offer the most legroom, making them the relatively roomier trucks in this segment. Coming to practicality, the 2016 RAM 1500 makes up for the low performance and mileage by offering an impressive 74.7 cubic feet box as standard, which is a lot more than what is being offered with the competition. Some highlight interior features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

• Premium Cloth Upholstery. 
• Soft-Touch Dashboard. 
• Steering-Mounted Controls. 
• Automatic Air Conditioning. 
• Dual Cup Holders. 
• Armrest Storage. 
• Illuminated Locking Glove Box.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Infotainment

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 features several infotainment updates, which brings the entry-level GMC truck up to speed with some of the most tech-oriented vehicles in the market. The 2016 model year Sierra 1500 features a compelling 8.0-inch infotainment screen, along with a 4.2-inch Driver Information Display in the gauge cluster. Music is channeled through an impressive 6-speaker sound system, while GMC still offers support for USB and Aux devices. There’s a SiriusXM Radio on offer as well, along with advanced features such as WiFi Hotspot and Voice Recognition. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

• 8.0-inch Infotainment Screen. 
• 4.2-inch Driver Information Center.
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
• 6-Speaker Sound System. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• USB and Aux Support.
• Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
• Voice Recognition System. 
• 4G LTE and Wi-Fi Hotspot

The exterior dimensions of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 are nearly identical to those of the Silverado, as both the trucks share their mechanical underpinnings. However, the Sierra is surely more pleasing to the eye. The blocky and bulky look adds to the charm and this is what pickup trucks should look like anyway, the addition of the new front grille for 2016 enhances the premium look and feel of the Sierra 1500 as well. There are several sharp creases which enhance the aggressive appeal of the truck. We also love the heavy rear haunches over the rear wheels, which further accentuates the Sierra 1500’s no-nonsense trucking appeal. 

The Sierra can tow up to 8,900 pounds with the V6 engine, which is impressive, as no other pickup has the towing capability that can match GMC's lineup in their base configuration. The RAM 1500 measures the heaviest truck in the lot, while also measuring the longest. The Sierra-Silverado twins measure the widest, whie the Ford F-150 stands the tallest in the competition. The latter also comes with the largest ground clearance. Some highlight exterior features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

• HID Headlamps. 
• Signature DRLs. 
• Cargo Box LED Lighting.
• Remote Locking Tailgate. 
• Heated Side Mirrors.
• Chrome Grille Surround. 
• Rear Bumper Corner Steps.
• 17-inch Machined Aluminum Wheels.
• Front Bumper Inlays. 

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 stands as safe as it is capable. The truck is offered with some compelling safety aids that help in making your daily hauls safer. The NHTSA has awarded the 2016 model year Sierra 1500 with a 5-Star Safety Rating, while the truck has received “Good” safety scores by the IIHS under most categories. The truck is offered with several impressive passive and active safety features, which puts it at par with some of the most safe vehicles in the market. Some key safety features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

• ABS and ESP. 
• Traction Control.
• Trailer Sway Control. 
• Dual-Stage Frontal Airbags. 
• LED Daytime Running Lights.
• Lane Keep Assist. 
• Forward Collision Alert. 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The Sierra 1500 may not be the most capable pickup in the market today but it surely is one of the most desirable ones. From its macho looks to the plush interior, the Sierra maintains the personality of a tough and rugged pickup, while providing the creature comforts of a daily drivable vehicle. The versatile and unique nature of the Sierra is what separates it from the rest of the pickups, especially the Silverado, which on paper is identical to the Sierra. If you’re looking for a balanced truck with uncompromised comfort, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 would be an excellent choice.