Under the Hood: What Powers the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500?

With four different engine options and several performance features, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 is the perfect pickup for your work and leisure needs. The latest model builds on the heritage of its predecessor with only a few minor tweaks that enhance its performance. In this article, we take a closer look at the powerful engine options and features to help you decide whether the Sierra 1500 pickup truck fits your lifestyle.

What’s New for 2025?

Whether you’re towing through the hills of Putnam County or hauling gear to job sites around Westchester, the Sierra 1500 delivers versatile power. Since GMC introduced a new generation Sierra 1500 pickup truck in 2019 and refreshed the model in 2022, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 features no major redesign. Most of the changes enhance specific trims rather than the entire Sierra 1500 family.

Cruise control is a welcome standard addition to the basic Pro trim. The Denali trims feature the new Super Cruise system that allows hands-free driving on compatible highways. Trailer brake control is standard in the SLE and higher trims, while The AT4 offers new 20-inch machined alloy wheels with Carbon Grey metallic accents. You can also upgrade to 22-inch wheels.

GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options

The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 is a classic pickup that favors traditional engines over alternative fuel options. Although this lineup doesn’t offer an electric or hybrid option, you’re still spoiled for choice with the 2025 GMC Sierra’s gas engine selection.

The base turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder is a capable engine that delivers 310 horsepower. If you’re looking for more power, you can opt for one of the two V-8 engines. The smaller 5.3-liter option produces 355 horsepower, while the 6.2-liter generates 420 horsepower. A six-cylinder Duramax diesel engine is also available that delivers 305 horsepower. The GMC Duramax motor is standard on the AT4 and AT4X trims and optional for all the other trims except the base model.

Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Towing Capacity	MPG (Est.)
2.7L Turbo	310 hp	430 lb-ft	~9,400 lbs	19 city / 22 hwy
5.3L V8	355 hp	383 lb-ft	~11,200 lbs	16 city / 20 hwy
6.2L V8	420 hp	460 lb-ft	~13,200 lbs	15 city / 20 hwy
3.0L Duramax Diesel	305 hp	495 lb-ft	~13,300 lbs	23 city / 30 hwy

The 2025 Sierra 1500 offers six driving modes to improve its performance in all conditions. Tour/Normal mode enhances fuel efficiency and driving quality on your daily commute. Sport mode provides a more responsive, dynamic driving experience that’s ideal for dry roads, while Snow mode enhances grip on slippery roads. When carrying loads, you can maximize torque with tow/haul mode. Off-Road mode enhances traction and handling on gravel, mud, and sand, while Terrain mode maximizes performance on various surfaces.

GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

The GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck has an impressive maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. This capacity is available in the double-cab two-wheel-drive standard-bed model with the diesel engine, Max Trailering Package, and 20-inch wheels and tires. This configuration also offers a maximum payload rating of 2,530 pounds. These characteristics earned the GMC Sierra 1500 a ranking in the top 10 trucks for towing capacity.

Even the base Sierra 1500 model is a capable workhorse. When properly equipped, it can pull up to 9,500 pounds, which is sufficient for many campers and livestock trailers. The smaller V-8 engine increases the towing capacity to 11,200 pounds, while the larger V-8 can handle up to 13,000 pounds, almost as much as the diesel engine.

Powerful and Efficient Performance

The GMC Sierra 1500 perfectly balances power and efficiency. The base eight-speed automatic transmission offers a smooth ride. The V-8 and diesel engine options pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission system, which enhances your driving experience. This pickup truck also offers impressive handling for a vehicle in this class, while the steering is responsive, providing confidence in any terrain or traffic conditions.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

If you want a truck that’s quick off the mark, consider the Denali trims. During independent testing, a loaded Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds.

Fuel economy varies depending on the truck’s engine, and body style, as well as chassis and bed lengths. Diesel trucks are always among the most fuel-efficient, and the Sierra 1500 is no exception. It gets around 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The trims with the 6.2-liter V-8 should get around 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Although the rear-wheel-drive models get slightly better fuel economy than the four-wheel-drive versions, the margins are slim.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety ratings are starting to trickle in for the 2025 GMC Sierra, and early results are positive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive crew cab versions an overall five-star rating. It has yet to rate other configurations, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety results are also pending.

The GMC Sierra 1500 prioritizes safety. It offers a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. You can also opt for extras such as a multicamera system for visibility behind your trailer.

Technology

Higher trims offer a 13.4-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in. Other features include a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system and wireless phone charging capabilities.

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Performance FAQ

What is the most powerful engine in the 2025 Sierra 1500?

The 6.2L V8 offers 420 horsepower and a max towing capacity over 13,000 lbs, making it the strongest gasoline engine available.

Is the diesel engine worth it on the 2025 Sierra?

The 3.0L Duramax Diesel delivers excellent towing and impressive fuel economy (up to 30 MPG highway), making it ideal for long-distance haulers.

Which Sierra engine is best for daily driving?

The 2.7L Turbo offers solid power, great low-end torque, and better fuel efficiency — perfect for commuters and light haulers.

Schedule Your New GMC Sierra 1500 Test Drive Today

At Meadowland GMC, we offer the full range of new GMC vehicles, including the 2025 GMC Sierra. Contact us online, give us a call, or visit our Carmel dealership to schedule a test drive. Our friendly staff will walk you through the Sierra’s features to help you decide if this truck fits your lifestyle.

image from gmc.com

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