“Test drive the 8 speed transmission in numerous conditions before deciding. If you are fine with its performance then you will love the truck. Especially the magna ride suspension.”
2017 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500's main change is the addition of Teen Driver mode across the lineup. This is otherwise a light update, with the previous year's styling, structure and basic powertrains carrying over.
About the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
3rd generation (2014-2018), fourth model year and second year after the 2016 styling/technology refresh.
GMC positions the Sierra 1500 as the more polished, more premium take on a full-size pickup. The brand’s "Professional Grade" message centers on blending real truck capability with a quieter cabin, upscale design, smarter trailering features and more comfort than a stripped-down work truck. For most shoppers, the Sierra’s core appeal is doing everyday truck jobs without feeling purely utilitarian.
The 2017 lineup ranges from a straightforward base work truck to the SLE, which adds everyday conveniences such as an 8-inch touchscreen and rearview camera. The SLT pairs a 5.3-liter V8 with leather seating and towing equipment, while the Denali adds a smoother adaptive suspension, navigation, Bose audio and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Safety
Teen Driver mode is added across the lineup. On the Denali, lane-departure warning and automatic high beams move from optional to standard equipment.
Tech
Sierra models with the 8-inch touchscreen gain Android Auto support.
Convenience and equipment
Capless fuel fill becomes standard on nearly every Sierra 1500. LED headlights change from standard to optional on the SLT.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/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 | 20–21 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 | 11700–11800 lb | 6300–9800 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 | ||||
| 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 Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2017 Sierra 1500 carries over the previous year's styling, structure and basic powertrains, with smaller safety, technology and convenience updates instead.
What safety features changed on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500?
Teen Driver mode joins the entire 2017 Sierra 1500 lineup. The Denali also makes lane-departure warning and automatic high beams standard rather than optional.
Does the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 have Android Auto?
Yes, 2017 Sierra 1500 models equipped with the 8-inch touchscreen support Android Auto. This includes the SLE, SLT and Denali equipment described for the year.
What changed on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2017 Denali adds Teen Driver and capless fuel fill, while its navigation touchscreen gains Android Auto. Lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel also become standard.
Did the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 get new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2017 update does not bring a basic powertrain change; its main revisions concern safety technology, smartphone support and everyday convenience.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500.
4.2
2017 GMC Sierra 1500
(578 reviews)
“I love everything about the GMC Sierra 1500. It has great performance and the exterior and interior are perfect for me.”
“Wouldn't recommend this truck to anyone that will use it to tow anything! Major transmission and electrical problems.”