The GMC Sierra 1500 IV, specifically the Regular Cab Standard Box configuration with the 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 engine and four-wheel drive, was a mainstay of GMC’s full-size pickup truck lineup from 2016 to 2018. This variant represented a balance between capability and affordability within the Sierra 1500 range, targeting buyers who needed a robust work truck without the added expense of higher trim levels or larger engines. It was part of the GMTK2XX platform, a significant update to the Sierra 1500 series, introducing revised styling, enhanced interior features, and updated powertrain options. This particular combination – the 4.3L V6 paired with an automatic transmission and 4WD – offered a compelling option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and everyday usability over outright towing capacity or performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 1500 |
| Generation | Sierra 1500 IV (GMTK2XX, facelift 2016) Regular Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 (285/297 Hp) 4WD 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) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189 Nm/tonne |
| 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 | 2185 kg (4817.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3039 kg (6699.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 854 kg (1882.75 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%) | 3447 kg (7599.33 lbs.) |
| Length | 5206 mm (204.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1883 mm (74.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3023 mm (119.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1745 mm (68.7 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1716 mm (67.56 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 15.2° |
| Departure angle | 24.9° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.1° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 90-degree V6 configuration. The EcoTec3 family of engines were designed for a balance of power and efficiency, utilizing features like active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) to improve fuel economy during light-load driving. The LV3 produces 285 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. When running on E85 flex fuel, output increases to 297 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque. The engine employs an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, a design choice that contributes to its compact size and relatively simple maintenance. The Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine, providing smooth shifts and adequate gear ratios for both everyday driving and moderate towing. This transmission is known for its durability and reliability.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic combination in the Sierra 1500 delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience, though it wasn’t designed for rapid acceleration. The power delivery is relatively smooth and linear, making it easy to modulate for everyday tasks. Compared to the available 5.3L and 6.2L V8 options, the 4.3L felt noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded or towing. However, the automatic transmission’s gear ratios were well-suited to the engine’s torque curve, providing adequate pulling power for typical light-duty tasks. The 4WD system offered enhanced traction in inclement weather or on unpaved surfaces. Fuel economy was a strong point for this configuration, offering a noticeable improvement over the V8 models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L 4WD Sierra 1500 typically served as the entry-level offering in the lineup. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, power windows and locks, and a rearview camera. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a functional, if somewhat spartan, dashboard layout. Optional extras included upgraded infotainment systems with navigation, a premium audio system, and various convenience features like remote keyless entry and power-adjustable seats. The focus was on providing essential features at an affordable price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 1500 IV utilized a fully boxed frame for enhanced rigidity and durability. The front suspension featured independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining a respectable payload capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, with ABS included as standard equipment. The braking system was adequate for the truck’s weight and performance, but it wasn’t as powerful or sophisticated as those found on higher-trim models.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally viewed the 4.3L Sierra 1500 as a practical and value-oriented option. It was praised for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but some reviewers noted its lack of power compared to the V8 models. Compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 with similar engine configurations, the Sierra 1500 offered a competitive combination of features and price. The 4.3L engine proved to be relatively reliable, with fewer reported issues than some of the more complex V8 powertrains.
Legacy
The 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a durable and dependable powertrain. In the used car market, these Sierra 1500s are often sought after by buyers looking for a capable and affordable work truck. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is good. While not the most powerful or luxurious option in the Sierra 1500 lineup, this configuration represents a solid value for those prioritizing practicality and reliability.
