Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 13.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 605 listings available, which suggests you have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

Yes — owners rate it 4.9/5, and our experts give it 5.67/10. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the luxurious cabin, strong engine performance, advanced technology, and comfortable interior. For you, that means the Sierra makes the most sense if you want a full-size pickup that feels more upscale than purely utilitarian, with enough capability and refinement for work, commuting, and family use.

The market also shows 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

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 many owners describing it as a vehicle they can count on over the long term. The review summary also highlights strong value, which usually matters when you’re planning to keep a used truck for years rather than months.

The expert drive notes reinforce that impression by describing the Duramax powertrain and 10-speed automatic as well matched and by praising the truck’s composed behaviour in varied conditions. GMC’s maintenance perk language also helps the ownership picture.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic satisfaction and more about making sure the truck you choose has the equipment and condition you want, since some desirable features were tied to extra packages.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sierra lineup ranges from work-oriented to upscale and off-road-focused versions, and the base truck can miss some of the nicer convenience and safety equipment that higher trims bring. If you want the most polished feel, the Denali stands out for its upscale presentation, while the AT4 adds a more rugged look and hardware.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout engine choice here, pairing strong torque with a 10-speed automatic and easy-to-use 4WD. It also delivers a useful balance of capability and efficiency for buyers who tow or commute.
• 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 Duramax diesel is rated at 9.1 L/100 km in combined driving, and the test truck averaged 11.1 L/100 km in mixed use.

Which 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Sierra: This is the starting point, and it makes sense if you want the Sierra’s core capability and are willing to add options carefully. It’s the trim to watch if you’re trying to keep the budget under control.
• Elevation: Most buyers should start here because it offers a custom appearance and enough flexibility to build a well-equipped truck without immediately pushing into luxury-truck pricing. It’s the best-value trim if you want style and options without going all the way to Denali.
• SLT: This is the better pick if you want a more upscale feel and access to more available equipment, including adaptive cruise control. It suits you if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the sticker price low.
• Denali: Choose this if you want the most premium presentation in the lineup, along with features such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. It’s the trim for you if luxury is the priority.

Safety-package note: some driver-assistance features are optional rather than standard, so check carefully for the exact equipment on the truck you’re considering.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 605 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.43% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $39,134 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 $39,134 CAD sits slightly below last year's $45,205 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you’re thinking about future resale. If you buy at the right price now, you reduce the risk of taking a bigger depreciation hit later.

For a future seller, the key is to buy a well-equipped truck with the right powertrain and condition, because desirable configurations tend to hold attention better. Trucks with strong owner satisfaction ratings often keep demand healthier over time.

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 Sierra earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star protection for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test. The IIHS finds Marginal protection for the front passenger in the small-overlap frontal-impact test and rates the headlights Poor.

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

The Sierra’s safety equipment is uneven for a premium-branded truck. Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are available, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are included on the Denali and optional on other trims. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat are also available depending on trim.

The main caveat is that the crash-test results are not as strong as you’d want from a truck in this price range, so you should pay close attention to the exact driver-assistance features 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:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers a strong mix of upscale styling, advanced tech, and the well-liked Duramax diesel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $46,745 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $39,134 CAD average.
• It brings a major redesign with a bolder look, richer cabin, and more standard high-end technology.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines strong owner satisfaction with a softer market price. If you’re willing to pay more for a more modern design and upgraded tech, the 2022 is the better long-term choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.