Performance and Handling
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is a powerful and capable truck that offers excellent performance and handling. It comes with a variety of engine and transmission options, so you can choose the setup that best suits your needs.
The base engine is a 6.6-liter V8 that produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. For more power, you can opt for the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8, which produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.9 seconds with the Duramax diesel engine. The gasoline V8 engine is slightly slower, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.
Braking
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD has excellent braking performance. It can come to a stop from 60 mph in as little as 120 feet. This is thanks to its four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and brake assist.
Handling
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD handles well for a full-size truck. It has a responsive steering system and a well-tuned suspension that provides a comfortable ride and good stability.
Safety Features
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD boasts an array of advanced safety features designed to protect drivers and passengers alike. Standard safety features include:
– Automatic emergency braking
– Lane departure warning
– Forward collision warning
– Adaptive cruise control
– Rear cross-traffic alert
– Blind-spot monitoring
– Teen driver mode
Optional safety features include:
– Head-up display
– Surround-view camera
– Adaptive headlights
– Automatic parking assist
– Trailer blind-spot monitoring
The Sierra 1500HD has received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In NHTSA testing, the truck earned a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Crash Test Results
In NHTSA crash testing, the Sierra 1500HD received the following ratings:
– Overall: 5 stars
– Frontal crash: 5 stars
– Side crash: 5 stars
– Rollover: 4 stars
In IIHS crash testing, the Sierra 1500HD received the following ratings:
– Overall: Top Safety Pick+
– Moderate overlap front crash: Good
– Small overlap front crash: Good
– Side crash: Good
– Roof strength: Good
– Headlights: Acceptable (with optional adaptive headlights)
Safety Features by Trim Level
The following table compares the safety features of different trim levels of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD:
| Trim Level | Standard Safety Features | Optional Safety Features |
|—|—|—|
| Pro | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, teen driver mode | Head-up display, surround-view camera, adaptive headlights, automatic parking assist, trailer blind-spot monitoring |
| SLE | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, teen driver mode | Head-up display, surround-view camera, adaptive headlights, automatic parking assist, trailer blind-spot monitoring |
| SLT | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, teen driver mode, head-up display | Surround-view camera, adaptive headlights, automatic parking assist, trailer blind-spot monitoring |
| Denali | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, teen driver mode, head-up display, surround-view camera, adaptive headlights | Automatic parking assist, trailer blind-spot monitoring |
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is expected to have a starting price of around $35,000. The higher trim levels, such as the SLE, SLT, and Denali, will have higher price tags. The truck will be available in a variety of configurations, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab. It will also be available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is expected to be available in dealerships in the fall of 2025. Pre-orders are expected to open in the spring of 2025.
FAQ Corner
What engine options will be available on the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is expected to offer a range of powerful engine options, including a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine, a 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel engine, and a 4.5-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine.
What are the towing and payload capacities of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is expected to have a maximum towing capacity of up to 25,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing tasks.
What advanced safety features will be available on the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500HD is anticipated to offer an array of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.