Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for SaleNationwide

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 585 listings available, which suggests a reasonable amount of inventory for you 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 5.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious features, exceptional engine performance, advanced technology, and interior comfort. The Sierra also appeals if you want a familiar full-size pickup with a more premium presentation and distinctive styling, especially if you value the optional carbon-fibre composite cargo bed. For shoppers who want capability with a slightly upscale feel, that combination is the main draw.

There are 33.0% good or great deals in the market, 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 owners highlighting its strong overall quality, comfort, and confidence-inspiring ownership experience. The expert drive notes also describe the Duramax diesel powertrain as smooth and well matched to the 10-speed automatic, which supports the impression of a truck you can count on day to day.

The diesel engine is the most cost-effective powertrain choice, which can help reduce the sting of ownership over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the Sierra can still nickel-and-dime you with options and packages, so condition and equipment matter a lot.

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 presentation and the AT4 adding off-road hardware and a more rugged look. The base versions are much more basic, so you should check carefully for missing convenience and luxury features if you are shopping lower in the range.
• Powertrain: The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder is the standout choice in the source material, pairing strong torque with good efficiency and a 10-speed automatic. If you want the most satisfying engine character, the V8s are the alternative to compare against.
• Safety package: 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.
• Infotainment: You can get either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, and the Sierra offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package adds a 15-inch head-up display, an 8-inch driver information display, and extra camera-based visibility tech.
• Fuel efficiency: The Duramax diesel averaged 11.1 L/100 km in testing, and the official combined rating is 9.1 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 because it offers a custom appearance and enough flexibility to keep pricing in check while still leaving room for useful options. It is the best-value starting point if you want to avoid the Sierra’s higher-end pricing creep.
• AT4: Choose this if you want the rugged, off-road-focused version with the factory lift, skid plates, locking rear differential, and available mud-terrain tyres. It suits you best if you want capability and a more adventurous look.
• Denali: This is the luxury-leaning choice, with the most upscale presentation and the strongest premium image in the lineup. It makes sense if you want the Sierra to feel as close to a near-luxury truck as possible.

Safety features such as forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking are optional, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are included on the Denali.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 585 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.94% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $39,859 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 $39,859 CAD sits slightly below last year's $46,317 CAD.

That price movement suggests the Sierra has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you purchase near the current average or below it, you may have less downside than someone who bought when prices were higher. The truck’s premium positioning and strong feature content can still support demand, but condition, trim, and equipment will matter a lot when you eventually sell.

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’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. Adaptive cruise control is optional on the SLT, AT4, and Denali.

The main caveat is that its crash-test results are weaker than you might expect for a truck in this class, especially the IIHS headlight and small-overlap results.

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:

• 33.0% 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.
• It offers distinctive styling and an optional carbon-fibre composite cargo bed.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $48,176 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $39,859 CAD average.
• It brings a bolder exterior, a more lavish interior, and standard high-end technology.

The 2021 is the better pick if you want a lower entry price and still like the Sierra’s premium-leaning character. If you can stretch your budget and want the more thoroughly updated truck, the 2022 is the stronger upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.