2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Gets Its Most Powerful Half-Ton V8 Yet

The 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 was revealed three months ago with a new look, upgraded V8 engines, and the most advanced technology yet offered for the full-size pickup. Alongside the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado, the 2027 Sierra ushers in the latest generation of GM’s mighty pickups. GMC has now shared the final specifications and pricing for the latest Sierra, which will continue to be positioned as the Silverado’s more upmarket twin. As such, it’s not the cheapest full-size pickup you can buy, but is it worth the extra cost?

Related: 2027 Chevy Silverado Gets Bigger V8s and Higher Prices

2027 GMC Sierra Pricing

We’ll start with the most important information, which is the GMC’s pricing structure. There are six distinct trims, and they’re priced as follows.

The 2026 Sierra 1500 starts at just $41,095 for the Regular Cab, including destination. However, GMC says that availability for 2027 Regular Cab and Double Cab models will follow as production expands, so pricing above is for Crew Cabs only. The cheapest 2026 Crew Cab costs $46,995, so the 2027 model is roughly 9% pricier. However, at the top of the lineup, the luxurious Denali Ultimate Crew Cab is only $700 more than the 2026 version.

By comparison, the 2027 Ram 1500 Crew Cab starts at $48,120 and the 2026 Ford F-150 Crew Cab has a base price of $53,270, so the new GMC falls between these two rivals.

New Engine Outputs Revealed

While we’ve already covered the Sierra’s upgraded design and fresh interior—with up to 60 inches of digital real estate—GMC has finally shared the outputs of the new powertrain lineup. The pickup is available with four different engines and all are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

• Enhanced 2.7L four-cylinder TurboMax. This upgraded engine now delivers 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, increases of 40 hp and 25 lb-ft. Thanks to a new turbocharger, upgraded fuel injection, and other changes, it has the best claimed standard torque in its class.
• All-new 5.7L Small Block V8. The first new V8 delivers 402 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped.
• All-new 6.6L Small Block V8. The more powerful V8 makes 481 hp and 501 lb-ft, claimed to be the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the class. It’s GMC’s most powerful half-ton V8 yet.
• 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel. Unlike rivals that have resorted to hybrids for better efficiency, GMC has stuck with a turbodiesel. It makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft, and can cover over 900 miles on the highway when fitted with a 34-gallon gas tank.

While the new figures are impressive, the GMC can’t quite match the muscle of the Ram 1500, which is available with a 540-hp turbo-six or a 777-hp supercharged Hemi V8. The GMC’s top V8 outmuscles Ram’s top naturally aspirated V8, though. 

The TurboMax is more powerful than the new EcoBoost in the 2027 Ford F-150, and Ford’s non-Raptor F-150 can’t match the horsepower of the GMC’s 6.6L V8. However, Ford does still offer a PowerBoost hybrid with 570 lb-ft.

Related: 2027 Chevy Silverado Vs GMC Sierra: The Trims Reveal the Key Differences

Trims: From Basic to Deluxe

The standard GMC Sierra 1500 Pro is the starting point, but it’s already well-equipped with the following features:

• 12.2-inch digital driver information center
• 16.3-inch touchscreen (articulating screen from the Elevation upwards)
• Trailer hitch and trailer brake controller
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front/rear park assist
• Automatic emergency braking

From there, the Sierra can be tailored to suit either everyday driving and comfort or more serious off-road duty. The Elevation, Denali, and Denali Ultimate will suit customers not looking for a hardcore off-roader, as they offer more comfort and amenities than the Pro. The Denali Ultimate is the absolute pinnacle, offering features like heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, over 60 inches of combined digital displays, a 16-speaker Bose sound system, open pore forged birch wood accents, and Super Cruise hands-free driving.

The AT4 and AT4X are the dedicated off-road trims. On AT4 models, there are monotube shocks front and rear, while the AT4X gets Multimatic DSSV shocks. The latter also comes with a new Baja drive mode, which is specifically designed for high-speed off-road desert driving. This mode optimizes throttle response, damper turning, and other powertrain parameters for maximum control on sand and loose surfaces.

Further highlights throughout the range include the following:

• 12 new standard safety features
• Super Cruise is standard across four trim levels
• Regular Cab and Double Cab pricing and availability to follow
• New UI integrates Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Google Gemini
• Available camera suite include 19 views

Fully loaded, the Sierra has the tech and luxury to compete with the best pickups on the market. But it’s also versatile, as GMC claims it has best-in-class cargo volume.

“With the all-new next-generation Sierra 1500, GMC isn’t simply raising the bar – we’re redefining it,” said Michael MacPhee, global vice president, Buick & GMC. “From a new generation of Small Block V8 power and precise off-road capability to our most immersive cabin ever, Sierra delivers the Professional Grade confidence, craftsmanship and technology our customers demand.”

Related: The Silverado and Sierra Finally Get Wider, Redesigned Seats

Final Thoughts

Although it’s unlikely to outsell the F-150 or Silverado, the new GMC Sierra 1500 is a formidable option for buyers wanting a higher-end pickup. Even the base Pro variant is generously specified, but we’re keen to find out more about the pricing for other cab styles as the automaker expands production. The Denali Ultimate will likely remain the ultimate gas-powered luxury pickup, and it benefits from the added muscle of the new engines.

It’s going to be as tough as ever for the Ford F-150 to retain its crown as we head into 2027. It has received only a few noteworthy upgrades for the new model year, whereas the Silverado and Sierra are completely redesigned. Ram’s 1500 has also been substantially updated for 2027 with a new range of performance street trucks, further increasing the pressure on Ford.

Related: 2027 Ford F-150 Debuts Bigger Base Engine, Cheaper Off-Road Trims, and More V8s