The 2027 Sierra introduces new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8 engines. Denali Ultimate adds over 60 inches of combined digital displays. AT4X gains 35-inch tires, new dampers, and dual locking differentials. Pickup buyers have spent the last decade watching trucks become expensive rolling luxury suites, tech showcases, and off-road toys all at once. GMC believes it has pushed that evolution even further with the all-new 2027 Sierra 1500, a truck that arrives with fresh styling, an overhauled interior, and something many enthusiasts will be happy to see; a new generation of naturally aspirated V8 engines. The bigger surprise, though, might be just how aggressively GMC is positioning it against every other truck on the market. Unveiled ahead of its expected launch later this year, the redesigned 2027 Sierra introduces sixth-generation Small Block V8 engines in 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter forms. GMC hasn’t released power figures yet, but says both engines benefit from upgraded combustion, cooling, fuel injection, and control systems designed to improve performance and refinement. Chevrolet said similar things about the Silverado when it debuted last week. Read: Canada May Be Losing The Silverado 1500 For Good Buyers who want something other than a gasoline V8 aren’t shut out. GMC will keep selling the Duramax diesel and an updated TurboMax four-cylinder, and every engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pro, Elevation, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate trims from this year should carry over. Updated Designs Outside, the Sierra adopts a more upright and muscular look with a larger grille, revised lighting signatures, available welcome and farewell animations, and optional quad exhaust outlets. And this time, they don’t look like HDMI ports! Inside, GMC pushes things further upscale with redesigned cabins across the lineup. Available real wood trim, a panoramic roof, and a new MultiPro center console that doubles as a work surface are all on offer. The flagship Denali Ultimate serves as the technological showcase. GMC says it features more than 60 inches of combined digital displays, including a 16.3-inch infotainment screen, an 11.5-inch passenger display, a 12.2-inch driver information screen, a 15-inch head-up display, and an 8.5-inch camera mirror. In the AT4X, Denali, and Elevation trims, the center screen flips up to reveal a storage cubby similar to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s lower central screen. Real Buttons Make The Cut The Sierra also keeps real physical buttons for some functions. “We know our customers want hard controls,” head interior designer Therese Pinazzo told Car and Driver, adding, “We know they want a tactile connection to the truck.” The truck comes standard with Super Cruise and trailering capability, which allows hands-free driving on compatible roads even while towing. Meanwhile, the AT4X leans heavily into off-road capability. It gains 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, new Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a two-inch suspension lift. Notably, the cabin gets some legitimately useful upgrades too in the form of more heavily bolstered seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and metal speaker grilles. GMC claims it will be the most capable AT4X variant it has ever produced. A High Bar The boldest claim, however, isn’t about screens, luxury, or off-road hardware. GMC says the new Sierra is “the truck all others will be measured against.” That’s a high bar in a segment packed with strong competitors, but we’ll find out whether the redesigned Sierra can back up that confidence when it reaches dealerships before the end of 2026. Photos: GMC
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