The 2019 GMC Sierra is a capable truck with more niceties than you’ve likely ever seen in a pickup, as well as a potent powertrain lineup. But its high price tag and minimal unique features make it a tough choice over most competitors.
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A Quick Overview of the GMC Sierra 1500
- The 2019 GMC Sierra offers six distinct trim levels, ranging from the Base to the leather-loaded, adaptive suspension Denali. While aesthetically/mechanically similar to the lesser-priced Silverado, the Sierra offers enough to stand on its own four wheels.
- Five engine options are found in the 2019 Sierra, though the 4.3-liter V8 is only offered on the entry-level model. Other options include a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 5.3-liter EcoTec3, and a monstrous 420-horsepower V8. The 5.3-liter is also available as a variant with advanced fuel-saving tech. Fuel economy ranges between 14-20 city and 17-24 highway depending on engine and powertrain options.
- There were nine recalls issued for the 2019 GMC Sierra, and 144 registered complaints, a moderately low amount considering the 2019 Ram 1500 had 22 recalls and 424 complaints. The Sierra also faired extremely well in terms of safety, even in crash avoidance and mitigation testing.
- Ultimately, when put up against its competitors, the 2019 Sierra 1500 disappoints, and we don’t recommend it vs. its rivals. Not because of luxury or capability, but on pricing. Compared to Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500, the Sierra costs between $1,500 to $3,300 or more extra. If price is of no concern, then the 2019 Sierra is a refined, capable pickup.
Who Buys a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
If you’re shopping for a slightly used pickup, you’ve likely noticed the market consists of three main players: F-150, Ram 1500, and Silverado. But what about lesser-known models like the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
If you didn’t know, the Sierra 1500 pickup has always been a near clone of the less-costly Silverado. A visually subdued yet polished twin catering to those wanting similar performance without the prominent golden bowtie.
Is the 2019 Sierra just as capable as the Silverado? Yes, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t add it to your “must-see” list, even if you’ve already chosen against the Chevy.
2019 GMC Sierra: Trims, Pricing, & Exterior Color Options
Using the above slider, you’ll notice there are six trim levels for the 2019 Sierra 1500, each with unique styling, tech features, and used car values.
Kelley Blue Book puts pricing for an entry-level Base trim Sierra with 36,000 miles as low as $25,600, though that’s for a regular cab rear-wheel-drive (RWD) with the standard engine. Opting for four-wheel-drive (4WD) will add about $3,000 on any trim. On the high end, a 2019 crew-cab Denali can set you back as much as $60,900.
Of the six available trims, let’s take a closer look at a few of the most common.
Sierra SLE Adds Chrome Exterior Styling & a Larger 8″ Infotainment Screen
The SLE trim is the first step up from the Base model. While all Sierras have C-shaped LED headlights, it takes an SLE to get a chrome grille and matching window surrounds, side-mirror caps, and front and rear bumpers. Body-color door handles, and an eight-inch center screen (up one inch from the Base model) also come standard on SLE.
All 2019 Sierras come with Apple CarPlay, but only SLE and higher have a 4.2″ driver information screen in front of the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Sierra SLT Includes Leather Seats & Class-exclusive 6-function MultiPro Tailgate
Other than a unique chrome grille, the SLT looks like the SLE on the outside. Inside though, that’s where you’ll notice the differences. Starting with leather seats and an upgraded center screen with built-in apps and a trailer brake controller. The SLT is also the first model to come standard with the EcoTec 5.3-liter V8 (more on that later), and it’s the first trim to offer the MultiPro Six-function Tailgate.
To top it off, a rear under-seat storage system, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver’s seat also come in the SLT.
Sierra Denali is the Pinnacle of Pickup Luxury with Advanced Adaptive Ride Control
The Sierra Denali may just be the most luxurious truck available, much due to its class-exclusive continuous damping adaptive ride control. This unique feature monitors the road in front of you while driving and adjusts the suspension for whatever may come up. Upcoming pothole? No problem, the system will loosen the suspension in real-time to soften the impact. Towing a trailer? The adaptive ride control system will adjust for that too.
Aesthetically, the Denali trim is definitely the flashiest, with a unique chrome grille, integrated dual exhaust, and available 22″ wheels.
Inside, the opulent interior immediately suggests you’re sitting in something special. Besides the buttery-smooth perforated leather seating with contrast stitching, you’ll also find open-pore ash wood and brushed aluminum interior accents. Also offered, a 15″ diagonal heads-up display, another first in its class.
2019 GMC Sierra Exterior Color Options
Using the above slider, you’ll notice there are 22 different exterior color options. While some are a bit dull, like Summit White and Quicksilver Metallic, vibrant alternatives like Tangier Orange or Pacific Blue Metallic make the Sierra available in all sorts of styling schemes.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500: Engine Options, Tow Capacity & Fuel Economy
4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 is a Reliable Base Engine but Lacks the Specs of More Potent Options
Found only on the Base trim, the 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 dates back to 2013, so there are eight years of reliability history to comb through. In fact, according to Motor Reviewer, “Most Chevy/GMC trucks with 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engines run more than 150-200k miles without any small engine problem.”
The 4.3-liter is also capable thanks to its 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque, towing between 7,400 to 7,900 pounds depending on the cab/bed combination. Opt for a Base 2019 Sierra with the 4.3-liter V8 instead of the 5.3-liter V8 and save about $1,200.
2.7-liter Turbo Four-cylinder Delivers Impressive MPG but Struggles with Performance
The 2.7-liter actually debuted on 2019 Sierra and Silverado, so there’s not a whole lot of reliability data to go off. The main reason to choose the 2.7-liter over the 5.3-liter V8 is fuel economy. A RWD crew cab SLE will deliver an impressive 20 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway, or 19/22 with 4WD.
Just know that the 2.7 is a $1,900 add-on over the 5.3, which delivers similar fuel consumption numbers. So, while you may spend a bit more initially, after enough time the diesel will pay itself off.
Auto123 reviewed a 2019 Sierra Elevation, which comes standard with the 2.7-liter, saying, “The technology [the 2.7-liter engine] has progressed enough to make that a reality. The biggest hurdle may be the difficulty potential buyers have wrapping their heads around the idea [of a four-cylinder engine in a truck], because in practice the engine does the job.”
Regardless, at 310 horsepower, 348 lb.-ft. of torque, and a max tow of 6,900 pounds, the 2.7-liter diesel may not have the capabilities that some truck owners require in their pickups. Make sure you know what you need your truck to do before signing on the dotted line.
5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is a Highly Capable Engine that Can be had with Advanced Fuel Saving Tech
The 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is where the 2019 Sierra really shines. While the engine itself dates back to 1999, much tech has been added to the block since, making it currently one of the best performers in the lineup. While it isn’t the most potent offering on Sierra, the 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque definitely add some much-needed oomph.
When paired with a 3.73 rear end, a 2019 Sierra with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 has a max tow of 11,000 pounds.
A Quick Note About Dynamic Fuel Management
There are actually two versions of the 5.3-liter engine, the original and one with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). DFM constantly monitors the vehicle in any driving situation. When there’s a lack of strain on the engine, the system will shut down cylinders to save on fuel. This fuel-saving tech even gives the DFM-equipped Sierra an extra highway mpg over the smaller 2.7-liter four-cylinder.
Spring for the non-DFM 5.3 in RWD, and drop to 17/23.
6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 is Only Reserved for Top-tier Sierras and has a Max Tow of 13,200 Pounds
The thirstiest engine of the Sierra lineup is also the most powerful, putting out a staggering 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. If towing is your main concern, the 6.2-liter V8-—offered in SLT, AT4, and Denali—has a max tow of 12,200 pounds.
Fuel economy drops to a meager 15 city, 19 highway, but keep in mind that that’s with 4WD, as RWD isn’t offered with the 6.2. For the average driver, that equates to about $900 a year in additional fuel expenses over the 5.3-liter. The 6.2 also adds about $2,500 to the price of a 5.3-liter-equipped Sierra, meaning it would take the average driver almost three years to make up the difference by driving a 5.3-liter instead.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500: Common Problems, Safety Recalls & Crash Ratings
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 144 registered complaints with the 2019 Sierra. These consist of 43 related to the electrical systems, 26 the powertrain, 18 the steering system, and 13 for the electronic stability control. Compared to competitors like the Ram 1500 and its 22 recalls and 424 registered complaints, these figures are on the low end.
Your best bet is to buy from a trusted dealer, and even then, consider having a mechanic look it over for signs that it’s been ill-maintained.
The NHTSA has Issued 9 Recalls on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
When enough registered complaints coincide to create a recurring issue that can be hazardous to occupants, a recall gets issued.
The 2019 Ram had nine safety recalls issued, here are a few of the most prominent:
- NHTSA ID 20V792000: This Dec 2020 recall involved over 624,000 Chevy and GMC vehicles. On these, the front-center seatbelts may not be sufficiently attached, increasing the chances of injury during an accident. Your local GMC service center will inspect the seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble them as needed, free of charge as with all recalls.
- NHTSA ID 20V055000: Specifically affecting the 2019 Sierra 1500, there may be an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error that effectively disables the electronic brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Nearly 150,000 2019 Sierra units were affected under this recall. The fix involves a simple reprogramming of the EBCM.
- NHTSA ID 19V888000: Affecting over 350,000 2019-2020 Silverados and Sierras, this recall involves battery (B+) cable rings that could have excessive glue used during manufacturing. This could cause an intermittent connection between the B+ cable and the alternator, possibly causing a fire. Dealers will inspect the battery cables and remedy the issue, even if it means replacing entire components.
- NHTSA ID 19V814000: A seatbelt pretensioner is designed to aid in the event of an accident, but on over 556,000 2019-2020 Silverado and Sierra trucks, hot gas may seep through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly starting a fire. Techs will simply close off this opening to keep the issue from ever occurring.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings Show the 2019 Sierra 1500 to be a Safe Pickup
The Insurance Institute for Highways Safety (IIHS) gives 2019 Sierra its highest rating of “Good” in overall crashworthiness. Where the model struggled was the small overlap front: passenger-side test, which only scored a “Marginal,” as well as the headlights, which received a dismal rating of “Poor.”
Regardless, even vehicle-to-vehicle crash avoidance and mitigation, meaning the vehicle’s ability to avoid a crash altogether, received the highest score of “Superior.”
What Critics Say
2019 Sierra 1500 vs. Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado & Ram 1500
Here we put the 2019 Sierra to the ultimate test, a head-to-head against some of the biggest names in the half-ton truck segment: F-150, Silverado, and Ram 1500.
2019 Ford F-150 Bests Sierra on Performance & Price
The 2019 Ford F-150 is a high-capable work truck at its core that can be dressed up to directly compete with the ultra-lux Sierra Denali. Where GMC provides four (technically five) engines in the Sierra, F-150 offers six, including a diesel. The F-150 also has the Sierra beat in terms of power, thanks to its 450-horsepower 3.5-liter high-output (H.O.) EcoBoost V6.
What’s more, opt for the non-H.O. 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and F-150 even beats Sierra in tow capacity, maxing out at 13,200 pounds.
Taking a mid-range 4WD F-150 SuperCrew XLT with 43,000 miles, pricing landed between $36,700 to $41,600, depending on exact equipment and condition. Compared to a similarly-equipped Sierra, the F-150 comes in at around $3,000 less.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Chevy Silverado Offers a Less-costly Alternative to Sierra with Many Similar Features
You can’t go wrong with a 2019 Silverado. Its specs are on par with Sierra, and instead of six trims, you get eight. What you don’t get on a Silverado is the 15″ heads-up display, or the MultiPro tailgate. While you can order a Silverado High Country with most of the features found in a Denali, the leather seats won’t have the same hand and the trim won’t be exotic open-grain wood.
If none of that means much to you, a similarly-equipped Silverado will run about $1,500 less than Sierra.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Ram 1500 Benefits from a Recent Redesign that Leaves Sierra Struggling to Keep Up
The 2019 Ram 1500 is the most affordable direct competitor to the Sierra, with a similarly equipped model coming in at an average of $3,300 less. What’s more, the Ram is all-new for 2019, sporting many unique upgrades over the previous model.
Consumer Reports had this to say about the 2019 redesign, “More space, bigger infotainment screens, and a brawnier look. What’s less is that the 2019 Ram is reportedly 225 pounds lighter than the previous model, which was accomplished using high-strength steels, composites, and aluminum. Exterior and interior styling also get a redo. Our favorite feature carries over to the new truck: a coil spring rear suspension, which made the outgoing Ram ride so well.”
With such a recent redesign, the 2019 Sierra is a tough choice over the Ram. However, its engines are dated, with the most potent, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 putting out 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Yet, that doesn’t stop it from having best-in-class max towing of 12,750 pounds.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup?
No, we don’t suggest buying a 2019 GMC Sierra, not over its lesser-priced competitors. There’s nothing wrong with Sierra, but for a price difference of $3,300 or more, we suggest the Ram 1500 and its 12″ center screen. We’ll repeat, the Sierra is a good truck, but not by a wide enough margin to justify such a substantial price increase. Not unless you specifically want a Denali trim and the level of class tied to its name.
For a full list of specs, cab configurations, bed lengths, and more, check out the official 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 brochure from back when it was new.
Photos: GM; Ford, Toyota; Stellantis
