GM trims Sierra lineup as redesigned 2027 pickup adds new V-8s
The next GMC Sierra 1500 gets fresh styling, fewer trims and new engines as GM protects a key profit source.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
General Motors unveiled the redesigned 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 on Thursday, adding new V-8 engines, updated styling and a reworked cabin to one of its most important truck lines. The pickup is central to GM’s earnings because higher-priced Denali and AT4 versions account for about half of current Sierra sales, according to the company.
GM said the next Sierra 1500 lineup will be reduced to six trims: Pro, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate. The company is dropping the SLE and SLT grades, which currently start at about $51,500 and $57,900, respectively.
Pricing and performance figures will be announced closer to the truck’s launch late this year, GM said. The current Sierra 1500 starts at about $41,000 for the Pro model and can top $86,000 for the Denali Ultimate.
New engines and fewer trims
GM said the 2027 Sierra will offer a new generation of its small-block V-8 gasoline engines in 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter versions. The company also plans two V-6 choices, including a diesel engine that GM describes as exclusive to the company.
The Sierra update follows GM’s reveal last week of changes to the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Sierra’s closely related pickup. CNBC reported that the GMC versions receive a more distinct design from the Chevrolet trucks, including cues from GMC’s electric Sierra pickup.
The Sierra’s refreshed exterior is paired with a new interior layout. GM said the cabin adds storage, a sliding center console and a folding table or work surface after moving the gear shifter from the console to a position behind the steering wheel.
The company also said the truck will offer more than 60 inches of available screens. That total includes an 11.5-inch passenger-side display with media and entertainment functions.
Profit focus amid softer sales
The Denali and AT4 versions remain key to GMC’s truck strategy. GM has said those models use specific features, parts and accessories that support higher prices and margins.
Michael MacPhee, vice president of GM’s GMC and Buick brands, said in a company release that the next Sierra combines new small-block V-8 power, off-road capability and the brand’s most immersive cabin experience to date. He called the truck the benchmark for rivals.
The redesign arrives as U.S. auto demand is expected to weaken. Cox Automotive forecast GM’s U.S. sales through the first half of the year to fall about 7%, while overall industry sales are expected to decline about 3%, CNBC reported.
GM reported first-quarter sales down 9.7% from a year earlier, while GMC was about flat. Sierra 1500 sales fell about 2% to nearly 51,900 units, according to GM’s report.
GM also said sales of larger Sierra heavy-duty models declined about 8% to roughly 24,500 units in the quarter. Electric Sierra sales rose 3%, though they remained below 1,300 units.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.