The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size light-duty pickup with aluminum wheels, a cargo box, and a bold front grille. 



There are three cargo bed lengths: Short Bed (5.8-ft.), Standard Bed (6.6-ft.) and Long Bed (8.2-ft.).

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 paint colors are the following, with select availability per trim level:

• Cardinal Red (Pro, SLE, and Elevation)
• Coastal Dune (All trims) - new
• Downpour Metallic (Elevation, Denali, and Denali Ultimate)
• Glacier White Tricoat (All trims) - new
• Onyx Black (All trims)
• Sterling Metallic (All trims)
• Summit White (All trims except Denali and Denali Ultimate)
• Titanium Rush Metallic (All trims except Pro)
• Volcanic Red Tintcoat (SLT, AT4, and AT4X)

The exterior dimensions vary per cab and bed configuration, with specs starting at 210.97" L x 81.15" W (without mirrors) x 75.70" H and a 7.88" ground clearance.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Interior Design, Features, & Cargo Space

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 interior comes in three cab configurations with select availability per trim level:

TRIM LEVEL	REGULAR CAB	DOUBLE CAB	CREW CAB
Pro	Standard	Available	Availalbe
SLE	Unavailable	Standard	Available
Elevation	Unavailable	Available	Standard
SLT	Unavailable	Available	Standard
AT4	Unavailable	Available	Standard
AT4X	Unavailable	Available	Standard
Denali	Unavailable	Available	Standard
Denali Ultimate	Unavailable	Available	Standard

Regular Cab models can fit up to three passengers, while Double Cab and Crew Cab models (best-in-class front head and legroom) can fit up to six.

It comes in six cabin colors with select availability per trim level:

• Alpine Umber (Denali Ultimate)
• Atmosphere/Brownstone (Denali)
• Dark Walnut/Slate (SLE and SLT)
• Jet Black (Pro, SLE, Elevation, and Denali)
• Jet Black with Kalahari accents (AT4)
• Obsidian Rush (AT4X)

All trims get a 12.3" driver information center and a 13.4" infotainment touchscreen, except for the base-level Pro, with a 7" infotainment system. The same applies to the driver information center, with a 12.3" screen size for all trims, except for the Pro, at 3.5". Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity are standard across the lineup.

The new GMC Sierra 1500 also made an extensive list of changes to its interior. The heated and ventilated seat controls now have a button always displayed on the infotainment home screen.

The Google infotainment system also has the following enhancements:

• Quicker response times
• Improved conversational voice command recognition
• New four-display screen layout for a less cluttered look
• Super Cruise enhancements like returning to hands-free driving after a lane change
• Proactive Google Maps suggestions based on your driving preferences and real-time traffic
• New soft-touch button for direct vehicle settings control
• Clock and weather icons are now always displayed on the home screen
• More customizable widgets

For interior cargo, there are large lower lockable and upper glove boxes, plus a 60/30 folding bench in Crew Cab models for additional storage space. Under-seat, seatback, and center console storage are also standard on the SLT or available with the Elevation Premium package.

The interior dimensions vary per cab and bed configuration, with specs starting at:

• Front Head Room: 40.03"
• Front Leg Room: 44.53"
• Front Shoulder Room: 66.02"
• Front Hip Room: 61.18"
• Second Head Room: 40.12"
• Second Leg Room: 43.40"
• Second Shoulder Room: 65.16"
• Second Hip Room: 60.24"
• Cargo Capacity: 62.90 cu-.ft.

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2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options & Capability

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 has five powertrain options with select availability per trim level:

TRIM LEVEL	POWERTRAIN	POWERTRAIN SPECS
Pro	Turbomax & Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission	310 hp & 430 lb.-ft. of torque
SLE	Turbomax & Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission	310 hp & 430 lb.-ft. of torque
Elevation	Turbomax & Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission	310 hp & 430 lb.-ft. of torque
SLT	5.3L V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	355 hp & 383 lb.ft. of torque
AT4	3.0L Duramax Diesel &10-Speed Automatic Transmission	305 hp & 495 lb.-ft. of torque
AT4X	3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel &10-Speed Automatic Transmission	305 hp & 495 lb.-ft of torque
Denali	5.3L V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	355 hp & 383 lb.-ft of torque
Denali Ultimate	6.2L EcoTec V-8 &10-Speed Automatic Transmission	430 hp & 460 lb.-ft. of torque

The fuel economy also varies per powertrain, cab/box configuration, and trim level, with the EPA's MPG estimates starting at:

POWERTRAIN	MPG ESTIMATES
Turbomax & Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission	18 MPG city/ 21 MPG highway/ 19 MPG combined
5.3L V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	16 MPG city/ 20 MPG highway/ 17 MPG combined
3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	22 MPG city/ 26 MPG highway/ 24 MPG combined (AT4) 19 MPG city/ 20 MPG highway/19 MPG combined (AT4X)
5.3L V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	16 MPG city/ 20 MPG highway/ 17 MPG combined
6.2L EcoTec V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	15 MPG city/ 19 MPG highway/ 16 MPG combined

Additionally, the 0 to 60 mph acceleration times vary per powertrain:

• Turbomax: 7.1 seconds
• 5.3L V-8: 6.4 seconds
• 6.2L V-8: 5.4 seconds
• Duramax 3.0L V-8: 7.4 seconds

The 6.2L V-8 engine models now get a newly available recalibrated exhaust system in Sport mode for a more aggressive performance.



There are 11 driver-select modes in the new GMC Sierra 1500, with select availability per trim level and configuration:

• AWD: The setting for 4WD models that engages the rear wheels to improve traction for daily driving.
• My Mode: A customizable setting to select the suspension tuning, steering, exhaust, engine sound, and brake feel for daily driving. 
• Off-Road: The off-roading setting that improves traction, maneuverability, and handling in rugged road conditions. 
• Snow/Ice: The setting that adjusts the pedal map and slows acceleration and torque response in slippery conditions. 
• Sport: The sport-oriented setting that quickens acceleration and tightens steering for a dynamic performance on dry road conditions.
• Terrain: The setting that adjusts the truck's shift mapping, traction control, and automatic braking to maximize performance in low-speed on uneven road conditions. 
• Tour/Normal: The default setting for daily driving that optimizes fuel economy and drive quality. 
• Tow/Haul: The trailer setting that keeps the truck in lower gear for more torque when hauling heavy loads. 
• Track: The racing-oriented setting with the same configuration as Sport, but adjusts the accelerator pedal for maximum control. 
• Weather: The weather-oriented setting with a similar configuration as Snow/Ice, but adjusts the throttle progression and transmission shift to help control wheel speed on slippery roads.
• Z Mode/V Mode: A configurable setting that allows you to select your preferred steering, suspension, powertrain, and exhaust sound performance.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity & Payload Rating

According to GMC, the payload rating and towing capacity of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 vary by powertrain, cab/box configuration, trim level, and packages, with specs starting at:

POWERTRAIN	TOWING CAPACITY	PAYLOAD RATING
Turbomax & Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission	9,500 lbs	2,186 lbs
5.3L V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	11,200 lbs	2,286 lbs
6.2L EcoTec V-8 & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	13,100 lbs	2,272 lbs
3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel & 10-Speed Automatic Transmission	13,300 lbs	2,472 lbs

The new GMC Sierra 1500 comes with plenty of towing technologies and equipment, with select availability per trim, including:

• ProGrade Traileiring System: A trailer-focused camera view system for safer hauling and hitching.
• MultiPro Tailgate: The world's first six-function tailgate system for versatile cargo and easier loading/unloading.
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert: A feature providing visual side-mirror alerts when a moving vehicle is detected in a side blind zone that's extended to trailer lengths.

It also made upgrades to its Enhanced Transparent Trailer View system and GCW Alert. It improved its towing camera views for trailering, including length detection overlays. The turn signal can also now display camera feeds when it's activated.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings & Technology

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 hasn't been rated for safety yet. However, it should have the same perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA as last year's models, since it isn't a redesign.

It comes with a suite of standard safety and driver assistance features across the lineup, including:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Following the disnace indicator
• Forward collision alert
• IntelliBeam
• Lane keep assist

Upper-trim levels also unlock additional technologies, including HD surround vision, trailer blind zone alert, and front/rear park assist.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews: Should You Buy the Newest Model?

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is absolutely worth considering as your next pickup with its competitor-beating offerings.

It has over 40" of available combined diagonal driver-focused digital displays, which is the most in its class. And if you want capabilities already included, its Turbomax engine offers the best-in-class standard torque.

For off-road enthusiasts, the high-performance AT4X has exclusive front and rear electronic locking differentials that aren't offered by any competitor in its class. Crew Cab models also have best-in-class front head and legroom, maximizing your full-size pickup space even further.

With eight trim levels to choose from, there's a Sierra 1500 sure to suit vast driving needs.

Automotive publications also shared positive GMC Sierra 1500 reviews for the 2026 model year.

Kelley Blue Book ranked it third in their Most Powerful Trucks of 2025 for its high horsepower.

U.S. News & World Report also ranked it third last year as the Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks, sharing that it was "one of the most versatile pickups on the road"-and we expect this to continue into 2026 as a carryover model.

Ready to experience everything the new GMC Sierra 1500 has to offer? 

At Octane GMC in Santa Fe, we give you the best value of all new vehicles with our Octane Advantage. From a 48-hour love it or leave it guarantee to complimentary lifetime safety and reliability checks, no other dealer in Santa Fe gives you more for your money.

Browse our 2026 Sierra 1500 inventory or contact us for any questions today!

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