The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 comes as the final model year for the current fourth-generation pickup, and as such, it features only a few minor changes compared to the 2025 model. GM Authority in scope, the updates include little things like new exterior colors. Still, the 2026 GMC Sierra delivers strong capabilities where it matters most. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look at the 2026 GMC Sierra’s payload capacity.
2026 GMC Sierra payload figures vary widely depending on cab configuration, bed length, drivetrain and engine choice. At the top of the range, the 2026 GMC Sierra’s top payload rating reaches 2,230 pounds, which is available on Regular Cab models equipped with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine, in both standard and long-bed configurations with rear-wheel drive. The same configuration with four-wheel drive is slightly reduced, with maximum capacities of 2,110 pounds and 2,090 pounds, respectively.
Well-equipped Double Cab Standard Bed models can tow up to 2,020 pounds with the 2.7L turbo engine in 2WD form, while diesel-powered variants top out at 1,760 pounds. Models equipped with the available Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT) can push the payload slightly higher in certain configurations.
The 2026 GMC Sierra Crew Cab configuration, which is typically the most popular among retail buyers, offers slightly lower numbers, but they’re still pretty good. Sierra Crew Cab Short Bed models top out at 2,000 pounds with the turbo-four in 2WD form, while V8 and diesel variants generally tip the scales between 1,710 and 1,980 pounds depending on the drivetrain. Opting for an off-road-focused trim like the Sierra AT4X significantly reduces payload capacity, with the figure dropping to 1,350 pounds due to the added weight of the off-road hardware and luxury equipment.
Check out the complete list of 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 payload capacities in the table below:
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Payload Capacity
| Configuration | drive system | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 5.3L V8 L84 | 6.2L V8 L87 | Turbo-Diesel 3.0L I6 LZ0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payload (lbs/kg) | Payload (lbs/kg) | Payload (lbs/kg) | Payload (lbs/kg) | ||
| Regular Cabin Standard Bed | 2WD | 2,230 / 1,012 | 2,150/975 | – | – |
| Regular Cabin Standard Bed | 4WD | 2,110/957 | 2,030/921 | – | – |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 2WD | 2,230 / 1,012 | 2,120/962 | – | – |
| Regular Cab Long Bed | 4WD | 2,090/948 | 1,970/894 | – | – |
| Double Cabin Standard Bed | 2WD | 2,020/916 | 1,890/857 | – | 1,760/798 |
| Double Cabin Standard Bed | 4WD | 2010/912 | 1,890/857 | – | 1,720/780 |
| Standard Double Cab Bed with NHT1 | 2WD | – | 2,040/925 | – | 1,880/853 |
| Standard Double Cab Bed with NHT1 | 4WD | – | 2,030/921 | – | 1,870/848 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed | 2WD | 2,000/907 | 1,980/898 | – | 1,840/835 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed | 4WD | 1,980/898 | 1,960/889 | 1,710/776 | 1,790/812 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed with NHT1 | 2WD | – | 2,020/916 | – | 1,860/844 |
| Crew Cab Short Bed with NHT1 | 4WD | – | 2,000/907 | 1,870/848 | 1,850/839 |
| Lifted Crew Cab Short Bed | 4WD | – | – | 1,660/753 | 1,670/758 |
| AT4X Crew Cab Short Bed | 4WD | – | – | 1,350/612 | 1,380/626 |
| Standard Crew Cabin Bed | 4WD | 1,930/875 | 1,910/866 | 1,660/753 | 1,740/789 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed with NHT1 | 4WD | – | 1,950/885 | 1,830/830 | 1,800/816 |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed Lifts Up | 4WD | – | – | 1,610/730 | 1,620/735 |
1. Optional Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT).
The 2026 GMC Sierra’s engine option list is unchanged from the 2025 model year. The turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.3L V8 L84 and 6.2L V8 L87 engines produce 355 horsepower and 420 horsepower, respectively. The Duramax turbodiesel 3.0L I6 LZ0 rounds out the lineup with an impressive 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque.
Production of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 takes place at the Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana and the GM Silao Assembly plant in Mexico.
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