“My GMC Sierra is a very comfortable and safe vehicle for daily driving and longer trips, too.”
2018 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 receives a light equipment update, led by a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base truck. Otherwise, it is largely unchanged in the final year before the 2019 redesign.
About the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
3rd generation (2014-2018), final year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
GMC markets the Sierra 1500 as a more upscale full-size pickup that still does real truck work. Its core appeal is half-ton towing and hauling capability paired with quieter road manners, bolder styling, and a more polished cabin than a basic work truck. Across the lineup, the Sierra aims at buyers who want everyday usability and truck capability, but who also care about comfort, design, and trim progression.
The 2018 lineup ranges from a work-focused base truck to the everyday SLE, leather-trimmed SLT, and luxury-oriented Denali. Standout equipment includes V8 power and heated leather seats in the SLT, while the Denali adds ventilated front seats, a Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and a suspension designed to smooth out the ride.
What changed, by category
Tech
The base Sierra gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and voice control. Six-speaker audio becomes standard across the lineup.
2018 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 | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter / V8, eAssist, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd eAssist | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | 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 | 383–450 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8600–10800 lb | 11700–11800 lb | 6200–9800 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 | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| 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
What is the main change to the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
The main change is better standard technology in the base truck. It gains a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and voice control, while six-speaker audio becomes standard across the lineup.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 a redesigned model?
No. The 2018 Sierra 1500 is the final year of the generation introduced for 2014, and its styling, structure, and core powertrain layout carry over. The full redesign arrives for 2019.
Does the base 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have a touchscreen?
Yes. The base 2018 Sierra 1500 has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and voice control, along with a six-speaker audio system.
Did the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 receive a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2018 Sierra 1500 has no meaningful lineup-wide engine or transmission change from 2017. Its core powertrain layout carries over.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Only slightly. The clearest improvement is in the base truck, which gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen and standard Bluetooth, while six-speaker audio becomes standard throughout the 2018 lineup. The truck otherwise carries over without a major mechanical, structural, or styling update.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500.
4.1
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
(411 reviews)
“Great gas mileage 21 to 23 mpg, very solid truck, looking forward to towing our camper this summer.”
“The Sierra drives like a luxury car. As a woman, I thought it might be too much vehicle for me, but I love it and can't imagine driving a car again. It makes me feel like a bad ass and that nothing can stop me. (weather and terrain related of course). Safety is a huge concern and I feel very safe and secure in this truck. I LOVE IT”