GMC Sierra
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The GMC Sierra appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with diesel and gasoline and hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 15 to 26 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,100 to $4,700 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$3,800 | 14 |
| 2017 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$3,800 | 14 |
| 2018 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$4,700 | 14 |
| 2019 | 15-21 MPG | $3,100-$4,700 | 22 |
| 2020 | 15-26 MPG | $3,100-$4,700 | 26 |
How it compares
Against the average standard pickup trucks 4wd in this dataset (about 18 MPG), the Sierra sits roughly 2 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a Sierra for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $15,500 to $23,500, averaging about $19,500 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the Sierra varies by about 11 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline and hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Sierra check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the Sierra's average combined economy improved from about 18 to 20 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2020 Sierra has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 18 MPG, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 17 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 Sierra at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Diesel | 26 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Diesel | 24 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Diesel | 24 MPG |
| Sierra 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 21 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 20 MPG |
| Sierra 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 20 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 19 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Sierra 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
| Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
| Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
| Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the Sierra against a rival, or go back to all GMC models.