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2016 GMC Sierra 1500

Rating7.9

Ranked #2 in Pickup-truck

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Starting MSRP 

$27,815 - $38,770

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Key Spec of 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
fuel economy

18/20/24

fuel type

Flex-fuel (unleaded/e85)

horsepower

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

Updated on: December 28, 2021

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 starts at an MSRP of $27,815, and offers impressive capabilities even with the base trim. The Sierra is synonymous with comfort, technology and usability. The fuel economy is great, and the versatility of the cargo bed makes the Sierra a highly flexible and accommodating truck. 

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Latest Updates

  • May' 19, 2022 : The Top 10 Cheapest Trucks You Can Buy In 2022 Read More »
  • May' 9, 2022 : These Are The Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Pickup Trucks You Can Buy In 2022 Read More »
  • Jan' 24, 2022 : GMC Sierra Count For Half The Sales Of GMC For 2021 Read More »
See detailed review
ProsConsWhat's New

Improved Equipment List. 

Laggy Gearbox. 

Updated Headlights. 

Potent V6 Engine. 

Harsh Ride Quality. 

Improved Infotainment. 

Roomy, Comfortable Interior. 

Over All Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Pricing and Features7.00
Features8.00
Engine and Performance9.00
Fuel Economy8.00
Interior9.90
Exterior8.00
Safety5.00
Competition8.00
Notable Rankings

#2 in Pickup-truck

#2 in Midsize Pickup-truck

Pictures & Videos

Exterior [6]Interior [5]
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 exterior

Trims

Base$27,815 onwards

  • 17-inch painted steel Wheels
  • 1St row LCD monitor
  • AM/FM stereo
  • Cloth Seat trim
  • Driver Lumbar support
  • Manual front air conditioning
Build Car

SLE$34,565 onwards

  • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
  • AM/FM/HD/Satellite
Build Car
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Used 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 For Sale

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2016 GMC Sierra 150033

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

SLT

$25,350
Est. $344/mo
Excellent Deal
$11,367.5 Below market
RMV: $36,717.5
Stuart, FL
N/A
Check Availability
2017 GMC Sierra 15001

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

SLT

$27,993
Est. $380/mo
Excellent Deal
$11,992 Below market
RMV: $39,985
Lubbock, TX
N/A
Check Availability
2016 GMC Sierra 1500

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

SLT

$25,995
Est. $352/mo
Excellent Deal
$10,722.5 Below market
RMV: $36,717.5
Cincinnati, OH
N/A
Check Availability
2016 GMC Sierra 150014

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

Base

$21,250
Est. $288/mo
Excellent Deal
$8,645 Below market
RMV: $29,895
Richmond, VA
N/A
Check Availability
2015 GMC Sierra 15006

2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Crew Cab

SLE 3dr Crew Cab 5.75 ft. SB 4WD (4.3L 6cyl 6A)

$21,897
Est. $297/mo
Excellent Deal
$8,789 Below market
RMV: $30,686
Cullman, AL
N/A
Check Availability
2016 GMC Sierra 150021

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

Base

$21,385
Est. $290/mo
Excellent Deal
$8,510 Below market
RMV: $29,895
Buford, GA
N/A
Check Availability
2017 GMC Sierra 150023

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

SLE

$25,200
Est. $342/mo
Excellent Deal
$9,780 Below market
RMV: $34,980
Havre, MT
N/A
Check Availability
2017 GMC Sierra 150033
Price Rise, $8367
Previous Price: $13998, 15 Jan 2022

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

Base

$22,365
Est. $303/mo
Excellent Deal
$8,689 Below market
RMV: $31,054
Dallas, TX
N/A
Check Availability
2015 GMC Sierra 150046
Price Drop, $1713
Previous Price: $23713, 15 May 2022

2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Crew Cab

SLE 3dr Crew Cab 5.75 ft. SB 4WD (5.3L 355 hp 8cyl 6AM)

$22,000
Est. $298/mo
Excellent Deal
$7,997 Below market
RMV: $29,997
Lincolnwood, IL
N/A
Check Availability
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See all used 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 for sale

Colors and Styles

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 in Bronze Alloy Metallic color
Bronze Alloy Metallic

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

The 2016 GMC Sierra faces competition from key rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Ford F-150, and the RAM 1500, but manages to offer unique value propositions. In this review of the V6-powered Sierra 1500, we discuss the good and the bad, and help you decide if the Sierra is worth your money or not. 

Features
8.0/10

The 2016 GMC Sierra lineup offers a load of trims and configurations which helps the buyers to pick exactly what they want, combining that with the fuel efficiency and impressive creature comforts the Sierra has become one of the fan favorites. The new cylinder deactivation technology helps to boost the fuel efficiency even more and reduces emissions as well. The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in two trims, the base trim ranges from $27,815 to $40,875, above that is the SLE trim which ranges from $34,565 to $45,000.

Trims

Base

SLE

MSRP

$27,815

$34,565 

Key Features

17-inch steel wheels

17-inch alloy wheels

 

Automatic xenon headlamps

Electronically controlled transfer case (4WD)

 

Power locks

Damped tailgate

 

Locking tailgate

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

 

Power windows (double and crew cabs)

8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen

 

Air-conditioning

HD and satellite radio and a CD player

 

Cruise control

 

 

40/20/40-split front bench seat

 

 

Folding rear seat (full-width double cab, 60/40-split crew cab)

 

 

Tilt-only steering wheel

 

 

Sound system (four-speaker for regular cab; six-speaker otherwise)

 

 

4.2-inch color display

 

 

USB connectivity and an auxiliary audio jack

 

We Recommend

The SLE trim offers the capabilities of a work truck along with some extra features to make the daily work commutes a bit more comfortable and enjoyable, all while not sacrificing the affordability, the SLE trim starts at $34,565. We highly recommend shelling out some extra buck to pick the SLE over the base trim. 

Engine and Performance
9.0/10

The Base and the SLE trims come standard with a 4.3L V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower along with 305 foot-pounds of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The other option is a 5.3L V8, which is otherwise standard on the Denali. The V8 puts out 355 horsepower along with 383 foot-pounds of torque through an 8-speed transmission. The base V6 engine is sufficiently powerful for daily grinds, and can haul heavy cargo pretty comfortably. However, the tall gearing on the 6-speed gearbox can make towing tricky, which is unfortunate. 

Models

GMC Sierra 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ford F-150

RAM 1500

MSRP

$27,815

$27,195

$26,540

$26,145

Engine

4.3L V6

4.3L V6

3.5L V6

3.6L V6

Transmission

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

282 hp @ 6250 rpm

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque (lb-ft)

305 ft-lbs @ 3900 rpm

305 ft-lbs @ 3900 rpm

253 ft-lbs @ 4250

269 ft-lbs @ 4175 rpm

0-60 MPH

6.9 sec

6.9 sec

5.8 sec

8.8 sec

Quarter mile

15.1 sec

15.2 sec

14.5 sec

16.8 sec

60-0 (ft.)

`131

131

114

134

Towing Capacity (lbs)

8900

8900

7600

4840

Comparing the competition, the 2016 RAM 1500 makes the most power out of its V6 unit, while GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado have the greatest torque output on offer. The RAM comes with a severe torque disadvantage, which generally hampers its towing capacity. The Ford F-150 is the quickest to 60 mph, while also putting down the best quarter-mile times. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The GMC Sierra 1500 gets Cylinder Deactivation for 2016, which means when the driving load is lighter, four cylinders or two in the V6 are shut down to conserve fuel which is the reason for the high fuel efficiency. Thanks to this technology, the Sierra 1500 returns a respectable 18 MPG in the city, and 24 MPG on the highway, for an EPA rating of 20 MPG combined. The 2016 Sierra 1500 also gets a 26-gallon fuel tank, which helps in improving driving range. 

Models

GMC Sierra 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ford F-150

RAM 1500

MPG (city)

18

18

18

17

MPG (hwy)

24

24

25

25

MPG (combined)

20

20

20

20

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

26.0

26.0

23.0

32

Among the competition, the 2016 Ford F-150 returns the highest fuel efficiency, albeit by a slim margin over the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. The Ford offers equally good city and combined economies as the other two, but comes with marginally better highway MPG. The RAM 1500, on the other hand, offers poor city economy, and doesn’t pose as one of the better alternatives in terms of fuel economy. 

Interior
9.9/10

The selection cabin and bed configurations offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 may overwhelm some, but the easiest way to choose is to pick everything you need. The Sierra 1500 offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, with ample headroom and legroom. However, the rear seats could have been better in terms of space and comfort. 

Otherwise, the Sierra comes fitted with several comfort features, including automatic climate control, adjustable seats and a hybrid gauge cluster. Cabin ergonomics are spot-on, and everything you touch feels high quality. There are also plenty of affordable options and packages to further enhance your Sierra 1500 cabin experience.

Models

GMC Sierra 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ford F-150

RAM 1500

Passenger capacity

3

3

3

3

Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.)

42.4/66.0/45.3

42.4/66.0/45.3

40.8/66.7/43.9

39.9/66.0/41.0

Cargo Box Capacity (cu.ft.)

61.0

61.0

62.3

74.7

Among the competition, the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have the greatest headroom on offer. The Ford F-150, on the other hand, offers the most shoulder space, which can be a critical factor in accommodating the third passenger. The Sierra and the Silverado also offer the most legroom, making them the relatively roomier trucks in this segment. Coming to practicality, the 2016 RAM 1500 makes up for the low performance and mileage by offering an impressive 74.7 cubic feet box as standard, which is a lot more than what is being offered with the competition. Some highlight interior features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

  • Premium Cloth Upholstery. 
  • Soft-Touch Dashboard. 
  • Steering-Mounted Controls. 
  • Automatic Air Conditioning. 
  • Dual Cup Holders. 
  • Armrest Storage. 
  • Illuminated Locking Glove Box.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Infotainment

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 features several infotainment updates, which brings the entry-level GMC truck up to speed with some of the most tech-oriented vehicles in the market. The 2016 model year Sierra 1500 features a compelling 8.0-inch infotainment screen, along with a 4.2-inch Driver Information Display in the gauge cluster. Music is channeled through an impressive 6-speaker sound system, while GMC still offers support for USB and Aux devices. There’s a SiriusXM Radio on offer as well, along with advanced features such as WiFi Hotspot and Voice Recognition. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

  • 8.0-inch Infotainment Screen. 
  • 4.2-inch Driver Information Center.
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
  • 6-Speaker Sound System. 
  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
  • USB and Aux Support.
  • Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
  • Voice Recognition System. 
  • 4G LTE and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Exterior
8.0/10

The exterior dimensions of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 are nearly identical to those of the Silverado, as both the trucks share their mechanical underpinnings. However, the Sierra is surely more pleasing to the eye. The blocky and bulky look adds to the charm and this is what pickup trucks should look like anyway, the addition of the new front grille for 2016 enhances the premium look and feel of the Sierra 1500 as well. There are several sharp creases which enhance the aggressive appeal of the truck. We also love the heavy rear haunches over the rear wheels, which further accentuates the Sierra 1500’s no-nonsense trucking appeal. 

Models

GMC Sierra 1500

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ford F-150

RAM 1500

Curb Weight (lbs.)

4517

4517

4051

4702

Length (in.)

205.6

205.6

209.3

231.0

Width (in.)

80.0

80.0

79.9

79.4

Height (in.)

74.0

74.0

75.2

74.4

Ground clearance (in.)

8.2

8.2

8.8

8.7

Wheelbase (in)

119.0

119.0

122.0

140.5

The Sierra can tow up to 8,900 pounds with the V6 engine, which is impressive, as no other pickup has the towing capability that can match GMC's lineup in their base configuration. The RAM 1500 measures the heaviest truck in the lot, while also measuring the longest. The Sierra-Silverado twins measure the widest, whie the Ford F-150 stands the tallest in the competition. The latter also comes with the largest ground clearance. Some highlight exterior features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

  • HID Headlamps. 
  • Signature DRLs. 
  • Cargo Box LED Lighting.
  • Remote Locking Tailgate. 
  • Heated Side Mirrors.
  • Chrome Grille Surround. 
  • Rear Bumper Corner Steps.
  • 17-inch Machined Aluminum Wheels.
  • Front Bumper Inlays. 
Safety
5.0/10

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 stands as safe as it is capable. The truck is offered with some compelling safety aids that help in making your daily hauls safer. The NHTSA has awarded the 2016 model year Sierra 1500 with a 5-Star Safety Rating, while the truck has received “Good” safety scores by the IIHS under most categories. The truck is offered with several impressive passive and active safety features, which puts it at par with some of the most safe vehicles in the market. Some key safety features offered with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

  • ABS and ESP. 
  • Traction Control.
  • Trailer Sway Control. 
  • Dual-Stage Frontal Airbags. 
  • LED Daytime Running Lights.
  • Lane Keep Assist. 
  • Forward Collision Alert. 
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Final Verdict

The Sierra 1500 may not be the most capable pickup in the market today but it surely is one of the most desirable ones. From its macho looks to the plush interior, the Sierra maintains the personality of a tough and rugged pickup, while providing the creature comforts of a daily drivable vehicle. The versatile and unique nature of the Sierra is what separates it from the rest of the pickups, especially the Silverado, which on paper is identical to the Sierra. If you’re looking for a balanced truck with uncompromised comfort, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 would be an excellent choice. 

Features

vehicle bio
base price

$34565

body style

2dr Regular Cab

engine type
displacement

262 cu in

horse power

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

torque

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

transmission

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

dimensions
length

206 in

wheelbase

119 in

width

80 in

curb weight

4517 lbs

Height

74 in

Ground Clearance

8 lbs

capacity
cargo volume

61 cu ft

passenger capacity

3 Seats

fuel economy
city/combined/highway

17/20/24 mpg

highway range

624.0 mi

warranty
basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

See All Features & Specs

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 User Reviews

1.7

[19 Reviews]

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1

[11.0%] [2 Reviews]

2

[11.0%] [2 Reviews]

3

[37.0%] [7 Reviews]

4

[42.0%] [8 Reviews]

5

[0.0%] [0 Reviews]

POPULAR TAGS

work truck
automatic gearbox
gearbox delivers
acceptable power
six-speed automatic
delivers smooth
voice control
good fuel
excellent choice
fuel efficiency
gear ratio
engine delivers
rearview camera
ride quality
control system
pickup
refinement
quality
technology
fearless
KD

Karli Dorsey

2016 GMC Sierra 1500

SLE 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A)

2

User Overall Rating

Posted On: May 23, 2022

Only a disappointment in most ways.

Pros - Just the ride quality.

Cons - Steering, Body roll, Central lock issue.

Do not buy the Sierra. I only have lots of negative things to say about my GMC Sierra apart from its ride quality. The steering feels hard to turn while making a U-turn or in tight turns. There is a lot of body roll as well. Moreover, the central lock system locks and unlocks automatically twice or thrice sometimes. There is some issue with it. Customer service at Suburban GMC was awful.. ...

2/10
Features
4/10
Interior
5/10
Design
2/10
Safety
2/10
Reliability
2/10
Deal Value
2/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
TH

Trevor Hodges

2016 GMC Sierra 1500

SLE 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A)

4

User Overall Rating

Posted On: May 11, 2022

Don't expect Sierra 1500 Regular cab to last.

Pros - Not worth buying.

Cons - Fuel pump issue, check engine lights misfire, Transmission problems.

Cheap and Unreliable My experience with the 2016 Sierra 1500 regular cab crashed pretty darn quick. I bought it for 26 grand with 70k on odo, looked like it was maintained well and it did work well for a couple of months and then I couldn't fill it up. There was a fuel pump, had it fixed, was resolved but it was quickly followed by check engine lights for absolutely no reason. Long story short, I...

5/10
Features
6/10
Interior
6/10
Design
5/10
Safety
4/10
Reliability
5/10
Deal Value
6/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
BP

Braelyn Porter

2016 GMC Sierra 1500

2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. LB 4WD (5.3L 355 hp 8cyl 6AM)

4

User Overall Rating

Posted On: May 5, 2022

Crappy ride quality.

Pros - Bed area, nothing else

Cons - Payload capacity, Ride quality, All wheel drive system.

Underwhelming payload capacity. The GMC Sierra 1500 is not an ideal vehicle for carrying loads. The engine feels very laggy when the load crosses over 3500 lbs. The all wheel drive system, on the other hand, is not so helpful in snowy conditions. It got stuck twice in the snow this week. Moreover, the ride quality is very choppy on bad roads even at low speeds. There is nothing much to comp...

5/10
Features
6/10
Interior
6/10
Design
4/10
Safety
4/10
Reliability
4/10
Deal Value
8/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
Add A Review

Top Cars

Top User Reviews

2/10

User

Rating

Only a disappointment in most ways.

Do not buy the Sierra. I only have lots of negative things ...

by Karli Dorsey

4/10

User

Rating

Don't expect Sierra 1500 Regular cab to last.

Cheap and Unreliable My experience with the 2016 Sierra 150...

by Trevor Hodges

4/10

User

Rating

Crappy ride quality.

Underwhelming payload capacity. The GMC Sierra 1500 is not ...

by Braelyn Porter

2/10

User

Rating

I expected much better

There are other better options The Sierra to be honest hasn...

by Waylon Pruitt

5/10

User

Rating

A full-size pickup with superior ride quality

Reliable pickup with smooth steering The reason I purchased...

by Kathleen

view more reviews

GMC Sierra 1500 5 year Cost To Own

Cash Price(MSRP)
$36,586
5 Year Cost To Own
$53,145
Total 5 year Cost To Own -  $53,145
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5total
Depreciation$5,675$2,270$2,066$2,458$2,342$14,811
Insurance$1,252$1,256$1,312$1,372$1,392$6,584
Fuel$2,770$2,898$3,010$3,104$3,196$14,978
Maintenance$434$758$761$1,981$1,287$5,221
Repairs$-9$-10$176$323$505$985
Financing Interest$2,280$1,809$1,370$837$289$6,585
Taxes and Fees$3,056$279$202$248$196$3,981
Total Cost-To-Own$15,458$9,260$8,897$10,323$9,207$53,145
Read more about Cost-To-Own »

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