Key Features of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500

TurboMax™ Engine

The heart of the Sierra’s standard performance is the TurboMax™ engine, tuned to deliver 310 horsepower and best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb.-ft. That torque arrives low in the rev range for confident launches with a trailer and smooth, decisive passing on two-lane roads. When properly equipped, TurboMax™ supports available max towing of up to 9,400 lbs, making it a smart choice for drivers who want a powerful, efficient foundation that fits daily work and weekend tasks. Beyond the numbers, the powertrain is calibrated for refined drivability, pairing with a responsive automatic transmission to keep the engine in its sweet spot whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising the highway, or ascending mountain grades. It’s a do-it-all engine that punches above its weight in the half-ton class and anchors the lineup with everyday strength you can feel from the driver’s seat.

Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel

For drivers who take on longer miles and heavier trailers, the available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel with a 10-speed automatic transmission is a standout. Engineered for smooth, quiet operation, this powertrain brings high-efficiency highway cruising and confident low-end pulling for boats, campers, and equipment. With an available max diesel towing capacity of up to 13,300 lbs across select configurations, the Duramax® provides the kind of capability that makes long-haul work practical and composed. The transmission’s close ratios and smart shift logic help keep the engine in its ideal torque band on grades and during passing maneuvers. For many owners, the diesel’s combination of effortless torque, relaxed cruising character, and available towing headroom is the sweet spot for an active lifestyle, especially when paired with the Max Trailering Package.

Super Cruise® Hands-Free Driver Assistance Technology

Available Super Cruise® brings hands-free driving confidence to compatible roads, elevating long-distance travel and daily commutes. Unlike conventional cruise control, Super Cruise® can help steer, accelerate, and brake in its operating domain, working with precision-mapped highways and vigilant driver attention features. When activated, it reduces the small stresses of lane-centering and speed management so you arrive less fatigued. In the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims, Super Cruise® integrates seamlessly with the Sierra’s premium cabin experience, where authentic materials and thoughtful ergonomics set the tone for relaxed miles. While you remain responsible for driving at all times, Super Cruise® represents a major step forward in practical, real-world driver assistance for a full-size pickup.

ProGrade® Trailering System

Towing is where Sierra’s integrated technology really shines. The available ProGrade® Trailering System streamlines setup and monitoring with features that can include custom trailer profiles, a trailer light test, and in-vehicle trailering app views on the available 13.4" display. Paired with the available integrated Trailer Brake Controller and a suite of available camera views, the system helps with alignment during hitching, backing down a ramp, and staying aware of what’s happening behind you. For those who tow frequently, this integration reduces guesswork and speeds up your pre-trip routine. It’s complemented by hardware options such as the Max Trailering Package, which can include upgraded cooling, suspension tuning, and a 220-amp alternator to help support electrical demands and sustained towing performance in real-world conditions.

MultiPro™ Tailgate

The world’s first six-function MultiPro™ Tailgate is a signature Sierra advantage. It transforms the bed into a flexible workspace with multiple load-stop positions, a full-width step for easy bed access, and an inner gate that doubles as a desk-height work surface. From securing long lumber to organizing gear at a job site, MultiPro™ helps you work smarter and faster. Add the available MultiPro Tailgate Audio System by KICKER for campsite tunes or tailgate gatherings, and the tailgate becomes a built-in entertainment hub. Pair it with the available CarbonPro® composite bed for excellent dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance, plus best-in-class short bed cargo volume. Together, these innovations make the Sierra’s bed a reason to choose this truck before you even turn the key.