“The backseat area in the quad cab is WAY to small and very uncomfortable. It does not drive as nice as the ram.”
2016 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is a mid-cycle update led by fresh front-end styling, including trim-specific grilles and GMC's signature LED lighting. It is not a full redesign, but upper trims also receive useful transmission and infotainment updates.
About the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
3rd generation Sierra 1500 (2014-2018), 2016 styling refresh year.
The 2016 Sierra 1500 is GMC’s full-size pickup for buyers who want real towing and hauling ability without giving up a quieter cabin and a more polished feel than a plain work truck. GMC markets Sierra around its “Professional Grade” identity: strong V6 and V8 power, useful bed and trailer hardware, and a step-up interior story versus many mainstream rivals. For most shoppers, it is the more upscale cousin to the Chevrolet Silverado, with Denali pushing even further into luxury-truck territory.
The 2016 Sierra ranges from a straightforward work truck to the comfort-focused SLE, upscale SLT, and luxury-oriented Denali. SLE and SLT feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while Denali stands out with Magnetic Ride Control, heated and cooled leather front seats, Bose audio, and its own grille and body-color bumpers.
What changed, by category
Styling
The lineup gets revised front-end styling with trim-specific grilles, updated bumpers, redesigned headlamps, and signature LED daytime running lights. Denali also moves alloy wheels from optional to standard.
Powertrain
The 8-speed automatic transmission expands to more upper-trim configurations.
Tech
Touchscreen-equipped trucks add smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay arrives for 2016, with Android Auto rolling out during the model year.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter / V8, eAssist, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / 6, EcoTec3, 4.3L FF | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–18 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–24 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp |
| Torque | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8600–10900 lb | 10800–11800 lb | 5500–9800 lb | 9100 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 61–76.3 cu-ft | 61–76.3 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 a full redesign?
No. The 2016 Sierra 1500 is a mid-cycle update within the third generation, with a fresh front end and selected technology and transmission upgrades rather than a complete redesign.
How does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 look different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Sierra 1500 has a revised front end with trim-specific grilles, updated bumper treatments, redesigned headlamps, and GMC's signature LED daytime running lights.
Does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, touchscreen-equipped 2016 Sierra 1500 trucks add smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay is part of the 2016 update, while Android Auto rolls out during the model year.
What changed on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2016 Sierra 1500 Denali gets a reworked front end, updated LED lighting, broader access to the 8-speed automatic, newer infotainment integration, and standard alloy wheels. It retains Denali features such as Magnetic Ride Control, heated and cooled leather front seats, and Bose audio.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, but the differences are moderate rather than transformative. The clearest upgrades are the refreshed front-end design and LED lighting, with smartphone integration and wider 8-speed automatic use adding value on equipped upper trims.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500.
4.2
2016 GMC Sierra 1500
(443 reviews)
“Good ride, gas mileage good, plenty of room inside, all the options I need and wanted.”
“The GMC Sierra so far has been a great truck. It has a very smooth ride great towing ability and the gas mileage is fantastic for a full size albeit half ton truck. The vehicle averages just under 20 mpg around town and on the open road I can get around 24 mpg”