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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $33,128–$39,640 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 7.3/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.9/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.8/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining trucks to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.6/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $33,128–$39,640, 15 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Sierra 1500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks #336 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,128 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.2 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $33,128 | |
| 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 → |
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.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum 06/09/2019 · 19V645000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Wheel speed sensor/tone ring 24/10/2019 · 19V761000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum 01/10/2020 · 20V603000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time,… |
| Air bags / Side/window / Curtain / Inflator 10/10/2024 · 24V756000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach… |
| Air bags 26/06/2025 · 25V432000 | General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end… |
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of GMC models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.