The GMC Sierra 1500, a full-size pickup truck manufactured by General Motors, has been a mainstay of the American automotive landscape for decades. The fourth generation, designated GMTK2XX, underwent a significant facelift in 2016, bringing updated styling and technology. This article focuses specifically on the Regular Cab Long Box configuration equipped with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission and FlexFuel capability, produced between 2016 and 2018. This variant occupied a middle ground in the Sierra 1500 lineup, offering a balance of capability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 1500 |
| Generation | Sierra 1500 IV (GMTK2XX, facelift 2016) Regular Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 5.3 EcoTec3 V6 (355/380 Hp) Automatic FlexFuel |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.2 kg/Hp, 162.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 237.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 355 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.6 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 380 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 71.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 519 Nm @ 4100 rpm (382.79 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Torque (Ethanol – E85) | 564 Nm @ 4100 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 5800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L83 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 14.8 l (15.64 US qt | 13.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2186 kg (4819.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3084 kg (6799.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 898 kg (1979.75 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 2162 l (76.35 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 128 l (33.81 US gal | 28.16 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3084 kg (6799.06 lbs.) |
| Length | 5701 mm (224.45 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1867 mm (73.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3378 mm (132.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1747 mm (68.78 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1716 mm (67.56 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 212 mm (8.35 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.4 m (43.96 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 14.7° |
| Departure angle | 23.7° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 21.1° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Box with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V6 and automatic transmission represented a work-focused iteration of GM’s popular full-size pickup. Built on the GMTK2XX platform, this configuration catered to buyers prioritizing practicality and towing capacity over luxury features. The Regular Cab body style, combined with the longer bed, maximized cargo space, making it ideal for commercial use or those needing to haul substantial loads. The 5.3L engine, a staple of GM trucks for years, provided a good balance of power and fuel economy, while the automatic transmission offered ease of use for a wide range of drivers.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Sierra 1500 variant lies the L83 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine is characterized by its aluminum cylinder heads and block, direct fuel injection, and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) technology. Direct injection improves combustion efficiency and power output, while AFM shuts down four cylinders during light-load driving conditions to enhance fuel economy. The engine produces 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 382.79 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. When running on E85 fuel, the engine output increases to 380 horsepower and 422 lb-ft of torque. The Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission was the sole transmission option for this configuration. This transmission is known for its smooth shifting and durability. The transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both towing and everyday driving, providing adequate acceleration and maintaining reasonable engine speeds at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 2016-2018 Sierra 1500 5.3L Automatic delivers a competent, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The 5.3L engine provides ample power for most tasks, including towing and hauling. However, it doesn’t offer the quick acceleration of the available 6.2-liter V8. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and predictably, but can sometimes feel hesitant when downshifting for passing maneuvers. Compared to a manual transmission equipped Sierra, the automatic prioritizes convenience over driver engagement. The long wheelbase and leaf spring rear suspension contribute to a comfortable ride, but can also result in some body roll during cornering. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction in dry conditions, but can struggle in slippery environments without the aid of electronic stability control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Regular Cab Long Box 5.3L Sierra 1500 typically came standard with basic features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels, such as SLE and SLT, added features like upgraded upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system, and additional convenience features. Optional extras included a trailer brake controller, a navigation system, and various appearance packages. The interior was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. The standard seating configuration accommodated three passengers, although the rear seat was relatively cramped.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 1500’s chassis featured an independent coil spring front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. The braking system consisted of ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS as standard. The rear brakes were slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes. The steering system utilized a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power steering, providing responsive and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L Automatic was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its strong engine, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials were not as refined as those found in some competing trucks. Compared to the 6.2-liter V8-powered Sierra, the 5.3L offered a more affordable price point and slightly better fuel economy. Compared to the diesel-powered Duramax engine, the 5.3L provided less torque but was simpler and less expensive to maintain.
Legacy
The L83 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant. While not without its potential issues (such as oil consumption in some cases), it generally provides years of dependable service with proper maintenance. The 6L80 automatic transmission is also known for its robustness. Today, these Sierra 1500s can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices, making them a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and reliable full-size pickup truck. Their continued presence on roads and job sites is a testament to their enduring quality and practicality.
