DETROIT — The GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck is back for its fifth generation with more tech, power and swagger.

Like sibling Chevrolet Silverado’s fifth-generation unveiling in June, the Sierra offers up to 60 inches of screens, pushrod V8-engine displacement upgrades, and a new front fascia with mid-mounted headlights. As General Motors Co.’s premium brand, the GMC introduces segment-exclusive features like an articulating screen with hidden storage and MultiPro center console desktop while leaning into premium AT4/AT4X and Denali trims that make up 45% of the pickup’s sales.

Denali makes up about 25% of Sierra sales, the AT4 trims 20%, and they were the focus of GMC’s media sneak peek at Eastern Market in Detroit.

“With the next-generation Sierra 1500, we’re bringing together a new generation of small block V-8 power, precise off-road capability, and our most immersive cabin experience to date,” said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Michael MacPhee. “Denali Ultimate and AT4X solidify Sierra as the most powerful, most advanced and most luxurious trucks we’ve ever built. The next-generation Sierra is the truck all others will be measured against.”

The Sierra updates come as customers demand more electronic goo-gaws and as Detroit automakers have been unburdened by restrictive government emissions mandates. Like competitors Ram and Ford that have broadened their V8-powered lineups, Sierra, too, has increased its V-8 displacements to 5.7 liters (from 5.3) and 6.6 liters (from 6.2).

Riding record sales through July, Sierra will simplify its 2027 trims to six with all models getting a revised fascia with mid-mounted headlights. The new look freed designers to craft a more expressive, C-clamp-shaped daytime running light. The light signature forms a question mark when the headlight is illuminated.

For 2027, Sierra introduces two segment-exclusive features to Detroit’s truck wars:

1) The articulated screen flips up with the push of a button, revealing a hidden compartment behind for storing valuables.

2) Hands-free Super Cruise while towing on divided highways.

All AT4s and Denalis come standard with the MultiPro tailgate that GMC innovated on the last-gen truck. The 2027 Sierras upgrade the MultiPro tailgate with a ruler and cup holder.

Boasting a new, so-called “motor cradle” grille, the AT4 arrives standard with 34-inch all-terrain tires while the AT4X gains 35-inch all-terrains, a two-inch lift, three underbody skid plates for more serious dirt-kicking, segment-exclusive underbody cameras, and a new BAJA drive mode.

Also standard on AT4/AT4X are electronic-locking differentials front and rear and Multimatic dampers.

The North America-assembled truck offers a similar four-engine lineup as the fourth-gen with two V-8s, a turbo-4 cylinder engine, and a diesel. All are operated by a 10-speed transmission. The pushrod V-8s grow in displacement to complement the entry-level 2.7-liter turbo-4 and 3.0-liter inline-cylinder diesel.

The 5.7-liter increases output to 402 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque (up from 355 and 383).

The 6.6-liter increases output to 481 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque (up from 420 and 460).

The TurboMax 4-cylinder rises to 340 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque (up from 310 and 430). Duramax diesel (305 horsepower, 495 pound-feet of torque) specs remain the same.

The technical interior upgrades are an indication of how full-size pickups have become more than beasts of burden. Pickups are now luxury automobiles as comfortable at the country club as at the worksite.

"Not only have we engineered these trucks to be incredibly fun to drive, but they'll provide customers with the versatility to haul with confidence, tow with command, head off-road with conviction and arrive to dinner in style,” said Mark Dickens, executive chief engineer for full-size trucks and SUVs. “Sierra represents one of the most advanced and rigorous engineering development and validation programs GM has ever executed; we’ve taken premium trucks to a whole new level.”

The GMC is the Cadillac of pickups with its Denali brand offering lounge-like luxury with leather-wrapped seats, wood trim and dash-based jumbotrons. GMC boasts best-in-class crew cab front headroom and legroom. In a first for Sierra, the pickup options a panoramic sunroof and MultiPro console option that turns the center console into a tabletop (competitive with the Ford F150’s so-called Interior Work Surface).

Below the sunroof, the dash sprouts a class-leading 16.3-inch center display and 12.2-inch instrument display standard on all Sierra trims: Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate (for 2027, Elevation replaces SLE and SLT bridging the base Pro and off-road AT4 models).

The truck can drive itself with the hands-free Super Cruise feature. Super Cruise is available beginning on the Elevation trim and standard on the upper AT4 and Denali trims. Three cab options (Regular, Double or Crew Cab) can be matched with short, standard or long beds. The Sierra sits on a well-engineered ladder frame chassis.

Stay tuned for pricing closer to the pickup’s launch later this year. The current Sierra runs from $40,140-$87,690 depending on trim. Expect that price to rise with added standard features.

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