Yup, that’s me in the photo above splashing in the mud in a 2022 Sierra AT4X 1500, and I’ll be the first to tell you that the current-generation GMC Sierra 1500 is a very good pickup truck. You could take my word for it, but if you don’t feel so inclined, then let the sales numbers speak for themselves: Sierra sales grew an impressive 22.45 percent during the 2023 calendar year, and sales are up six percent during the first nine months of the 2024 calendar year. One of the biggest reasons for that is product: the 2022 (technically 2022.5) model year refresh (see more about 2022 Sierra) made Big Red’s full-size truck substantially more attractive and competitive, albeit not perfect. With that in mind, here is what we wish GM would improve to make the Sierra even better. Perhaps product folks could take the below list into account for the next-gen Sierra which – as exclusively reported by GM Authority earlier this year – is coming for the 2027 model year.
1. Bigger Sunroof
Current and would-be owners alike have been asking for a larger sunroof/moonroof since the debut of the current-gen Sierra for the 2019 model year. Alas, the current truck’s cab construction does not support a larger sunroof (or a second one, for that matter), meaning that the normally-sized one above the front seats is the only option in the current model. That’s lacking compared to Ford and Ram, and even the recently overhauled Toyota Tundra.
We’d like to see GM introduce an oversized or dual-pane sunroof, executed in much the same way as the one in the aforementioned Tundra. What we’d rather not see is an oversized fixed sunroof (one that doesn’t open or slide) without a sunshade, much like in the new GMC Sierra EV and Chevy Silverado EV.
2. Ten-Speed Transmission Across The Board
GM’s first-generation eight-speed automatic transmission was problematic to say the least. If you haven’t heard why, then read about it here. In any event, GM made several improvements to that transmission for a second generation, but we’d much rather see the eight-speed go away entirely and the newer and less problematic ten-speed take over.
3. Better Fuel Economy From Base Engine
The fuel economy of the GMC Sierra 1500 with the turbocharged 2.7L L3B inline four-cylinder engine could be better… and that’s putting it mildly. By comparison, the same-sized engine, albeit one with two more cylinders, in the Ford F-150 delivers noticeably better fuel economy on the highway.
| Vehicle | Engine | Drive Wheels | Transmission | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | Turbo 2.7L I-4 L3B | 2WD | 8-Speed Auto | 18 | 22 | 20 |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | Turbo 2.7L I-4 L3B | 4WD | 8-Speed Auto | 17 | 18 | 17 |
| 2024 Ford F-150 | Turbo 2.7L V6 Nano | 2WD | 10-Speed Auto | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 2024 Ford F-150 | Turbo 2.7L V6 Nano | 4WD | 10-Speed Auto | 18 | 24 | 20 |
Incidentally, Ford hooks up its 2.7 V6 EcoBoost “Nano” engine to its ten-speed automatic transmission, which is all the more reason for GM to do the same (see item 2 above).
4. Plug-In Hybrid Variant
This is a relatively straightforward one: a plug-in hybrid option is a perfect bridge between pure ICE and EV models. It’s something the Sierra currently lacks, something GM is very much well aware of as it plans to launch its first PHEVs in 2027. To that end, we think the Sierra is a prime candidate for the plug-in hybrid treatment, bringing not only better fuel economy but also an onboard electric generator and more power and torque to boot.
5. Supercharger Option For V8
There are plenty of aftermarket tuners and performance shops more than willing to supercharge the 6.2L L87 V8 engine, upping the output to around 600 horses. That’s great, but it sure would be nice to be able to buy a kit directly engineered by and sold by GM.
An aftermarket supercharger option is something GM explored internally for its full-size trucks and SUVs, but never brought to market. Offering a GMC Sierra supercharger kit would not only make many (some) customers (extremely) happy, but it would also provide GM and its dealers a new revenue stream, while also side-stepping any fuel economy and emissions penalties associated with offering such an option from the factory.
Other Things To Consider
- Better paint quality: we’ve seen all sorts of examples of paint peeling or flaking in relatively low-mileage Sierras (and Silverados). Solid paint is an absolute necessity for GMC’s bread-and-butter products.
- 24-inch wheel option: now that the refreshed 2025 GMC Yukon and all-new Sierra EV are offering 24-inch wheel options, it’s high time for the internal combustion Sierra to get some, too. A set of 24s on a Denali or Denali Ultimate would fill out those massive wheel wells quite nicely.
- Bigger tires for AT4X: currently, the Sierra AT4X 1500 – the range-topper of the Sierra off-road family – rides on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain (MT) tires measuring in at LT275/70R18 with a 33-inch overall diameter (OD). We’d love to see a larger OD tire option; a set of 35s would do the trick.
- Higher payload option: the Ford F-150 offers a package that takes its payload rating to 2,445 pounds, while the Sierra 1500 currently tops out at 2,240. The 205-pound, 10-percent difference might not seem like much, but does make the determining factor, especially for those fleet/commercial customers who upfit their trucks. As it so happens, these customers tend to buy their trucks in bulk.
- Extended Cab: we’ve heard calls to bring back the Extended Cab option with the reverse-hinged rear doors to replace the Double Cab. Though an Extended Cab (with no fixed B-pillar) certainly aids in egress/ingress of the truck, sources have also told us that bringing such a model to market is actually more costly for GM than a higher-priced Crew Cab due to the increased cost in engineering and developing the doors, which would act as a B-pillar. That should be enough to tell you that we’re not holding our breath for such an option.
- More colors: we’ve also heard calls (hat tip to reader Nicholas in the comments) for more exterior color options, particularly bright ones. While I agree with the desire for more colors, I just don’t see this being in the cards any time soon, given that GM is on a warpath to removing options and colors as part of its Winning with Simplicity strategy, which can be seen in an across-the-board removal of colors for the 2025 model year. I’ve outlined exactly why this is a dangerous move if not carefully monitored and implemented.
GM should keep the attractive styling, strong proportions, segment-exclusive (and awesome!) 3.0L I-6 LZ0 turbo-diesel Duramax engine and the solid post-refresh cabin, but making the above changes and updates would make the GMC Sierra a more competitive truck that would enable it to grow sales even further.
Agree? Disagree? Have more to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.
Comments
More bright color choices
Can be said for every gm product
Agreed. I added a line in the article about this (in the bulleted list toward the end). Thanks for the idea.
Solid list, Alex!
Thanks John! Much appreciated 🙂
No to the oversized sunroof fad. We don’t need the whole roof as a big window. Same with the computer screens everywhere fad. Just make a classy truck and give us the 6th gen small block and keep the 8 speed as it’s cheaper than the 10, and frankly here as of late, less problematic than the 10. Make a quality truck at a good price.
And I say that with Ford and Honda doing the glass ceiling fad and it’s not attractive, lounder ride, looks gaudy, and gets hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter. Also is susceptible to every bird that divebombs it.
This is why it would be an option.
Don’t want it? Don’t get it.
Adding it as an option requires significant changes to the cab. Expensive changes. The guys at TFL just spec’d out 2 HD’s identically, and the ford cost 10K more. It all adds up. I can get a much nicer truck when it’s cheaper to build and my money goes farther. Not everyone is turning in a rolls Royce for a truck to reclaim their man card.
Every once in a while I see someone throw out they want a truck with no computer screens. Just make a basic truck. And, I just don’t get it.
First, if one wants just a basic truck, that exists. It’s the base work truck. Yes, it still has a screen in it, but keep in mind that’s mandated (whether that’s a good or bad thing) by law for the backup camera. The current base work truck also has a very basic dashboard as well (which was one of the big criticisms of the Sierra when it was the standard dash across all trim lines in 2019-2021).
Second, we’re never going back to the days of no computers in vehicles, including trucks. Again, like it or not, that’s just not happening. The automakers are going to make vehicles that the majority of people want to buy. And, again like it or not, most people want the screens in their vehicles. To me, as long as the trucks have good physical switchgear (which the Sierra mostly has), then that’s a good compromise.
I love the big screens. Keep them or even make them bigger!
There’s a huge one right in front of the steering wheel. It’s called a window
NO. Either they should IMPROVE the software or get rid of the stupidly large screens…or ADD PHYSICAL SWITCHES with them.
That 6/8 speed transmission is not designed to be used for towing. GM spec out the transmission with the low quality torque converter. These torque converters are at the heart of the failures. If GM would have listened to the manufacture of the torque converters they would be Bullitt proof. Just installing the billet converter woudl fix the problem. Until then give me an Allison 10 speed
Disagree, as the 6 is a good tranny, and was revolutionary for its time. It came out in 2004 (2005ym), just didn’t make it to trucks till 2007, and even then only in the Denali. Wasn’t till 2012 it was the only transmission. It was a 200,000 mile tranny. The 2013 update was problematic as it allowed extra converter slip.
The 8 speed IMHO is the best light duty tranny out there. It handles more torque than the bullet proof 6l90 HD transmission, actually handles as much output torque, and besides the early fluid issue, has had no major issues. The fluid issue wasn’t a design flaw with the tranny, just the fluid. The 8 speed has a good converter, but it’s smaller than the 6, as the 8 speed focuses more on clutch to clutch shifting. It’s low 1st gear and the fact it doesn’t need torque management means it can slug in the first gear, and is locked the rest of the time. The smaller converter also is less inertia strain on shifting. The tranny was good for over 12K towing with max tow package. Probably more with some massaging.
The programming of the 8 speed WAS THE ISSUE in addition to the fluid. Now, yes it has flaws like all transmissions do, and people will downvote me, but I read that internally it is superior to the 6 speed….
The shifting of the 8 speed is AWFUL. I don’t care how good the internals are if you can’t stand how it shifts.
Larger gas tank for gas v8’s & I agree way better paint quality
Toyota paint is not great either….I saw a Land Cruiser with peeling paint….
I like the idea of returning to a pillarless extended cab. It made it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear because they don’t have to contort themselves past that post. Also it makes it nicer for the driver to use the rear space with the suicide door handle at their fingertips instead of at the back… to put “stuff” in and out back there.
All paint colors should be available on all cabs and trims (except for maybe pearl white). And lengthen the list of available hues. Some classic “man colors” are maroon, brown, tan, dark blue and dark green. Also, how about two-tones? The body lines of the current trucks are too random for natural paint breaks… how about a return to two-tone friendly body lines?
Single cabs need more trim levels, even if it’s only full-on fleet/base and Elevation. An Elevation single cab would be cheap to offer, and would sporten-up the line. The single cab/shortbed is my all-time favorite pickup bodystyle.
Stop the two-tiered, trim-level specific dashboard situation. Give everyone the same dash, but with trim pieces/features to go with the price level.
Last on my list of wishes… a stout, base gasoline inline-six cylinder engine. I truly believe ppl will never warm up to a four cylinder in a full-size truck. With the continued popularity of the diesel six, I think an inline six powered by gasoline would be welcomed.
Inline 6 gassers are for vibration-phobic luxury divas, but otherwise agree. The diesel L6 is a 1/2 ton one off; so that, a bigger V8 derived V6, and 6.2 V8.
1. PRO, SLE and Elevation Single Cab Short Bed w/V8 option
2. Payload meter- measures the Payload
3. Onboard Power Generator (3kw-8kw depending on the trim)
4. More power for the 5.3 and 6.2 V8
5. Leaf Springs- old school charm Chevrolet/GMC has compared to its competitors must continue
6. Steel body use- yes it does rust, but at least in a crash may be easier to fix than a aluminum body which also melts when on fire
7. Fix the current issues with the 10 speed. WHICH MEANS, bring in the replacement parts ASAP…..as soon as backorder finishes.
8. Illuminators for the Sun visor lights
Improve the tail lights, amber LED directional like the Yukon.
Changes ideas like this is what’s wrong with the truck industry. Truck makers should listen to actual truck users than these ridiculous comments.
1. Make them more reliable.
2. Give more value. Tech is cheap now.
3. Put the cup holders side by side.
4. Add more ground clearance.
5. More power. Same power levels for years.
Nobody wants or needs an electric or hybrid truck. A larger sunroof doesn’t sell trucks or help safety. Of course the 10 speed should be standard.
Year to date through September Ford sold 23K Lightning’s and 10K EV Vans. Somebody wants them. If you’re doing short term commuting or delivery they work great. It’s not for me but some people like them. As long as people are buying them companies should make them. Once gas goes up again, and it will, EV sales will climb. My advice to people that don’t like or want an EV…Don’t buy one but just how does it affect you when other people buy them?
A hybrid truck to gain the on board generator would be a huge thing.
Using them for camping, RVs, remote job sites, emergency power back up…
1. 10 speed transmission sure all power trains.
2. Add two cylinders to the 2.7 4 banger. Straight 6.
And/or
3. Develop a overhead cam v8 to compete with Coyote
4. Use Turbo Max for series hybrid like upcoming Ramcharger.
And OHC engine will not be as easy for Chevrolet/GMC…let them keeping making pushrods…The Corvette engine is different, but trying to replicate it will NOT be easy everywhere…
As much as I hate Ford, they have been making OHCs for quite sometime now, but depending on the design they either are a great hit (2V 5.4, 2V 4.6 – also CROWN VIC, 3V 4.6, 6.2 BOSS, 300 I6, 7.5 V8 GAS, 11-17 5.0 V8), or a complete MISS (3V 5.4- do not know any other bad V8 engine that comes to mind for Ford , aside from certain model years).
Many things Ford does are NOT made DIY simple….they have the largest sales they “claim” (against only the Silverado) because
A) They have die hard loyalists like Toyota, who refuse to buy ANYTHING ELSE
B) Ford commercial program and dealers do a better job in marketing than Chevrolet/GMC, even if they are more expensive, and for fleets they often can be had with discounts.
C) Latest and greatest exists with all manufacturers, but Ford is the BIGGEST of the lot in speeding to be the first.
Yes, yes, yes [bit the bullet GM] to the develop a say production 5.5L DOHC V-8 (perhaps two versions: 400hp with 400lbft and maybe 450-500hp with 450+lbft torque, perhaps with 87 octane and the upper with 93 premium) for the various model levels. Stop the nonsense with turbo fours and EV’s, though a turbo six DOHC (3.6-4.0L, including a hybrid) may be OK for some model pickups and SUV’s. Keep the CI diesels for the real heavy haulers.
All this hip about horse power. Give me one horse power and a thousand pounds of torque and I will be happy. Until the the lack of torque is the failure of any engine/Trans combo
Work truck with the diesel option.
In short, get rid of the 4 banger. It has no place in a full sized truck. Put in a transmission that shifts like it should – NO EXCUSES. Forget sunroofs, they leak, they all do. Add quadrasteer back again. Anyone that ever had it, loved it. Bring back the extended cab. And, get rid of 2/3rds of the electronics. You don’t need it, period!
Seat comfort is something that needs to be improved. It has been a complaint of many for years that the seat bottoms in particular are too flat and firm. Some trims are better than others but all need improvement. I’m a GM truck guy but I will give Ford credit for the comfort of their seats. Gm also needs to beef up and bulletproof their 10 speed transmissions in both light and heavy duty applications.
Amen to this. My 23 3500 Denali seats leave a lot to be desired.
I agree that the seats could stand much better comfort, but they could also use better materials, especially when it comes to the leather in this price range. As far as the heavy duty Allison 10 speed, have driven many and never had any issues. Although, I would still say there’s room for improvement.
bring back the Regular cab 2 door trucks that you can get in a higher trim level. Not everyone wants or needs four doors, but they would like something nicer than a work truck if 2 doors is all they need. Go back to your roots GM.
My beef is interior colour choices. I drive a truck because I need the room for light cargo. I want a light coloured interior. Had a 2011 Denali with light tan interior. Loved it but the next 5 GMC trucks I have owned are all MORBID BLACK. Interior lighting is horrible. No lights at floor level and with all black interior it is VERY dark. Since I am paying I should have choices
Get rid of the wax coating on the frames!
I hope they do get rid of it, but I suspect they might not.
If that add e-coating, that would jump the price of the truck ALREADY higher than they are now…so even more people will not be able to afford them than those who already are struggling to.
In the Middle East, it also will jack the price (a ZR2 in Qatar costs 200k+ riyals), and will not be of any benefit…
Point is, rust protection MUST BE DONE FROM day one, especially in a salt state. Buying one that had some specks of rust only to complain when it spread all over after some years is too late. IT MUST BE DONE FROM DAY ONE.
Love my 2024 2500HD 6.6 gas 10 speed Allison Does everything I need it to. Last night going to -30 C better plug-in block heater. The cord is under rear seat just needs plugging into truck. Can’t think of one reason why being inches in front of tire and not possible to mount lower on truck is a good location. Turning on interior lights only means getting the flash lite out of the console.
What about some interior colors than Henry Ford Model T black?
Good list. I would add brighter reverse lights or add auxiliary rear lights. Need to back up old school since you can’t see behind you with the cameras at night.
I have a 2024 gmc denali and was disappointed that a dealer installed gm/cadilac supercharger would void my engine warranty.
Only the case maybe if your truck has the L87, and if it had metal shavings in the oil and/or an engine failure….
The dealer probably you have is not a good one. You can go to another. What is the build date of your truck? I would recommend you avoid supercharging it- it can maybe stress the rod bearings too much.
All very good thoughts but my main disappointment is fuel economy !! The larger engines like the 6.6 is powerful but the mileage is sorry. I mostly get around and without pulling a trailer or anything in bed is 14.9 average. Why has GM not addessed this very important figure get fuel usage uparound 20 plus. thanks
Better seats! My 2018 seats rock compared to the new seats. Stiff as a board!
More HP/TQ
Add a factory supercharger and “SS” version of a street truck (Like 03-06)
Bring back a regular cab truck.
10 speed across the board along with better programming for crisper shifting. My 18 has lazy shifting.
I would like to see a bit more power and torque, especially with the 5.3 and better MPG across the board. The volume selling 5.3 and 4X4 was rated for 16/22 in 2019/2020 with the DFM version of this engine and 8 speed transmission. Currently this same engine tied to the 10 speed is only getting 15/19 which is worst in class. Same with the 2.7 turbo 4. I’m surprised GM doesn’t give this engine e-Assist like Ram does with the 3.6 which would surely help increase mileage by at least 2.
Also agree with more interior color choices, a regular cab in LT trim, better designed wider seats and improved quality control. There is no excuse whatsoever that a truck that came out in 2019 is still having so many issues in 2024.
Air Ride Suspension, 4-wheel steering. keep the diesel. make a competitor to the ramcharger PHEV. physical buttons for basic functions.
the current short bed is 3″ shy of 6 feet. you couldn’t find 3 inches in that huge cab that wouldn’t be missed?
My ’97 Tahoe has a 30 gal tank, and goes 450 miles on the highway, i get barely 400 in my ’24 Sierra
yes, seats that fit you, and don’t make you tired in the first hour of driving.
and get rid of that F*$%ing Auto stop/start, or make it normally off so you have to turn it on if you for some reason want it.
I loved the 3.0 liter duramax in my 2022 that I have now traded for a
2024 3.0 liter. I sure hope GM does NOT get stupid and stop the production of a half ton diesel pickup truck. This is the best half ton on the market!! More and more people I talk to, love this engine or are waiting to get one for their own.
Seats in recent years are my biggest issue, the leather in some trims has been a plastic blend. I would buy a higher trim level with a nice cloth seat, remember the 90’s buckets with 5 inches of foam in the base and tough as hell. Agree with others the 4 cylinder is not efficient enough, we need a 6 cyl with a turbo.
Dust off the old 4.3 V6, update it and make it the standard engine. They were powerful, efficient and run forever.
I think a more reliable truck would be a start . I have a 2024 Silverado LTZ . 7300 Miles and it blew a oxygen sensor. 7600 miles the engine light is in again! My truck was made in Mexico I almost didn’t take it! My truck is a Z71 model too. For a $ 70000 price tag .Locking differentials like the ZR2 and more skid plates should be available. GM needs to release the new small block in the 2026 models . More power and efficiency would help the new trucks a whole lot!
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, should offer ‘Body Side Molding.’
Sport Wing, offers factory-paint ‘Body Side Molding’ with optional Chrome-Line insert.
CF-SIL 19-CC is 1.25 inches wide chrome-insert Body Side Molding MSRP $203.21 ships
in 4-5 days. Automotive 3-M tape works best above 60 degrees over 24-48 hours to secure
4 Crew Cab moldings across the doors. Protects against shopping carts, car door dents.