The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with average transmission software and steering issues. At $20,025 to $40,525, it’s a decent value for a truck which combines luxury with a high towing capacity.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the GMC Sierra 1500 since it’s an affordable truck with upscale features, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the smooth acceleration, comfortable seats, as well as the 4 wheel drive system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other full size trucks, seating is very comfortable for long trips, there are also three bed lengths available.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 series. Avoid models from 2014–2016 which have some issues. Models from 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the V6, while both V8s offer good power and a very high towing capacity of up to 12,500 pounds.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 GMC Sierra is a safe truck, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety technology includes a rearview camera as well as teen driver mode. Optional upgrades include forward collision alert, automatic braking, lane keep assist, along with parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG giving 520 miles of range from the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are $30 cheaper than average at $280 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is more affordable than many other full size trucks, while still holding its value well, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Sierra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 offers more carlike handling than other large trucks, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sierra 1500 at 3.5/5, praising the upscale cabin for the money, but doesn’t like the outdated six-speed transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sierra 1500 series a 4.3/5, enjoying the very powerful V8 engine choices, but owners don’t like the high purchase price.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 series include hesitation while shifting between gears, excessive noise while turning, as well as the A/C system not working properly. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size trucks, with reasonably affordable repair costs, too.
Hesitation, while shifting between gears is a common complaint from Sierra owners in the first 10,000 miles. There is a transmission software update available which improves its performance. Most dealerships will install the software for free, while some may charge up to $100.
Excessive noise while turning is another issue reported by owners at roughly 12,000 miles. The clunking noise is usually caused by a suspension issue, including loose components or worn-out joints. Getting the truck inspected will help narrow down the source. Replacing parts costs $300 to $1,100 depending on what has worn out.
The A/C system not working also shows up on some Sierra 1500 series models at around 40,000 miles. The A/C compressor wears out in some trucks as they age, and has to be replaced. Changing out the compressor costs roughly $1,200, depending on local labor rates.
There are 3 recalls on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Series, which is average compared to other full size trucks. All three of the recalls cover the brake system. Two of them are for the vacuum pump, which GMC will replace, while the third covers braking software, which GMC will update for free.
How Long Will the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Series can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly less than the top-rated Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to other full size trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $573 per year.
As a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the radiator fan motor for $800, the power steering hose costing $300, as well as the heater hose which costs $680.
No problems at all. Very reliable. Can't say enough good things about it. I will buy another when the lease is up on this one.
The 2018 GMC sierra 1500 is a very reliable vehicle. So far I have not had any problems with the one I have.
No problems so far, the truck is very reliable. I have not heard of anyone having any issues with this particular vehicle.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good for a large truck in the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a standard 7-inch touchscreen. An upgraded 8-inch touchscreen is available on the SLE and higher models.
Safety technology is also very good for a pickup truck. Standard features include rearview camera as well as teen driver limits. Optional upgrades include forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 series is a good value since it holds up well over time and offers nice luxury features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,025 to $40,225, making it cheaper than a Ford F-150, or Chevy Silverado 1500. When new, the price range was $29,000 to $56,300. Depreciation is similar to other trucks, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Sierra?
There are four models of the GMC Sierra 1500 Series offered in 2018, from the entry-level Base all the way up to the luxurious Denali. It’s offered with three cab sizes, and also comes with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Xenon Headlamps
- Power Locks
- Cruise Control
- Backup Camera
- Power Windows
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- USB Port
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SLE is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Upgraded 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Sliding Rear Window
- Power-Adjustable Pedals
- Remote Start
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
SLT is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Seats
- Heated Front seats
- Power Folding Side mirrors
- Front Parking Sensors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- LED Headlights
- Sunroof
- Seven-Speaker Bose Audio System
Denali is the flagship model which has:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Adaptive Suspension Dampers
- Upgraded Interior Trim
- Premium Leather Seating
- Forward Collision Warning
- Low-Speed Automatic Emergency Braking
What Engines Come In the GMC Sierra?
- The base engine is a relatively weak 4.3L V6 which makes 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 20 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The towing capacity is up to 7,600 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 5.3L V8, which generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 18 MPG. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 11,100 pounds.
- The flagship engine is the very powerful 6.2L V8 which produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, which also gets up to 17 MPG. It also features an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking about 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. It can also tow up to 12,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the GMC Sierra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Sierra?
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is a very comfortable full size truck with seating for up to six passengers depending on the configuration. It’s offered as a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and a larger 4-door crew cab. Seating is supportive and comfortable on all models.
Passenger room is great in the front seats, while legroom is limited in the back of the extended cab. The larger crew cab model is a better choice, with enough room for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Sierra Have?
There are three bed lengths available as well, including a 5-foot 9-inch short bed, 6-foot 7-inch standard bed, or a full 8-foot long bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the GMC Sierra came out in 2014, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2019.
2015: 4G LTE WiFi added to all models, Denali adds magnetic ride control suspension, stronger 6.2L V8 added.
2016: Standard Xenon headlights on all models, eight-speed transmission offered on 5.3L V8, upgraded touchscreen stereo system.
2017: Capless fuel-filler added.
2018: Standard 7-inch touchscreen on all models as well as a rearview camera.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2020: Optional turbodiesel engine added, 10-speed transmission on 5.3L V8, bed-view camera added, optional adaptive cruise control.
2021: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, double cab discontinued from SLT and AT4 models.
How Does the GMC Sierra Compare to the Competition?
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a very good full size truck. It offers a more upscale interior than the competition while still being affordable, making it a good choice for shoppers.
The Ford F-150 is another full size truck available in the same price range. Off-road performance is better in the Ford F-150, while the interior is more luxurious in the GMC Sierra 1500. We recommend the Ford F-150 since it has lower ownership costs, although both are very good trucks worth checking out.
The Ram 1500 is a competitor which costs about $1,000 less. Entertainment technology is more advanced in the Ram 1500 series, while the GMC Sierra 1500 has a smoother suspension on rough roads. We recommend the GMC Sierra 1500 Series since it’s more affordable to own long-term, yet both trucks are worth test driving to see which you like best.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Sierra?
Yes, great. Rides smoothly and is very quiet. The best truck I have ever had. Beats all the competition.
Yes, it is a wonderful vehicle. I love mine. It is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I highly recommend it.
The 2018 GMC sierra is a very good reliable vehicle. It has all the features that I need and it includes built in Wi-Fi.