Only nine months after GMC->ke32 debuted its 2015 Sierra 1500 Elevation Edition, the 2016 version is here to replace it. However, most of the content and cosmetics stay the same. What changes are the new front face and rear end – both of which are revised for 2016 across the Sierra->ke241 lineup.

This mid-cycle refresh for the Sierra – along with its Chevrolet Silverado cousin – is meant to bring new life to the trucks, both of which debuted for the 2014 model year. Now two short years later, the trucks have a new mug and some minor updates to the infotainment system. And that’s about it.

If you clicked the link above to read my review of the 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition, you’d be hard-pressed to finish the review with a smile. To be blunt, I ripped GMC a new one over it calling the Elevation Edition a “sport” truck. See, in my mind, sport trucks should have stupid amounts of horsepower with a tightened suspension and fat, sticky tires. The GMC Syclone and Ford F-150 Lighting are perfect examples. What does the GMC Sierra Elevation come standard with? A V-6 with 285 horsepower. Yawn

While I can’t say my mind has changed, General Motors->ke1024 has debuted several similar “special editions” to its truck lineups, both with the GMC and Chevrolet->ke199 brands. None of them have powertrain modifications. A few come with more purposeful off-road tires, but otherwise, the modifications are all cosmetic. With that being set as the norm, my expectations for GM’s special editions have (sadly) changed.

Nevertheless, these appearance packages attract customers to showrooms. GM will tell you these dolled-up trucks sell more quickly than standard, run-of-the-mill pickups. I don’t doubt that one bit. Still, It’s hard not to pine for a 580-horsepower, supercharged, 6.2-liter LSA-powered Sierra with the guts to take on a Ford Mustang GT.

Anyway, let’s jump into the details of the 2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition.

Exterior

Black, black, and more black. The Elevation Edition wears the murdered-out, monochromatic look proudly. Only the red GMC logo, the LED-encrusted, HID headlights and the chrome accents along the grille and badges depart from the all-black look.

The Elevation Edition only comes on Double Cab models – the Sierra’s version of the extended cab. The truck can be had in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, so the tires change from street-biased to meatier all-terrain rubber with the addition of a transfer case. In either configuration, black tow hooks and 20-inch black wheels come standard.

Interior

Note: 2015 Interior shown

Though the Sierra’s exterior wears an update for 2016, the interior design carries over unchanged. You won’t hear complaints from me, however, as the Sierra has a wonderfully designed, extremely useful, and ergonomic cabin. Tons of USB and 12-volt power ports are scatter about the cabin, as are storage cubbies, cup holders, and a 110-volt AC power outlet.

Opting for the Elevation Edition upgrades the Sierra’s interior by making the seven-inch infotainment touch screen standard. Now for 2016 that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Other standard features include remote keyless entry with a remote locking tailgate, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, and a six-speaker sound system.

Drivetrain

Powering the GMC Sierra Elevation Edition is either the base 4.3-liter V-6 or the optional 5.3-liter V-8. Both engines are of GM’s EcoTec3 variety, meaning they come with variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and active fuel management, otherwise known as displacement on demand. Those three features help conserve fuel while giving the engines more power under heavy throttle.

The 4.3-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the 5.3-liter V-8, and output ratings jump to 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As mentioned earlier, the truck can be had in either 2WD or 4WD, however, regardless of choice, the Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential comes standard.

Safety

Don’t expect anything to change in the safety department despite the refreshed bodywork for 2016. Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rate the 2015 Sierra at five stars – the best ratings for both organizations.

Prices

Though GMC has yet to release pricing for the 2016 Sierra Elevation Edition, it’s easy to estimate pricing based on the 2015 truck, which started at $34,865 for the V-6 and 2WD.

Expect the 2016 Sierra Elevation Edition’s base price to start around $39,550. Here’s how that breaks down: the 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition cost $2,975 more than the standard 2015 Sierra Double Cab. For 2016, the Sierra Double Cab’s price has jumped a staggering $4,685 to $36,575. Tack on the $2,975 and you arrive at $39,550. Of course, that’s if GMC doesn’t increase the Elevation Edition price as well.

Man, when did trucks get so expensive?

Competition

2015 Ram 1500 R/T

Hiding deep within the Ram->ke4211 lineup is the R/T package. Opt for the single cab and a short bed, and you’ve got a legit muscle truck. Powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 making 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, the 1500 R/T hits 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. That’s considerably faster than the old Ford Lighting.

The Ram has some respectable looks as well. Body colored bumpers, massive chrome wheels, and a factory dual exhaust system make this pickup feel more like a 1960s muscle car->ke507. Prices for the 2015 Ram 1500 R/T start at $36,225.

2015 Ford F-150

Though it isn’t advertised this way, the F-150 can be configured like a sport truck. Selecting the single cab requires the eight-foot bed, but allows the addition of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. With 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the twin-turbo V-6 offers plenty of grunt, especially higher in the power band. If V-8 power is what you’re after, the 5.0-liter V-8 kicks out 385 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of toque.

Avoiding the costly trim levels and option packages keeps the price reasonable. I configured an EcoBoost-powered F-150 in the XLT trim for $34,665. Not too bad for a plane-Jane sleeper truck.

You can read more about the new F-150 here.

Conclusion

The Sierra Elevation Edition might not be the “sport” truck many enthusiasts were hoping for, but the blacked out, monochromatic theme does give the Sierra a menacing appearance that should attract buyers. For those who like the look but want something else, expect GMC to debut a few other special editions, including a 2016 replacement for the 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition.

While it’s doubtful GM will release a high-performance version of either the Sierra or Chevy Silverado, owners can always bolt on more power from aftermarket companies and speed shops. Doing that on top of the dolled-up Elevation or 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Midnight Edition would make for a sick package.