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The 450-Mile, 745 Horsepower 2026 GMC Sierra EV Pickup

  • Randi Payton
  • 2 hours ago
  • 3 min read
2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range
2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range

A spec sheet only says so much about a vehicle. The real test is how the vehicle performs in everyday life. That's why I was eager to spend a week using the 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range as my daily driver. After seven days, I became convinced that the 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range is not only a compelling electric vehicle but also a perfect replacement for a gas-powered truck, which is impressively powerful.


The 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range is a groundbreaking electric pickup truck. It's the first electric truck I've driven that makes a compelling case for going all-electric. Its 450-mile range transforms the electric pickup from a niche product into a mainstream powerhouse. At the same time, it is not cheap; after a week behind the wheel, I have found its value proposition to be a new benchmark.


For 2026, GMC has focused on usable range, which is the key concern for EV buyers. TThe new EXT Range builds on the lessons learned from earlier Ultium platforms, including the Hummer EV. This truck is powered by GM's latest tech, featuring a massive 24-module, 212 kWh Ultium battery pack that fuels a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 754 horsepower. My mission was to put the game-changing 450-mile EPA-estimated range to the test.


Range Anxiety Gone: I began my week with a simple mission to see how long I could drive without needing to plug in. The advertised 450-mile range seemed almost too good to be true. Other EVs I've driven typically require a midweek recharge. However, while using the Sierra, I drove for six days and covered over 300 miles through a mix of city and highway commutes. I even conducted a few tests to experience its 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of instant torque. After a week of use, the vehicle still had about a third of its battery charge remaining. For the first time in my EV experience, I genuinely stopped thinking about running out of battery power.


The immense torque, while silent, provided a powerful push that made merging and passing effortless. Despite its imposing size, the Sierra EV is remarkably nimble, offering a smooth ride quality and a quiet cabin that create a sense of luxury rarely found in work-ready trucks.


The Charging Reality: After six days of driving, I finally visited a DC fast charger. At a 350kW station, I witnessed it recharge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, which confirmed GMC's claim of adding 200 miles of range in about 20 minutes.


The modern cabin features a 16.8-inch central infotainment screen with a Google Built-In system that is responsive and intuitive, ensuring seamless navigation and eliminating the need for phone mirroring. I relied heavily on Super Cruise during highway commutes. The system reduced driving fatigue through its hands-free operation. The cabin features a blend of rugged, durable surfaces and luxury, which is highlighted by a 14-speaker AKG stereo system.


After spending a week in the Sierra, the electric truck landscape has undergone a transformation. The Ford F-150 Lightning now feels a generation behind in both range and technology.


The 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation EXT Range has a starting price of approximately $70,600 MSRP. The addition of an option package valued at $13,550, along with a $2,095 destination charge, brought the MSRP to $86,245.


Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

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