2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Brings New V8 Power, More Standard Tech and a Canadian Connection

2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Brings New V8 Power, More Standard Tech and a Canadian Connection

The 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 arrives with a completely redesigned exterior and interior, two new V8 engines and considerably more standard equipment. GMC has also simplified the lineup from eight trims to six, removing the SLE and SLT and concentrating more features into the Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate. For Canadian buyers, there is another interesting connection: some of the new sixth-generation V8 engines will be assembled at GM’s St. Catharines, Ontario, plant.

Under the hood, the familiar 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V8s are replaced by new 5.7-litre and 6.6-litre engines. The 5.7 produces 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, while the larger 6.6 delivers 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft. Both use direct and port fuel injection. The enhanced 2.7-litre TurboMax now produces 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft, while the 3.0-litre Duramax diesel continues with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft. Every engine is now paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Interestingly, the smaller V8 is also the towing champion. Properly equipped, the 5.7-litre can tow up to 13,500 lb (6,123 kg), while the 6.6-litre tops out at 9,400 lb (4,264 kg). For families towing a camper, boat or enclosed trailer, that makes the 5.7-litre particularly important despite the larger engine producing considerably more power.

The biggest improvement may actually be inside. Even the entry-level Pro now comes with a 16.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.2-inch digital instrument display, upgraded safety equipment, an integrated trailer brake controller and dual 120V outlets. Elevation adds bucket seats, an articulating centre screen, a MultiPro centre console, dual MagSafe wireless chargers and adaptive cruise control. For anyone using a Sierra as both a family vehicle and a work truck, those changes make the lower trims much easier to live with every day.

The AT4 and AT4X continue to target buyers who spend time away from pavement. AT4 gets the new 5.7-litre V8, 34-inch all-terrain tires and retains its two-inch factory lift. AT4X moves to 35-inch Mud-Terrain tires, adds Multimatic DSSV suspension with additional jounce control, front and rear electronic locking differentials, underbody cameras and a new Baja Mode. Its 129-litre fuel tank should also help on longer trips where fuel stops are harder to find.

Denali and Denali Ultimate focus more heavily on comfort and technology. Denali gets the 5.7-litre V8 as standard, while Denali Ultimate receives the 6.6-litre. The flagship can offer more than 60 inches of combined digital displays, including a 16.3-inch centre screen, 11.5-inch passenger display, 12.2-inch driver display, 15-inch head-up display and an 8.5-inch Rear Camera Mirror. A 16-speaker Bose system with speakers integrated into the front headrests, panoramic roof and Enhanced Super Cruise are also available.

Canadian pricing starts at $53,899 for the Pro and climbs to $115,599 for the Denali Ultimate. GMC’s listed total prices, including freight, A/C charge, dealer fees and other listed charges, range from $57,470 for the Pro to $119,665 for the Denali Ultimate before sales taxes. With more equipment becoming standard and fewer trim levels to sort through, the 2027 Sierra should be easier to configure while offering more useful technology for both work and family duty.