Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for Sale nearThunder Bay, ON

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 14.52% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 609 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory for used shoppers.

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. That lines up with the Sierra’s appeal as a full-size pickup that leans into a more upscale presentation, especially if you want a familiar truck formula with distinctive styling and useful premium touches. The model also scores well with buyers who value comfort and capability in a truck that feels more polished than basic work-focused alternatives.

Only 35.8% 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 in daily use, with owners highlighting strong performance, comfort, and features they can count on. The expert assessment also describes the Sierra as fundamentally appealing, with the Duramax diesel standing out as a particularly strong mechanical choice. On the cost side, the diesel is the most cost-effective powertrain mentioned, and the model’s available maintenance and ownership perks can help, but the truck can still nickel-and-dime you with options and subscriptions.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a well-equipped Sierra can become expensive to keep if you want more than the basics.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sierra’s styling and upscale Denali trim are major differentiators, while the AT4 adds an off-road-ready setup with a suspension lift, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and unique design details. Base versions can feel less richly equipped, and some desirable features are tied to higher trims or packages.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout engine, with strong torque and smooth 10-speed automatic behaviour. It also supports confident towing and hauling, and the truck’s 4WD system is easy to use when you need it.
• 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 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 a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The system also includes Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, with navigation optional.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax diesel returned an official combined rating of 9.1 L/100 km, and the test truck averaged 11.1 L/100 km in mixed conditions.

Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 4 trim levels: Elevation, AT4, SLT, and Denali.

Here's the short version:

• Elevation: This is the best-value trim to consider if you want a custom appearance and enough flexibility to keep the price in check while still leaving room for useful options.
• SLT: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and access to features like adaptive cruise control without jumping all the way to the top end.
• AT4: Pick this if you want the rugged, off-road-ready version with the strongest personality and the hardware to match.
• Denali: Go here if you want the most luxurious presentation and the richest feature set, but expect to pay for it.

The safety content also notes that some driver-assistance features are optional on lower trims, while Denali includes blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 609 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.52% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,293 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 $38,293 CAD sits slightly below last year's $44,798 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests future sellers may face more competition if the market stays well supplied. It also means buyers have more leverage today than they did a year ago, which can put pressure on resale values in the near term. Still, trims and configurations with stronger owner appeal should hold up better than less desirable builds.

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, with 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 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 the main caveat here, especially the IIHS ratings.

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:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.52% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• This year stands out for its strong Duramax diesel performance and upscale trim appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $45,323 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,293 CAD average.
• It brings a significant makeover with a bolder design, a more lavish interior, and standard high-end technology.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and owner satisfaction is strong. If you want the newer redesign and can stretch your budget, the 2022 is the more modern choice.

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 overall, helped by stronger expert scoring, better fuel economy, and a lower average used price. The Sierra counters with a slightly stronger deal share and a more upscale personality, but it also has fewer listings and a weaker safety score.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.