I spent more than two decades working in the retail automotive business, and during that time, I learned that how people talk about trucks is often very different from how they actually use them. A recent study shows that only 7.9% of full-size pickup owners tow weekly, while 32% never tow at all. About 61.3% report hauling something in the bed at least once a month. Those numbers match what I saw in real life. Many buyers use their trucks as comfortable daily vehicles that offer flexibility when needed rather than as tools for constant heavy work.
Because of that reality, I pay attention when I drive a new truck that could realistically fit the everyday routine of a broad group of buyers. I also spend every week talking to EV skeptics on my radio show. They are curious but skeptical. Their biggest concern is that an electric pickup might not blend into their routines without creating stress or inconvenience. After spending time with the 2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4 Max Range, I think this may be the first electric truck that eases that concern for a lot of people.
GMC claims that the AT4 with the Max Range battery can travel up to 478 miles on a full charge. That number is more than an impressive statistic. It directly addresses the anxiety that many potential EV owners feel. I found that kind of range most beneficial for standard driving patterns such as commuting, errands, job site visits, kids’ activities, and weekend outings. I did not take the truck on any long interstate trips, but I never experienced range anxiety during my week with it.
Visually, the Sierra EV takes a familiar approach. It does not try to look futuristic or experimental. It looks like a traditional full-size truck with a tall stance and a confident presence. That familiarity will matter to buyers who do not want to become a focal point in a parking lot or job site. At the same time, the height created a real issue for me. The truck was too tall to enter my work parking deck, which forced me to park on the street at a cost of 4 or 5 dollars per day. That may not matter to someone with suburban parking at home, but anyone who parks in a garage should measure the clearance before assuming it will fit.
Inside the cabin, the Sierra EV feels premium and comfortable in a way that makes daily driving relaxed. Space is suitable for a small family, and the panoramic glass roof creates an open, airy feel without overheating the cabin on sunny days. The large center screen generated positive reactions from passengers and gave the interior a contemporary look. I appreciated that GMC retained physical climate controls because simple functions are easier to manage with physical buttons rather than scrolling through menus on a screen.
The technology experience is not perfect. I used the built-in Waze app and encountered problems where the on-screen icon did not always match the audible instructions. When I ran the smartphone version of Waze at the same time, it performed correctly, which suggests that the issue was not with the app but with GM’s integration of it. GM also removed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which remains an unpopular decision. It would not surprise me if the company eventually reevaluates that choice.
My test vehicle included GM’s hands-free driving technology called Super Cruise. I used it on compatible roads and found it to be smooth and predictable. Many people are skeptical about the safety of hands-free driving features, which is understandable. The system still requires the driver to pay attention and stay engaged, so it is not a self-driving experience. What it does well is reduce the workload on longer stretches of highway and make driving less tiring. For anyone who spends a lot of time on the road, this technology can add convenience without asking you to change your driving habits in a major way.
In terms of capability, the AT4 trim is well-equipped for off-road environments and rough routes that many truck owners encounter occasionally. It has increased ground clearance compared to the standard Sierra EV, along with tall tires and four-wheel steer. A Terrain mode works smoothly at low speed and provides confident traction on uneven terrain. In my rock pit, the truck climbed over obstacles that would challenge many traditional half-ton pickups, suggesting it can handle more than just pavement duty.
Cargo flexibility is another strength. The available MultiPro MidGate allows the owner to extend usable cargo length to nearly 11 feet while still keeping a rear passenger seat available. This design accommodates long materials and helps expand utility without committing to a permanently long bed. The system requires time and effort to set up, which means most owners will likely use it occasionally rather than frequently. Even so, it is valuable to have that capability when needed.
I did not tow anything during my time with the truck, so I cannot speak from direct experience. Based on GMC figures, the Sierra EV should meet the needs of the kind of towing that many half-ton owners actually do. Boats, small trailers, lawn equipment, and occasional home improvement loads should be handled without much trouble. Buyers who tow regularly at higher weights are often in three-quarter-ton or one-ton trucks, regardless of whether the powertrain is gasoline, diesel, or electric.
One of the conveniences that stood out to me was the front trunk, which I used during Costco runs to keep certain items clean and separate. That simple feature may matter more to everyday owners than they realize.
After driving or evaluating the Ford Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, it is clear that each appeals to a different audience. Rivian feels like a lifestyle vehicle for adventure-oriented buyers. Cybertruck attracts early adopters who want to stand out. Lightning offers familiarity but with less range. The Sierra EV AT4 feels like a truck designed for people who want a familiar pickup experience with the benefits of electric power, rather than a futuristic concept adapted into truck form.
That design philosophy is what makes it the most practical electric pickup on sale right now.
For someone shopping for a half-ton pickup and open to electrification, this may be the first option that fits their daily life without major compromise. Considering current incentives, a 3-year lease could be a smart way to experience electric ownership without making a long-term commitment during a fast-changing period in vehicle technology.
For small business owners with predictable routes and the ability to install charging at home or at a shop, there is real potential for long-term fuel savings.
Most truck buyers are not towing heavy loads every week. Most want comfort, capability, and the ability to haul when necessary. This Sierra EV can do that. Based on GMC figures, it should also handle the same work as the gasoline version when those occasions arise.
For anyone who uses a truck the way most people do, this may be the first electric pickup that truly fits their life. That alone makes it worth considering.
2026 GMC Sierra EV Buyers Guide
The 2026 GMC Sierra EV lineup gives buyers more choice than any electric pickup GMC has offered. Three trims are available: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Each trim serves a different type of driver and can be configured with multiple battery options, delivering a wide range of performance, capability, and range.
Overall Range
GMC estimates that the Sierra EV can deliver competitive range ratings across all trims, with the AT4 and Denali offering among the longest available in any electric truck.
• Elevation: EPA estimated up to 410 miles
• AT4: GM estimated up to 478 miles
• Denali: GM estimated up to 478 miles
The AT4 with the available Max Range battery can travel from Los Angeles to Phoenix, San Francisco to Santa Barbara, or New York City to Virginia Beach on a full charge. GMC states that this range surpasses that of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck.
Battery Choices
The Sierra EV lineup offers three battery options depending on trim level.
• Standard Range
• Extended Range
• Max Range
Elevation is available with Standard or Extended Range batteries. AT4 offers Extended or Max Range. Denali offers all three battery options. Battery range estimates for each configuration will be confirmed closer to launch.
Trim Breakdown
Sierra EV Elevation
The Elevation is the most accessible trim and features an attractive balance of technology and practicality.
Key features include:
• 16.8-inch center touchscreen
• eTrunk with power-operated hood
• MultiPro tailgate with optional MidGate
• After Dark interior design
• 18-inch wheels
• Available 800 volt fast charging up to 300 kW
• Available 7.2 kW off-board power system
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance
Best for daily driving, fleet buyers, and first-time EV truck shoppers.
Sierra EV AT4
The AT4 is designed for off-road capability with advanced features that improve maneuverability and traction.
Key features include:
• Lifted coil suspension and 35-inch all-terrain tires
• 2 inches of additional ground clearance
• Standard 4-wheel steer with CrabWalk
• Terrain Mode with one pedal drive and automatic braking
• AT4 exclusive Forest Storm interior
• Available MultiPro MidGate expandable bed with nearly 11 feet of cargo length
• Available 800 volt fast charging up to 350 kW, providing about 100 miles in 10 minutes
• Available 10.2 kW Energy Transfer Pro off-board power system with 240-volt and 120-volt outlets in the bed
• Red illuminated front badge
• Up to 12,300 pounds maximum towing
Best for drivers who want off-road performance, utility, and long-range capability.
Sierra EV Denali
The Denali is the most premium model with luxury features and advanced drivetrain technology.
Key features include:
• All three battery options
• Choice of two interior designs
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Standard Super Cruise driver assistance
• Available 4-wheel steer
• Available Adaptive Air Ride suspension
• Panoramic fixed glass roof
Best for drivers who want high-end design, maximum power, and advanced driver comfort.
Pricing
Manufacturer suggested pricing with destination charges included:
• Elevation Standard Range: $64,495
• Elevation Extended Range: $72,695
• AT4 Extended Range: $81,395
• AT4 Max Range: $91,695
• Denali Standard Range: $71,795
• Denali Extended Range: $79,995
• Denali Max Range: $100,695
Prices exclude tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealers set final price.
Power and Performance
Electric drive uses a dual-motor configuration, with performance varying by trim and battery.
Horsepower
• 645 hp on Elevation and Denali Extended Range
• 625 hp on AT4 Extended Range
• 725 hp on AT4 Max Range
• 760 hp on Denali Max Range
Torque
• 765 lb ft on Elevation Extended Range
• 775 lb ft on AT4 Extended and Max Range
• 785 lb ft on Denali Extended and Max Range
Cargo and Storage
The Sierra EV offers multiple cargo solutions:
• Cargo box volume of 57.5 cubic feet
• eTrunk volume of 11 cubic feet
• Available MultiPro MidGate for 11-foot cargo lengths
• Multiple power outlets for tools and accessories
Towing and Payload
Maximum trailering and payload vary by trim.
Maximum payload:
• Elevation: 2,250 pounds
• AT4: 1,950 pounds
• Denali: 2,250 pounds
Maximum trailer rating:
• Elevation: 12,500 pounds
• AT4: 12,300 pounds
• Denali: 12,500 pounds
Trailering capacity depends on the battery, configuration, number of passengers, and load weight.
Warranty
Battery and electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Who Should Buy Each Trim
Elevation
Buyers moving from a midsize pickup or SUV who want EV convenience, lower entry cost, and strong range.
AT4
Drivers who want off-road capability, long range, and features that support recreation and utility.
Denali
Buyers who want premium comfort, maximum power, advanced suspension, and upscale design.
Bottom Line
The 2026 GMC Sierra EV lineup delivers more range, more choice, and more capability than previous models. The AT4 and Denali offer long driving ranges that exceed those of other electric trucks, while the Elevation provides a more accessible price without sacrificing core features.
Whether you want luxury, capability, or a daily driver with EV efficiency, the Sierra EV lineup gives you an option that fits.
