Specifications of GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab V Standard Box 6.2 V8 (420 HP) 4x4 Automatic

General characteristics of GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab V Standard Box 6.2 V8 (420 HP) 4x4 Automatic

The only static measurement across the entire range is the width of 81.2 inches, with the rest of the dimensions changing based on a number of factors. Overall length is 229.6 inches on the Regular Cab with an eight-foot bed, 231.7 inches for Double Cabs with a 6.6-foot bed and Crew Cabs with a 5.8-foot box, and 241.3 inches for a Crew Cab with a 6.6-foot bed. The Regular Cab has a 139.5-inch wheelbase, while the Double Cab rides on a 147.4-inch wheelbase. The same figures count for the Crew Cab in standard and AT4 format, but with a 6.6-foot bed, the wheelbase increases to 157 inches. The AT4 trim adds another 0.1 inches to the wheelbase. Heights vary substantially, too, ranging from 75.4 inches on a Crew Cab 2WD with the medium-sized box to 78.5 for the Double Cab AT4.

The Sierra is a substantial piece of machinery, with a curb weight to match. The base Regular Cab has a curb weight of 4,430 lbs, while on the other end of the spectrum, the heaviest is the 5,340-lb Crew Cab AT4, only available with the 4x4 drivetrain. Speaking of the latter, it comes with the most impressive set of off-road-related figures. The approach, breakover, and departure angles are 28.7, 20.4, and 27.2 degrees, respectively.

There are a total of five engine options available and one of three gearboxes, covering a broad range of abilities and specs, making the Sierra 1500 one of the most versatile full-size trucks around.

Base models get a 4.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6, which has no redeeming qualities other than being a reliable and hard worker. A 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is also available for the commercial and passenger side. It does an admirable job, but it struggles with heavier loads. It mostly exists for short-distance deliveries.

Then we get to the engines you wouldn't mind living with daily. The 5.3-liter V8 (with or without dynamic fuel management) is also old but still provides enough power to make acceleration effortless. Without a load in the bed, it can tow up to 11,300 lbs in the right configuration. The most powerful engine option is the 6.2-liter V8, with more than enough power for every occasion and a towing capacity of up to 11,800 lbs.

GMC's diesel engine is one of the few available in this segment of the full-size market, but it is a smooth and refined powertrain. This turbodiesel inline-six boasts an improved towing capacity of 9,300 lbs for the new year - still not great, but perfectly acceptable for light duty. It also delivers impressive fuel consumption figures.

Most models come as standard with rear-wheel-drive, with 4WD being an option. AT4 models are only available with the 4WD system as these are focused on being apex off-roaders.

The base 4.3-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It's only available in Regular Cab and Crew Cab Sierra trim and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Next in line is the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-pot, offering 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is available in Sierra, SLE, and Elevation trim. Mated to a modern eight-speed automatic, it caters to a large audience. It's well suited for doing quick deliveries between towns, but it can also be used as an affordable daily truck for a family on a budget.

The 5.3-liter V8 is available with or without dynamic fuel management (DMF), but in either instance, it produces a healthy 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. This engine also has a wide range of applications and can be equipped on both entry-level and high-end models. Three gearboxes are available for this particular engine. Without DMF, it's coupled to a six-speed automatic, and with it, you get an eight-speed automatic transmission. A ten-speed automatic gearbox is standard once the 5.3 V8 is coupled to a 4WD drivetrain.

The 3.0-liter Duramax sounds like a perfect match for the workhorse models, but it's primarily only available on mid to high-spec models. The main reason being that it's not a cheap engine to produce and costs more than the 5.3-liter V8. It only has 277 hp but a giant 460 lb-ft lump of torque, matching the biggest gasoline V8.

At the top, we find the 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This superb powertrain is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, one of the most iconic duos in the automotive industry. When simply idling along, the V8's soundtrack is hardly noticeable. There's also little to no vibration in the cabin. Step on it, however, and it won't hesitate to drop a cog or two. With this engine under the hood, the Sierra feels relaxed, but it can provide relatively furious acceleration without feeling overstressed.

Of all the available powertrains, we prefer the 6.2-liter V8 and its ten-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3 V8 is perfectly fine, but you can't go back to it once you've experienced the magnificent combination mentioned above.

Interior space depends on the configuration, with the Crew Cab offering the most amount of space in the rear. All models come with 44.5 inches of legroom and 43 inches of headroom in the front row. The Crew Cab offers 43.4 inches of rear legroom and 40.1 inches of headroom. The Double Cab's headroom is still sufficient (39.9 inches), but the 35.2 inches of rear legroom will see even average-sized adults struggle to find a comfortable seating position.

A three-seat bench is standard up front on the Regular Cab and base Double Cab and Crew Cab models. High-end models lose the front bench, replacing it with two bucket seats, an armrest, and storage cubbies below the center console, reducing its capacity to a five-seater. Four-way manually-adjustable seats are standard on low to mid-spec models, while high-end trims get ten-way power-adjustable seats.

On the more affordable end of the Sierra range, cloth seats are standard. The base trim is equipped by default with Jet Black vinyl but has optional no-cost access to cloth upholstery, too, while SLE and Elevation trim add Slate and Dark Walnut upholstery options and forgo the vinyl. These colors are also available on the SLT, but the cloth is upgraded to perforated leather. The top-spec Denali gets premium leather in Jet Black or a mix of Dark Walnut and Dark Ash Grey. AT4 trim comes with its model-specific Jet Black perforated leather with Kalahari inserts. As far as trim goes, there's nothing that stands out. Even high-end models get faux metal trim on the center console and steering wheel.