Used GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014-2018 Buying Guide

Article content

GM’s ‘K2XX’ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks debuted in 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. Between model-years 2014 and 2018, these third-generation Silverado and fourth-generation Sierra twins averaged Canadian sales of just over 100,000 units per year, meaning ample supply in the pre-owned market.

Trim and Options

Like most full-sized North-American pick-ups, ‘GMT K2XX’ Sierra & Silverado trims were plentiful enough to almost consider each one custom built. The Sierra was offered in no fewer than 28 trim levels in 2014 and the Silverado menu brought a whopping 46 entries. From regular-cab short-box models to full four-door crew-cab regular-boxers, GM and Chevrolet offered it all in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

The ‘double cab’ designation referred to a four-door with shorter rear doors and less interior rear-seat room, while the crew cab is the longer full-sized rear-door option. Regular cab means only a two-door, one-row model. Engine options ranged from a 4.3-litre gasoline V6 to 5.3L and 6.2L V8s.

Power flowed to either the rear or to all four wheels via a traditional six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission on most models. An eight-speed automatic was optionally available in certain years, and a manual gearbox was offered but never sold in great numbers.

Available features included the MyLink infotainment system, subscription-based OnStar services, built-in navigation, optional premium audio, climate-controlled seating, wireless smartphone charging, a comprehensive driver information display, household-style power outlet, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, remote start, and more.

Used 2014-2018 K2XX Sierra & Silverado pricing

Current Canadian asking prices for a used 2014-2018 GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado range from $11,000-$36,000, with plenty available in the low-mid $20k range.

Canadian market values for earlier entry-level models like a SWB rear-wheel-drive 2014 Sierra Regular Cab may range from $3,975 in rough condition to $5,675 in average shape, or $7,775 in top condition; average dealer-side wholesale values hover around $3,978.

Average midrange examples like an AWD SWB LT Double Cab span these respective conditions from $13,800, $16,000, or $18,775 against average wholesale values of around $13,668.

Newer high-trim K2XXs like an AWD LWB 2018 Sierra Denali can be found rough for roughly $33,975, average for $35,700, or clean for $38,350, against average dealer wholesale values of $32,487.

Interior and Practicality

The K2XX-generation Silverado and Sierra had welcoming interiors with plenty of storage cubbies, a refined car-like ride, and relatively low levels of wind and road noise. Controls featured large, easy-to-use knobs and switches. Visibility was excellent, as expected in a higher-riding platform not subject to quite the same safety requirements as smaller vehicles.

GMCs and Chevrolets interiors didn’t bring the ‘wow’ factor of Ram or Ford products, but they were great competitors.

Even though these trucks had a lower than average step-in height, plan on getting running boards or side steps if you’re going to be carrying any average-height passengers.

Compared to the earlier ‘GMT900’ generation, Driving’s Brian Harper reported of the then-new 2014 LTZ that “it’s easy to spot the cabin upgrades as well as the improvements to the ride and handling. These revisions include a stronger, quieter cab, thanks to the increased use of high-strength steel as well as wind tunnel testing to reduce drag. New inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the bodyside, reduce wind noise for a quieter cab. That same high-strength steel now composes the frame’s main rails and crossmembers for added strength and rigidity.”

Used K2XX Sierra/Silverado problems

GM’s active fuel management system deactivates certain cylinders to improve fuel economy under light engine loads, but time has shown that it may cause excessive oil consumption when it fails, allowing the crankcase ventilation system to draw excessive oil vapours from the crankcase and then into the combustion chambers.

When it works though, Lesley Wimbush reported in 2016 that “The big V8 features active cylinder management, which shuts down four cylinders during light load for better fuel efficiency. It’s smooth and seamless, with only the TFT display informing you that the truck is operating as a four-cylinder.”

Carbon buildup on cylinder-head valves were also reported by owners with trucks with over 100,000 km on the odometer.

Six-speed automatic transmission faults also led to stall-outs. Flushing the old transmission fluid out and replacing it along with a new filter solved the problem most of the time. The early warning sign was a noticeable driveline jerk when the accelerator was released, or from unexplained engine revs when not accelerating.

Make sure to check the service history on any used vehicle you’re considering and have it reviewed independently to make sure it meets the automaker’s recommendations.

2014-2018 Sierra/Silverado reliability

Consumer Reports gave the K2XX Silverado/Sierra reliability scores of around 32%, much lower than Ford but better than Ram trucks of this era.

Remember that pickup trucks can see a wide variety of uses, from simple lifestyle-buy commuting up to full-time commercial or real off-road use. Getting a credible and independent inspection is a must.

Which used K2XX to buy

Generally the SLE trim level will provide all the features most buyers will ever want without needing to step up into higher trims. Stick with the later years of the third gen (2017-2018) with odometer readings under 150,000 km for the best results.

Unless you regularly carry full-sized adults or teenagers in the rear seat, you can save money by opting for the shorter of the four-door cab models.

With the right equipment, these twins can tow up to 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs), but carefully check the automaker’s ratings for each specific example to make sure you don’t get left short. The most common 5.3 L V8 engine on a four-wheel drive model was rated by NRCan at 13.1 L/100 km for the 2016 model year, though real-life driving, age, and wear will impact these numbers.

Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.