The new Chevrolet Silverado’s more luxurious sibling, the sixth-generation GMC Sierra, has been revealed ahead of its full debut later this year.
Like the fifth-gen Silverado pickup that was unveiled earlier this month, the Sierra uses an updated platform mated to a new body, interior and a couple of new drivetrains.
Styling for the new Sierra borrows design cues from the largely unrelated Sierra EV. These include the shape of the headlights, and the more sparing use of chrome on the grille.
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The big news under the bonnet is the availability of two new small-block V8 engines in 5.7- and 6.6-litre guises. In addition to a jump in displacement from 5.3 and 6.2 litres, respectively, the new generation engines are said to feature a new injection system, as well as improvements for combustion, cooling and overall durability.
Power, torque, fuel economy and performance figures are being kept under wraps for now, but it seems reasonable to expect the new engines to best the outputs of the existing 265kW/519Nm 5.7-litre V8 and 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre V8.
While the vast majority of buyers will likely plump for the V8s, there will also be an updated version of the TurboMax 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 231kW/569Nm in the current generation.
As part of GM’s on-going efforts to differentiate the Sierra from the Silverado, those wanting a turbo-diesel will have to find a GMC/Buick dealership as the updated 3.0-litre straight-six Duramax is once again a GMC-exclusive option. In the current ute the Duramax cranks out 227kW and 671Nm.
All of the available engines will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Like the past few generations, the Sierra is pitched as a more premium alternative to the Silverado with higher quality trim options and a unique dashboard design. For the Sierra, the instrumentation display and infotainment screen are distinct units not joined by a single piece of glossy black plastic, as in the Silverado.
The range-topping Denali Ultimate trim comes standard with the 6.6-litre V8, and has three large screens slung across the dashboard. Like the Silverado, there’s a 12.2-inch instrumentation display, a 16.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the middle, and a 11.5-inch infotainment touchscreen for the front passenger.
As the range-topping trim across the Silverado/Sierra line, the Denali Ultimate’s central and passenger displays have their own party tricks. The central screen articulates away to reveal a hidden storage area, while the passenger’s screen has an articulating cover that hides the touchscreen and replaces it with a smaller, slimmer display.
Another Denali Ulimate exclusive is a 16-speaker Bose sound system, which includes speakers mounted in the front head restraints.
For those looking to do some serious off-roading, GMC has beefed up the AT4X to include a unique bonnet design, a 2.0-inch (50mm) lift kit, 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tyres, Multimatic Jounce Control dampers, and front and rear electronic locking differentials.
It also features more heavily bolstered front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, stainless steel speaker grilles, a unique front bumper, and ’Timber Mahogany‘-coloured interior.
The new GMC Sierra will go on sale Stateside at the end of 2026 as a 2027 model year vehicle.
MORE: Explore the GMC showroom
