I don’t know about you, but after reviewing hundreds of trucks over the years, I’ve reached the point where I’d rather have a comfortable seat than another giant screen.
Thankfully, GMC seems to mostly understand that. The new 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 arrives with fresh V8 engines, a redesigned cabin and improved seat comfort designed to reduce fatigue and butt soreness. Sure, the bigger screens will grab the headlines, and they are gigantic at SIXTY INCHES for some trim levels, but the better seats may end up being the feature owners’ butts appreciate the most.
Notably, I have been promised the seats are more comfortable. Butt test is still forthcoming.
New Small Block V8 Engines Headline the Changes, Sorry Not the Gigantic Screens
Leading the charge for 2027 are new sixth-generation Small Block V8 engines offered in 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter displacements. That’s right the iconic numbers of 350 and 400 cubic inch engine displacements are rejoining the GM family and will be offered in the 2027 Silverado 1500 as well.
According to the GMC press release, the new engines feature “advances in combustion, cooling, and control systems,” (whatever that really means) are designed to improve performance, durability and refinement.
It will also have a “new” fuel injection system designed to optimize power and torque while continuing to stir the pot for the online carbon buildup debates.
I also wonder about the cylinder deactivation system we covered as a patent. The current reputation of GM’s AFM and DFM are, well, not good is one way to describe it online and I am curious about the word “durability” above in the press release. While I think many GM engines are fine, it is hard to ignore the growing anger online at the AFM and DFM systems causing durability concerns over GM’s V8 engines.
The Sierra will also continue to offer an “enhanced” 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder and the class-exclusive, and frankly badass, 3.0-liter inline 6 Duramax diesel engine.
I’m a particularly big fan of that engine for its fuel economy merits which I’ve yet to hear GM explicitly call attention to in any press conference yet. Umm… earth to GM. A crew cab, 4×4 truck with mid 20’s fuel economy and even reaching into the 30s during the summer? (see: deal, big.)
Every powertrain will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission ending the confusion on the why the 2.7-liter Turbomax had an 8-speed automatic transmission.
What’s notably missing from the announcement are actual performance numbers. GMC hasn’t released horsepower, torque, towing capacity or payload figures yet, leaving truck buyers waiting a little longer to determine exactly how these new V8s stack up against anyone else trucks.
Bigger Screens, More Technology and Hidden Storage
Inside, GMC has completely redesigned the Sierra’s cabin with a heavy emphasis on technology.
The flagship Denali Ultimate will feature more than 60 inches of combined digital displays, including:
- 16.3-inch infotainment screen
- 11.5-inch passenger display
- 12.2-inch driver information center
- 15-inch head-up display
- Rear camera mirror
One of the more interesting features is an articulating center screen that can move to reveal hidden storage behind the display. GMC says the new design helps maintain a clean dashboard appearance while adding functionality.
I see these screens and the hidden storage bin as either more things to break or things you won’t use after a while. The hidden storage bin is rather interesting and yup, insert your imagination on what you can put in there. GM has done these hidden storage trick before, so I’m not so blown away by this. Just interesting.
The Sierra also receives a redesigned center console with additional storage solutions and a larger work surface for truck owners who use their pickup as a mobile office.
What about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? GM will have “phone projection” in their trucks.
As impressive as all those screens sound, I still think physical buttons and knobs matter. Truck buyers wear gloves, tow trailers and often operate their trucks in rough conditions where simple controls are easier to use than touchscreen menus. And I’m pretty sure they still took away the actual physical headlight switch which was an issue for me last time I took a GM truck deer hunting.
GMC Finally Focuses on Long-Haul Comfort
One of my biggest frustrations with modern truck launches is that manufacturers spend more time talking about screens than seats. Why not spend more time on the things owners actually notice after six months: seat comfort, cup holders, grab handles and storage?
Look if you’re towing a camper, driving across several states or simply commuting every day, seat comfort matters far more than whether your infotainment display is an inch larger than the competition.
GMC says the new Sierra benefits from wider seat bottoms and improved support, similar to updates GM recently made to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. That’s welcome news. Some recent GM trucks have had seat cushions that felt too narrow during long drives, especially when compared to competitors from Ram.
If these new seats deliver the same improvement I’ve experienced in GM’s latest SUVs, they could end up being one of the most important upgrades on the entire truck.
After all, nobody gets out of a truck after a six-hour drive and says, “Boy, I’m glad my screen was bigger.” They remember whether their back and butt hurts.
Denali Ultimate and AT4X Push Further Into Luxury and Off-Road Capability
The Denali Ultimate remains the crown jewel of the Sierra lineup aka most expensive truck in their lineup.
It comes standard with the new 6.6-liter V8 and features premium wood trim, a 16-speaker Bose audio system and three years of Super Cruise hands-free driving capability, including trailer towing functionality.
The trailer tow aspect is the game changer. Imagine driving across west Texas or boring Nebraska in the consistent cross winds towing a trailer and the truck is hands-free. The truck battles the winds for you while you arrive at your destination much more relaxed. No need to knock down a few beers to chill out. Well, you can still knock down those beers, but not because you are worn out.
Meanwhile, the off-road-focused AT4X receives several capability upgrades including:
- New 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
- Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Two-inch suspension lift
- Revised off-road styling
The AT4X AEV Edition will also return for buyers seeking even more off-road capability.
Oh and for those who don’t want an OMG truck payment, there will be other trims like Pro, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Though the Denali Ultimate is going to be pretty dang sweet.
What We Still Don’t Know
While GMC revealed plenty about the new Sierra’s luxury and technology features, some important questions remain unanswered.
We’re still waiting on:
- Horsepower ratings
- Torque figures
- Maximum towing capacity
- Payload ratings
- Fuel economy estimates
- Pricing information
Those numbers will ultimately determine whether the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 is simply a more luxurious truck or a meaningful advancement in capability as well.
The first 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 models are expected to arrive in dealerships before the end of 2026.
