The GMC Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Double Cab, equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and paired with a 4WD automatic transmission, was a popular configuration within the Sierra 1500 lineup from the 2018 to 2021 model years. This variant represented a strong balance between capability, comfort, and price, appealing to a broad range of truck buyers in the North American market. It sat in the mid-range of the available Sierra 1500 trims, offering more power and features than the base models but remaining more accessible than the fully-loaded Denali trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 1500 |
| Generation | Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Double Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 5.3 V8 (355 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg, 18 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 159.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 232.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 355 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 519 Nm @ 4100 rpm (382.79 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L82 |
| Engine displacement | 5328 cm3 (325.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV, VVT DI |
| Coolant Capacity | 12.8 l (13.53 US qt | 11.26 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2231 kg (4918.51 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3175 kg (6999.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 944 kg (2081.16 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 91 l (24.04 US gal | 20.02 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4263 kg (9398.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 5886 mm (231.73 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2063 mm (81.22 in.) |
| Height | 1921 mm (75.63 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3745 mm (147.44 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 345×20 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R17; 265/70 R17; 265/65 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0J x 17; 8.5J x 18 |
Introduction
The GMC Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Double Cab 5.3 V8 4WD Automatic, produced between 2018 and 2021, represents a significant iteration of GMC’s full-size pickup truck. Built on the GMTT1XX platform, this generation Sierra aimed to provide a more refined and technologically advanced experience compared to its predecessors. The Double Cab configuration offered a spacious interior with seating for five passengers, making it suitable for both work and family use. The 5.3-liter V8 engine and automatic transmission combination was a cornerstone of the Sierra 1500’s appeal, delivering a balance of power, efficiency, and usability.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Sierra 1500 variant lies the GM L82 5.3-liter V8 engine. This engine is a member of GM’s Small Block family, known for its durability and relatively simple design. The L82 features direct injection (DI) and Active Fuel Management (AFM), a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four cylinders during light-load driving to improve fuel economy. The engine produces 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. The valvetrain utilizes an overhead valve (OHV) configuration with variable valve timing (VVT).
The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (likely the 6L80-E). This transmission is known for its robustness and smooth shifting characteristics. The 4WD system is a traditional part-time system, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes as needed. The transfer case is electronically controlled, providing on-demand engagement of the front axle.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic combination provided a capable and comfortable driving experience. While not as quick as the available 6.2-liter V8, the 5.3L offered ample power for everyday driving, towing, and hauling. The automatic transmission was well-tuned, providing smooth and predictable shifts. The gear ratios were optimized for both on-road cruising and off-road capability. Compared to the manual transmission options, the automatic provided greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, it did result in a slight decrease in fuel economy and a less direct connection to the engine.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Double Cab 5.3 V8 4WD Automatic was typically offered in SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and various appearance packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 1500’s chassis featured an independent coil spring front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. This configuration provided a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. The braking system consisted of ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the truck’s weight. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. Steering was rack-and-pinion with electric power steering, offering a responsive and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Double Cab 5.3 V8 4WD Automatic was well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and capable powertrain. Compared to the 5.3L versions with rear-wheel drive, the 4WD models offered increased traction and off-road capability, but at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy. Compared to the 6.2L V8 models, the 5.3L offered a more affordable price point and better fuel efficiency, making it a more practical choice for many buyers. The smaller engine options were not available in the Double Cab configuration.
Legacy
The L82 5.3-liter V8 engine and 6L80-E automatic transmission have proven to be reliable and durable powertrains. While some early models experienced issues with the AFM system, these were largely addressed through software updates and revised components. Today, used Sierra 1500s from this generation remain popular choices for truck buyers, offering a good value proposition and a proven track record of reliability. The GMTT1XX platform laid the groundwork for future generations of the Sierra 1500, continuing GMC’s tradition of building capable and comfortable full-size pickup trucks.
