2013 GMC Sierra 1500 — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2013 GMC Sierra 1500

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $21,440–$24,713
Fuel Economy 10 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $5,250/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 GMC Sierra 1500

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$21,440–$24,713

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500

With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.3/10, while Technology at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 5.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $21,440–$24,713, 10 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Sierra 1500 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the truck market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks #495 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $21,440 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 39%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Sierra 1500 Year Should You Buy?

Across the Sierra 1500 model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.6/10$41,612 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$40,400 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$39,188 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$37,976 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$36,764 Read review →
2020 7.3/10$35,552 Read review →
2019 7.4/10$34,340 Read review →
2018 7.2/10$33,128 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$31,916 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$30,704 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$29,492 Read review →
2014 6.8/10$22,400 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 GMC Sierra 1500

✓ What it does well

  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 (3 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment
26/04/2018 · 18V267000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
05/02/2021 · 21V054000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
05/02/2021 · 21V053000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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