Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for Sale nearWaterloo, ON

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 13.36% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 607 listings available, which suggests you have a reasonable 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 cabin, strong engine performance, advanced technology, and comfortable interior. That lines up well with the Sierra’s upscale positioning and its appeal if you want a full-size pickup that feels more premium than purely utilitarian. The model also suits you if you value a truck with distinctive styling and useful features rather than a complete redesign.

With 32.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s a decent amount of market opportunity if you shop carefully.

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 many owners describing it as a vehicle they feel good about living with over time. The expert test drive notes also support that impression by highlighting the Duramax diesel’s smooth, well-matched 10-speed automatic and its easy-to-use 4WD system. The diesel option also adds a cost advantage that can make ownership feel more manageable.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is not outright durability so much as the possibility of paying extra for features and packages you may want later.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sierra’s appeal changes a lot by trim, with the Denali bringing the upscale focus and the AT4 adding off-road-oriented hardware and styling. Base versions can feel sparse, so you should check whether the truck has the features you expect rather than assuming they’re standard.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout value in the expert review, pairing strong torque with a 10-speed automatic and easy-to-use 4WD. It also delivered 11.1 L/100 km in testing, while the official combined rating is 9.1 L/100 km.
• Safety package: Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are available, but not universally 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.
• 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, with the larger screen adding easier physical controls.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax diesel is the efficiency highlight, with an official combined figure of 9.1 L/100 km and a tested result of 11.1 L/100 km.

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 trim most buyers should strongly consider if you want to keep costs under control while still getting a custom appearance and room to add options. It’s the best-value path if you want a Sierra that feels more personal without jumping deep into luxury pricing.
• AT4: Choose this if you want the off-road-ready version with a factory-installed 5 cm suspension lift, skid plates, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case, a locking rear differential, and available mud-terrain tyres. It suits you best if you want capability and a more rugged look, especially with the Duramax diesel.
• Denali: This is the upscale choice, with the Sierra’s most premium presentation and added safety features such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. It makes the most sense if you want the most luxurious-feeling Sierra and are willing to pay for it.

The safety content also notes that some driver-assistance features remain optional on lower trims, so it’s worth checking equipment carefully before you buy.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 607 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.36% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,950 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 $38,950 CAD sits slightly below last year's $44,958 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the truck easier to buy now but may also limit upside for a future seller. If you’re planning to resell later, the current trend means you should be realistic about depreciation from today’s average. Strongly equipped examples with desirable features may still hold attention better than stripped-down trucks.

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 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 main caveat is that its crash-test results trail some rivals, so you should pay close attention to the exact safety equipment on any used example.

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:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.36% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its upscale styling, strong engine performance, and available Duramax diesel value.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $46,293 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,950 CAD average.
• It brings a major makeover with bolder styling, a more lavish interior, standard high-end technology, and increased utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because prices have eased and owner satisfaction is strong. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer-feeling truck with a bigger update, the 2022 is the better upgrade path.

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, especially if you care about a stronger expert score and broader market appeal. The Sierra still has appeal if you want upscale styling, a premium-feeling cabin, and the available Duramax diesel. The F-150 also offers better fuel economy figures and more listings, while the Sierra’s deal share is slightly stronger.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.