The GMC Sierra 1500 IV, specifically the Crew Cab Standard Box configuration with the 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in GMC’s full-size pickup truck lineage. Produced from 2016 to 2018 as part of the GMTK2XX platform’s facelift, this variant aimed to balance capability with efficiency and affordability within the Sierra 1500 range. It served as a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile truck for both work and family use, offering a step up in refinement from base models while remaining more accessible than the higher-trim levels and larger engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 1500 |
| Generation | Sierra 1500 IV (GMTK2XX, facelift 2016) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 (285/297 Hp) Automatic FlexFuel |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 285 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.3 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 297 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 69.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 413 Nm @ 3900 rpm (304.61 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Torque (Ethanol – E85) | 447 Nm @ 3900 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 5800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LV3 |
| Engine displacement | 4300 cm3 (262.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.6 mm (3.92 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 |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14 l (14.79 US qt | 12.32 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2343 kg (5165.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3130 kg (6900.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 787 kg (1735.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1728 l (61.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l (25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3175 kg (6999.68 lbs.) |
| Length | 6067 mm (238.86 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1873 mm (73.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3886 mm (152.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1747 mm (68.78 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1716 mm (67.56 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 14.8 m (48.56 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 16.7° |
| Departure angle | 23.3° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 17.5° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| 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 | 245/70 R17; 265/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Sierra 1500 variant is the 4.3L LV3 EcoTec3 V6 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, direct-injected powerplant featuring a 11:1 compression ratio and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain. The EcoTec3 family was designed for efficiency and durability, incorporating features like active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) to improve fuel economy during light-load driving. The direct injection system optimizes combustion, contributing to both power and efficiency. The engine is capable of running on gasoline or E85 flex fuel, with a slight power increase (297 hp) when utilizing E85. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the chassis. The powertrain is paired with a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, chosen for its smooth operation and reliability. This transmission features electronically controlled shifting and is designed to handle the torque output of the V6 engine effectively.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.3L V6 with the six-speed automatic delivers adequate performance for everyday driving and typical truck tasks. While not as quick as the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 options, it provides sufficient power for towing moderate loads and navigating highway speeds. The automatic transmission is tuned for smooth shifts and generally avoids hunting for gears. The gear ratios are optimized for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy. Compared to manual transmission equipped Sierra 1500s, the automatic offers greater convenience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. However, it does result in a slight reduction in fuel efficiency and a less engaging driving experience. The weight-to-power ratio of 8.2 kg/Hp translates to a respectable, though not exhilarating, acceleration profile.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 4.3L V6 automatic typically came standard on the SLE and Elevation trims of the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Popular optional extras included a navigation system, upgraded audio systems, heated and ventilated front seats, and various driver-assistance features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. The Crew Cab configuration provided ample space for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making it a comfortable choice for families.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 1500 IV utilizes a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension features independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration balances ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard. The rear brakes are slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power steering, providing responsive and precise handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 4.3L V6 Sierra 1500 was generally well-received by critics as a capable and efficient option in the full-size truck segment. It offered a compelling alternative to the V8 models for buyers who didn’t require maximum towing capacity or performance. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the 4.3L V6 consistently outperforming the larger engines in this regard. Compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the Sierra 1500 4.3L offered a more traditional V6 experience, lacking the turbocharging complexity of the Ford. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the active fuel management system.
Legacy
The 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 powertrain has proven to be relatively reliable in the long term, with many examples exceeding 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. The Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission is also known for its durability. On the used car market, these Sierra 1500s represent a good value proposition, offering a capable and comfortable truck at a more affordable price point than newer models or higher-trim versions. The combination of a V6 engine, automatic transmission, and Crew Cab configuration makes it a practical and versatile choice for a wide range of buyers.
