Built on the same assembly lines as Chevrolet trucks, GMC truck models are known for their more luxurious designs. If you’re looking for a capable truck that doesn’t skimp on modern indulgences, a GMC may be right for you.
What truck models does GMC make?
- Canyon: $26,400 – $40,900 (a mid-size truck with full-size capability)
- Sierra 1500: $29,600 – $54,700 (your everyday, full-size pickup truck)
- Sierra HD: $50,600 – $72,920 (a heavy-duty pickup for your biggest projects)
As you shop for a GMC truck, you probably have some important questions. Are GMC truck models safe? Do they get decent fuel economy? How much can they tow? We’ve got the information you need to make a decision.
GMC Canyon: $26,400 – $40,900
The GMC Canyon has long been a trusted mid-size truck model, offering excellent towing capacity with all of its available engine configurations and a smooth, comfortable ride in nearly any road conditions.
When properly equipped, for example, the 2020 Canyon can tow anywhere from 7,000 to 7,700 pounds—which is more than enough for towing trailers of varying sizes. And when you opt for the V6 engine, you’ll enjoy even more power.
Even on its base trim, the 2020 GMC Canyon offers plenty of features that you’d pay extra for on other truck models. This includes standard smartphone integration, a seven-inch touchscreen interface, and two USB ports.
Seating-wise, you can accommodate anywhere from two to five people in a GMC Canyon. With three cab configurations and two bed lengths to choose from, you can find the model that best suits your needs.
Key Specs to Be Aware of
- EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined (base 2.5L engine)
- 3 engines available: 2.5L four-cylinder (200 hp), 3.6L V6 (308 hp), and turbo-diesel 2.8L four-cylinder (181 hp)
- Towing capacity: 7,000 – 7,700 pounds, depending on engine and configuration
- Available in two-seat standard cab, four-seat extended cab, and five-seat crew cab
Safety Features & NHTSA/IIHS Ratings
- StabiliTrak (stability control system)
- Traction control
- Daytime running lights and rearview camera
- NHTSA overall safety rating: 4/5 stars
- IIHS crash-worthiness rating: “Good“
What Do Owners and Experts Have to Say?
As of November of 2020, the 2020 GMC Canyon has a 4.29/5 rating on Vehicle History. Owner reviews rave about this truck’s great fuel economy, smooth ride, and generous standard features.
GMC Sierra 1500: $29,600 – $54,700
If you need a pickup truck with a little more size and brawn, you may want to step up to GMC’s full-size Sierra 1500, which offers seating for up to six passengers and a range of bed lengths to choose from as well.
Apart from its noticeably larger size, the 2020 Sierra 1500 also stands out in its more robust engine offerings (including a standard 4.3L V6 at 285 horsepower) and its ability to tow a whopping 13,400 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is also available in six trim configurations to suit your needs, with standard equipment on even its base trim including smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Key Specs to Be Aware of
- EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg combined (base model with 4.3L V6 engine)
- 5 engine configurations: 4.3L V6 (285 hp), turbo-charged 2.7L four-cylinder (310 hp), 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 (277 hp), 5.3L V8 (355 hp) and 6.2L V8 (420 hp)
- Towing capacity: 6,600 – 13,400 pounds (varies based on engine and configuration)
- Available in three-seat regular cab, five-seat double cab, and six-seat crew cab
Safety Features & NHTSA/IIHS Ratings
- StabiliTrak (stability control system)
- Traction control
- Daytime running lights and rearview camera
- NHTSA overall safety rating: 4/5 stars
- IIHS crash-worthiness rating: “Good“
What Do Owners and Experts Have to Say?
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 receives a 3.9/5-star rating on Vehicle History‘s owner reviews page (as of November of 2020), so it’s not as highly rated as the 2020 Canyon. Specifically, owners have noted issues with parts availability.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Sierra 1500 receives a 4.3/5 rating from Vehicle History experts.
GMC Sierra HD: $50,600 – $72,920
For your most ambitious projects, a heavy-duty pickup truck like the GMC Sierra HD may be more your style. This massive workhorse receives a standard 6.6L V8 engine for an output of a whopping 401 horsepower!
Like the Sierra 1500, the HD is available in a wide range of trim configurations and can seat anywhere from three to six passengers, depending on which of the three cab sizes you choose.
Aside from its larger size and more powerful engine lineup, the Sierra HD is also the most capable truck in the GMC lineup when it comes to towing. In fact, a properly equipped 2020 Sierra HD can tow up to 31,400 pounds!
Inside the cabin, the Sierra HD retains its luxurious styling with generous equipment that includes an eight-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot on all but its base trim.
Key Specs to Be Aware of
- 2 engine configurations: a standard 6.6L V8 (401 hp) or a 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 (445 hp)
- Available with six-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic transmission
- Towing capacity: 14,500 – 31,400 pounds (depending on engine and configuration)
- Available in three-seat regular cab, five-seat double cab, and six-seat crew cab
Safety Features & NHTSA/IIHS Ratings
- StabiliTrak (stability control system)
- Traction control
- Daytime running lights and rearview camera
- NHTSA overall safety rating: 4/5 stars
What Do Owners and Experts Have to Say?
As of November of 2020, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD has a 4.64/5-star owner rating on Vehicle History. Owners seem to most enjoy this truck’s excellent towing capabilities, powerful engine configurations, and great tech features.
This truck also receives a Vehicle History expert rating of 4.3/5 stars.
