2018 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Pros vs Cons

The GMC Sierra 1500 is one of General Motors’ full-size regular-duty pickup trucks, with the other being the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Of the two, the Sierra 1500 is slightly more upscale, offering better styling and a wider set of options. Shoppers will find the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 to be an excellent truck that balances work and play in equal measure.

What’s New for 2018?

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is very similar to the preceding model. The only major change is that the rearview camera is now a standard feature on all models. There are also two additional paint color options that were unavailable in 2017. Otherwise, it is a very similar vehicle to the one that debuted in 2016 after its mid-cycle refresh.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD – The Pros

1. Attractive Styling

The exterior styling of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 manages to go beyond the traditional truck elements to create something very pleasing to the eye. The bold design elements, such as the wraparound headlights and the large grille, are tempered with plenty of chrome accents, especially on higher end models. It is still recognizably a truck, but definitely a good-looking one.

2. Quality Interior

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 particularly stands out from other pickup trucks thanks to the high material quality found inside. There are many nice accents, and contact surfaces are all covered in soft plastics. The optional leather upholstery feels particularly upscale, elevating the car’s level of style and ambiance above many of its competitors.

3. Powerful Engine Choices

While trucks are just as popular with casual drivers as with those who need them for their work, the ability to carry cargo and get around obstacles remains a pickup hallmark. The 2018 GMC Sierra has a full range of strong engines to achieve just that. Starting with a V-6 with 285 standard horsepower and including both a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter V-8 as options, with 355 and 420 horsepower respectively, the Sierra has an engine that will perfectly match the scale of your work.

4. Best-in-class Towing

The fact that the 2018 GMC Sierra can tow the most of anyone else in the full-size pickup segment is a good reason to choose it over the competition. At 12,500 pounds of maximum tow, it is only matched by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which uses the same platform and engine. So if you have a lot to tow and don’t want to get a super duty truck, the Sierra is the only practical choice.

5. IntelliLink Infotainment

The GMC Sierra comes equipped with General Motors’ IntelliLink infotainment system, which is one of the best and easiest systems to use on the market today. Using touchscreens that can be controlled using the same kind of gestures as smartphones, including pinching, swiping and dragging, it allows most people to get up and running in seconds compared to some of the more complicated systems from other automakers.

6. Good Fuel Economy

For all of its brawn, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is surprisingly easy on the fuel compared to the rest of its pickup competitors. Both its V-6 and V-8 options get mileage that is better than class average, saving you some money over time, especially if the truck will be making long commutes. It can also run on corn-based E85 ethanol flex fuel, which can further decrease the car’s annual fuel costs if you are in a region where such fuel is available.

7. eAssist Hybrid

The standard engines on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 are fairly efficient all on their own, but it also offers a hybrid-like eAssist model to boost its efficiency further. Available with the 5.3-liter V-8, it adds an electric motor to the powertrain that boosts both its performance - by 13 horsepower - and its mileage - by about 2 miles per gallon. It is a pricy option, but can easily pay for itself if you plan on putting a lot of highway miles on your truck.

8. Good Customizability

The GMC Sierra offers not only three trim lines, but also several engine, cab and bed options, as well as a dizzying array of options and packages for every model. As a result, it is easy to find or order a Sierra 1500 that has just the features or options that you need. This customizability offers a way for buyers to get the most for their money, and the large volume of GMC Sierra’s sold should make it easy to track down your favorite version of the truck.

9. Five-star Safety

As one would expect from a well-built truck, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 scores well on crash test scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the federal government agency conducting vehicle crash tests, has given the Sierra a score of five out of five for its overall safety, marking it out as one of the safer vehicles on the road today.

10. High Reliability

The GMC Sierra also gets very positive scores from quality and reliability testers. J.D. Power and Associates, which tests cars for their expected reliability, grants the Sierra a score of four. With most vehicles earning between 2.5 and 3.5, as it is a normalized scale, the rating of four names the Sierra as ‘better than most’ other vehicles when it comes to how reliable it will be.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD – The Cons

1. Above-average Price

The GMC Sierra is more plush than most other pickup trucks, but that comes with a higher price tag as well. It offers good value for those looking for features or a nice interior, but is not nearly as good of a deal for buyers looking for function over amenities.

2. Harsh Ride

Unlike some other trucks in the segment, the Sierra rides rather harshly over potholes or uneven terrain. Given the premium feel of its cabin, the tight suspension feels jarring and unexpected.

3. Not Very Agile

The suspension and the steering of the GMC Sierra do not do a good job of making it feel smaller than it really is. It is not very agile, and turns definitely require a low-speed approach. Other trucks do a better job of making their vehicles handle well, which makes this a negative for the Sierra.

How It Stacks up to the Competition

The 2018 GMC Sierra is one of the best pickup trucks in its class, which includes some of America’s other best-selling vehicles like the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan. The F-150 is an iconic American pickup truck, and it offers more powerful engines than the Sierra, as well as a specialized off-road model. However, it is both pricier and less well-appointed than the Sierra, making the GMC a better value. Compared to the GMC Sierra, the Nissan Titan is both more agile and better cushioned, making for a better ride. However, the Sierra offers more towing and cargo capacity, better bed options and more powerful engines, all at a lower price point than the Titan.

Conclusion

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is among the top vehicles in the full-size pickup truck class. It seamlessly combines style and substance to deliver an upscale interior with lots of creature comforts as well as plenty of power and versatility required of a truck. Buyers that want a pickup that can both work hard and play hard need not look further than the Sierra.