The 2021 GMC Sierra receives minor updates to the Sierra 1500 light duty model as well as the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD Heavy Duty models.
| Assembly Location | GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA and GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA | |
| Body Style(s) | Light-Duty, Heavy-Duty, and Medium-Duty Pickup Trucks | |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal | |
| Engine(s) | Turbo 2.7L I4 (Gas), 4.3L LV3 V6, 5.3L L82 V8, 5.3L L84 V8, 6.2L L87 V8, 6.6L L8T V8, 3.0 LM2 Duramax I6 (Diesel), 6.6L L5P V8 (Diesel) | |
| Transmission(s) | 6-Speed Auto, 8-Speed Auto, 10-Speed Auto, Allison 10-Speed Auto | |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel-Drive, Four-Wheel-Drive | |
| Availability | U.S.A., Canada, Mexico | |
| Predecessor | 2020 GMC Sierra | |
| Successor | 2022 GMC Sierra | |
Changes, Updates, New Features
2021 GMC Sierra 1500Â
An all-new, fourth-generation Sierra Light Duty was released for the 2019 model year. After receiving some revisions for the 2020 model year, the Sierra 1500 is again receiving a few minor changes and updates for the 2021 model year:
- Deletion of 2WD Standard Bed Crew model (TC10743)
- Double Cab models not available on SLT and AT4
- Deletion of four exterior colors
- Addition of four exterior colors
- Deletion of manual tailgate function with lift assist
- Addition of one new 22-inch wheel set
- Addition of AT4 high clearance step (LPO-level item)
- New GMC MultiPro Tailgate availability
- Deletion of front 40/20/40 split-bench seat
- Deletion of Single USB Port feature
- Addition of Wireless Phone Projection
- For Apple CarPlay and Android Auto audio systems
- Dark Walnut / Slate is no longer available on Elevation (3SB) models
- Addition of premium floor liners with removable carpet inserts
- Sirius XM Radio is now standard on SLE (3SA) and AT4 (3SB) models
- Sunroof no longer available on SLE (3SA) and AT4 (3SB) models
- Front 40/20/40 split-bench with covered armrest storage is now standard on base Sierra (1SA) models
- Bucket seats are now available as an option on Elevation (3SB) models
- Addition of new 20-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires
- New AT4 CarbonPro Edition wheel and tire option
- Addition of X31 Off-Road and Protection Package
- Addition of 1SA Safety Confidence Package
- SLE Value Package now standard on SLE models
- Elevation Value Package now standard on Elevation models
- Bed View Camera is no longer available as a free flow item
- Included and only available with the Technology Package
- Max Trailering Package with 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine is now “Available for (SRE) sold order types only”
- Deletion of Denali Premium Package
Another noteworthy change is a $1,500 price reduction, which GMAuthority was the first to report.
See detailed 2021 GMC Sierra 1500Â changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD & 3500HD
The Sierra Heavy Duty underwent a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering) for the 2020 model year. Â As such, the pickup trucks have received some minor changes and updates for 2021 model year, which are as follows:
- Deletion of two exterior color options
- Addition of three exterior color options
- Deletion of 18-inch (45.7 cm) 6-spoke machined aluminum extended wheels with high gloss Black accents
- Addition of AT4 high clearance step (LPO-level item)
- Addition of power-retractable Assist steps with stainless steel accents
- Includes LED lights
- Addition of new, high gloss Black mirror caps for AT4 models
- Addition of LT275/70R18, mud-terrain, blackwall tires (QG3)
- For 2500HD models only, not available for 3500HD models
- Addition of 18-inch (45.7 cm) machined aluminum wheel with Dark Grey metallic accents (PXD)
- Addition of 20-inch (50.8 cm) high gloss Black painted aluminum wheels (RTJ)
- Addition of Bedside Storage, right hand and left hand side
- Addition of Tie-Downs option – includes 4
- Addition of 20-inch Transit wheels for 20-inch LPO-level wheels
- Addition of 20-inch machined aluminum wheel wheels with new finish and bright Silver accents
- Addition of 20-inch wheels with new finish, machined aluminum with high gloss Black accents
- Deletion of front 40/20/40 split-bench seat
- Deletion of single USB Port
- Addition of Premium floor liners with removable carpet inserts
- Front and rear
- Addition of inside rearview auto dimming mirror with partial video display
- Addition of Bed View Camera in the CHMSL to show a view of the cargo bed
- Display located in rearview mirror
- Front 40/20/40 split-bench seat with upper covered armrest storage is now standard on base (1SA) Sierra HD models
- SiriusXM is now standard on SLE models and available on base models
- Gasoline engine options are now E85 FlexFuel capable
- Standard tailgate is now available on SLE models, remains standard on base models, and is no longer available for SLT, AT4, or Denali models
- Deletion of manual tailgate function with lift assist
- GMC MultiPro Tailgate is now standard on SLE models
- Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Package is not available on Denali you now order the Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package free flow option
- Denali models only
- ProGrade Trailering System no longer includes:
- Sirius XM
- EZ Lift and power lock and release tailgate
- Addition of the AT4 Premium Plus Package
- Addition of Denali Black Diamond Edition
- Addition of the X31 Off-Road and Protection Package
- Addition of 1SA Safety Confidence Package
- Technology Package no longer includes Bed View Camera or HD Surround Vision
- New RPO code designation for SLT Premium Plus Package
- New RPO code designation for Texas Edition SLT Premium Plus Package
- SLE Convenience Package no longer includes EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate
- New SLT Preferred Package contents
- New AT4 Preferred Package contents
See detailed 2021 GMC Sierra HD changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Sierra HD change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
Body Styles
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500Â is available as a light-duty full-size pickup truck with several cab and bed configurations, while the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD are available as heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks. Notably, 3500HD models are available exclusively as Crew Cab models.
Sierra 1500 Configurations
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Standard Box
- Double Cab, Standard Box
- Regular Cab, Long Box
Sierra 2500HD Configurations
(all with single rear wheel)
- Regular Cab, Long Box
- Double Cab, Standard Box
- Double Cab, Long Box
- Crew Cab, Standard Box
- Crew Cab, Long Box
Sierra 3500HD Configurations
- Crew Cab, Standard Box, Single Rear Wheel
- Crew Cab, Long Box, Single Rear Wheel
- Crew Cab, Long Box, Dual Rear Wheel
Powertrain
The 2021 GMC Sierra is offered with the following engine and transmission choices:
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L LV3 EcoTec3 V6 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 6-speed automatic MYC | 285 @ 5300 | 305 @ 3900 | 3.42 |
| 2.7L L3B I4 | Gasoline | Turbocharged | 8-Speed Automatic (MQE) | 310 @ 5600 | 348 @ 1500-4000 | 3.42 |
| 5.3L L82 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 6-Speed Automatic (MYC) | 355 @ 5600 | 383 @ 4100 | 3.42 |
| 5.3L L84 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 2WD 8-Speed Automatic (MQE) / 4WD 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 355 @ 5600 | 383 @ 4100 | 3.42 |
| 6.2L L87 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 420 @ 5600 | 460 @ 4100 | 3.23 |
| 3.0L LM2 Duramax I6 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 277 @ 3750 | 460 @ 1500 | 3.23 |
| 6.6L L8T V8 | Gasoline | Naturally Aspirated | 6-Speed Automatic (MYD) | 401 @ 5200 | 464 @ 4000 | 3.73 |
| 6.6L Duramax L5P V8 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MGM, MGU) | 445 @ 2800 | 910 @ 1600 | 3.42 |
Platform
- The 2021 Sierra 1500 rides on the GM T1 platform shared most directly with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The same basic architecture is also used on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
- The 2021 Sierra Heavy Duty rides on a more capable version of the same GM T1 platform
Production
The 2021 GMC Sierra was assembled at the following factories:
- GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA (HD)
- GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA (LD)
- GM Silao Assembly in Silao, Mexico (LD)
Availability
2021 Sierra models became available during the final quarter of 2020.
Beyond 2021
We expect the following future for the Sierra beyond the 2021 model year:
- The light-duty Sierra 1500, now in its fourth generation as of the 2019 model year, should remain in production thru the 2025 model year
- The heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, in their fourth generation as of the 2020 model year, should remain in production thru the 2026 model year
An all-new, next GMC Sierra will launch after the aforementioned models reach the end of their respective lifecycles.
Sales
See GMC Sierra sales numbers for all markets, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.
Notes:
- GMC Sierra sales are comprised of all model variants, including light (1500) and heavy duty (2500, 3500) models.
- Information for market (country) specified.
- Sales information compiled from various sources by GM Authority and Motrolix.
Gallery
Discussion
Discuss the 2021 GMC Sierra in our GMC forum.
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