Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for Sale near Alberta

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 13.94% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 584 listings available, which suggests a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 5.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious features, strong engine performance, advanced technology, and comfortable interior. In use, that lines up well with the Sierra’s appeal as a full-size pickup that leans toward a more upscale presentation and practical capability. The model’s premium-leaning character makes the most sense if you want a familiar truck formula with extra comfort and tech.

Only 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards careful shopping.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, with owners repeatedly highlighting its strong performance and comfort over the long term. The expert drive notes also describe the Duramax diesel powertrain as a bargain and praise the transmission’s ability to keep the engine in its torque band, which supports confidence in day-to-day use. The main ownership risk for used buyers is that some desirable features require extra packages, so you’ll want to verify equipment carefully before you buy.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sierra’s appeal varies a lot by trim, with the Denali bringing the upscale image and the AT4 adding off-road hardware such as a suspension lift, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and unique exterior details. Base versions can feel sparse by comparison, so check whether the truck has the features you expect.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout engine, with strong torque and a 10-speed automatic that keeps it in its sweet spot. It also supports confident towing and hauling when properly equipped.
• Safety package: Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are available, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning come on the Denali and are optional on other trims. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim.
• Infotainment: You can get either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The truck also offers Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and optional navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert drive notes a combined fuel-consumption figure of 9.1 L/100 km for the Duramax diesel, while testing returned 11.1 L/100 km in mixed mountain driving.

Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 3 trim levels: Elevation, AT4, Denali.

Here's the short version:

• Elevation: This is the best-value choice if you want a custom appearance and access to a wide range of options without immediately pushing into the highest price brackets. It’s the trim most clearly called out as the one many buyers should strongly consider.
• AT4: Choose this if you want the rugged, off-road-focused setup. It adds a factory suspension lift, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and other hardware that make it the most capability-oriented version described here.
• Denali: Pick this if you want the most upscale presentation. It’s the trim singled out for its premium styling and added equipment, including blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.

Safety equipment varies by trim, with some driver-assistance features optional on lower versions and more standard on the Denali.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 584 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.94% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,591 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's resale value?

The current average of $38,591 CAD sits slightly below last year's $44,841 CAD.

That price movement suggests the Sierra 1500 has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. For a seller, the current market means you may not recover as much as earlier owners did, especially if your truck lacks the more desirable trims or equipment. Well-equipped examples should still attract attention, but the strongest resale prospects will likely belong to trucks with the features buyers actively seek.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safe?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA due to four-star protection levels for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates its front-passenger small-overlap frontal protection as "Marginal" and its headlights as "Poor".

It earns a 4/10 safety score from our experts.

The Sierra offers forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking, though those features are optional rather than standard. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are included on the Denali and optional on other trims, while lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim. The crash-test results are a clear weak point, so safety-conscious used buyers should pay close attention to the exact equipment on the truck they’re considering.

Should I buy a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.94% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its upscale styling, available Duramax diesel, and strong tech and comfort appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $45,944 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,591 CAD average.
• It brings a significant makeover with a bolder exterior, a more lavish interior, and more advanced standard technology.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it already offers strong owner satisfaction and a softer used price. If you’re willing to spend more for a more modern-feeling truck, the 2022 is the upgrade path to watch.

How does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 compare to the 2021 Ford F-150?

Our experts score the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 5.7/10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 7.8/10. The Ford comes out ahead on expert scoring, fuel economy, and listing volume, while the Sierra counters with a stronger user rating and a more upscale, distinctive presentation. If you want the better-value used truck with more inventory to choose from, the F-150 has the edge; if you prefer the Sierra’s premium feel and available diesel character, it still has a clear appeal.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.