Why Are GMC Sierras So Expensive?

A GMC Sierra is just about the same thing as a Silverado, but they’re more expensive. Learn why and if it’s worth the extra price in this expert guide.

If you’re anything like me, then you have a liking for the GMC Sierra and you might be considering buying one yourself. I know I am. 

But they’re just so dang expensive! And you’re probably wondering why. 

I was wondering the same thing, so I decided to dive in and figure out why GMC Sierra’s are so expensive. 

Why Are GMC Sierras So Expensive? 

GMC Sierras are expensive because they’re high-quality, have luxurious options, and have a better reputation than their General Motors brother, the Silverado. For a new one, you can expect to pay at least $35,000 and up for a base model, and upwards of $70,000+ for a high-end Sierra.

Are GMC Sierra trucks worth the extra cost? That’s a question that many people are asking themselves when they’re in the market for a new truck. 

Trucks can be expensive, but is a GMC Sierra worth the added expense? In this article, we’ll take a look at how much GMCs cost to buy and maintain, as well as whether or not they’re more expensive than Silverados. 

We’ll also compare the quality of GMC trucks to Chevrolet trucks and see which company makes better vehicles.

Our main goal here is to provide our readers with the best content that we possibly can. 

The only way to do this is to thoroughly look into each and every topic in detail and vet the information for accuracy before publishing anything. 

That way, you can read this article with the confidence that you really will find exactly the information that you’re looking for. 

How much does a GMC Sierra cost?

The cost of a GMC Sierra will vary depending on the model and year that you choose. 

A new Sierra 1500 starts at just under $35,000 and then goes up from there. 

As you start to get higher into the trim levels and the bells and whistles, Sierras can certainly get pretty expensive. 

For example, if you opt for a GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali, you’re looking at an MSRP of about $70,000 and up. 

So yeah, they’re certainly not cheap!

Used Sierras will be less expensive, but the price will still depend on the model and year that you choose.

With the current used vehicle market, you won’t be saving much at all if you buy a GMC Sierra that’s only a couple of years old.

Heck, even if you’re in the market for a GMC Sierra that’s a decade old, you can still expect to spend around $25,000 or so. 

Depending on your budget and what you’re looking to spend, this might seem reasonable or ridiculous. 

But as far as trucks go, the GMC Sierra is one of the more expensive options out there, especially when you start looking at the used market.

Is a GMC Sierra more expensive than a Silverado?

No, a GMC Sierra is really not any more expensive than a Silverado.

In fact, they’re both made by General Motors so the cost is going to be pretty similar between the two models.

The main difference is that the Sierra is going to have a few more luxury features and options than the Silverado.

So, if you’re looking for a truck that has the potential to be a little bit nicer and can cost you more, then the Sierra is the right option for you.

But to drive this point home even further, the new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is going to set you back about $34,000 or so, which is almost the exact same price as the Sierra was above. 

And if you decide to shop for a new Silverado 3500HD High Country, you’re still looking at an MSRP of over $67,000.

So in general, a new Sierra will only cost you around $1,000 to $3,000 more than a Silverado, with the difference in price increasing as the sale price of both trucks similarly increases.

The biggest difference that you’ll find in price between the two trucks is on the used market. 

For a 10-year old Silverado 1500, you can find a bunch of them listed for sale for around $15,000 to $20,000, which is between 20-40% cheaper than the decade-old Sierra that we mentioned above. 

So even though the prices of these trucks might be similar when they’re brand new, the Sierra tends to hold its value longer and costs more on the used market. 

But that could actually be a good thing if you ever go to resell it.

Is a GMC Sierra expensive to maintain?

No, a GMC Sierra is not especially expensive to maintain. 

In fact, it’s actually pretty cheap to keep up with the maintenance on these trucks. 

For example, an oil change on a Sierra 1500 will only cost you about $60 or so.

And if you need new brakes, you’re looking at a bill of around $300 – $350 depending on the axle.

So, all in all, the GMC Sierra is a pretty affordable truck to maintain and doesn’t require any special or expensive parts.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Sierras are definitely not known for being the most reliable trucks on the market. 

After all, they’re not Toyota. 

This isn’t a knock on GMC or the Sierra itself, but just on the fact that American-made vehicles across the board tend to have a bit more issues than something like a Toyota. 

So even though the maintenance might not be especially expensive, you might find yourself having to do it more often than you would with another truck.

Are GMC trucks worth it?

This is a tough question to answer, as it really depends on what you’re looking for in a truck. 

If you need a reliable workhorse that can get the job done, then a GMC Sierra might not be worth the extra money. 

However, if you’re looking for a stylish and luxurious truck that has all of the bells and whistles, then a Sierra might be worth the investment. 

It really all comes down to what your priorities are and how much money you’re willing to spend.

One thing to keep in mind is that GMC trucks definitely have a reputation for being higher quality than Chevrolet trucks.

So if you’re torn between the two brands, know that GMC definitely has the upper hand when it comes to quality.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Chevrolet trucks are bad – they’re just not as good as GMCs. 

Which leads us to the final question that might be on your mind.

Is GMC better quality than Chevrolet?

In general, GMC trucks are going to be of a higher quality than Chevrolet trucks.

This is because GMC trucks are built with better materials and tend to have more features than their Chevy counterparts. 

For example, a GMC Sierra 1500 might have leather seats and heated mirrors, while a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will likely not have those same features.

So overall, GMCs are just nicer trucks that come with a bit of a higher price tag.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. 

You might find a Chevy truck that’s been very well-maintained and is in excellent condition – but in general, you’ll probably get more bang for your buck with a GMC.

So there you have it! Those are some of the main reasons why GMC Sierras are so expensive.

Is it worth the extra cost? That’s for you to decide. 

But now at least you know a little bit more about what goes into the price of these trucks.

Happy truck hunting!