Resale value is a concept that translates across everything we do. From our homes to our trucks, we value things that can retain their worth for years after we have bought them. Resale value really only comes from one of two things; either rarity or reliability. There are a few models that we are aware stays valuable, like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wranglers. But there is another out there that many of glance over that retains its value with the best of them, the 2021 GMC Sierra.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra a good truck? 

The GMC Sierra has been a work truck favorite for a while now. It is has a long reputation for being tough, dependable, and relatively affordable. All three of which are solid qualities for a work truck. But the newer models have suffered a little more lately. 

Consumer Reports gave it a pretty low rating of 45/100, but CR can be a bit harsh toward trucks. Some big factors for CR’s ratings are fuel economy, ride comfort, road noise, and reliability. The Sierra didn’t score very well in any of these categories. Reliability took a hit due to brake and electrical issues. It also suffered in the ride comfort section, but this is common in almost every truck. Although, the Sierra did score really well on the road noise. Despite all these black marks, the GMC Sierra has still proven to be a strong contender on the used market.

According to GM Authority, Kelly Blue Book recently made a list of the top 10 trucks with the highest resale value. The 2021 GMC Sierra made the list by retaining at least 50 percent of its original value when most vehicles only retain around 40 percent. 

The director of residual values at Kelley Blue Book, Eric Ibara, said, “Shoppers who choose to buy a 2021 model from one of our Best Resale Value Brand winners can be very confident that their vehicle will retain its value over time.” 

How did KBB make this list?

According to GM Authority, KBB uses a panel of automotive analysts who observed millions of transactions through statistical models to figure out various vehicles’ used values. 

KBB says, “Vehicles with the highest projected future auction values in average condition and 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period are then recognized with the award.”

Which other trucks made the list? 

After crunching all the numbers, KBB analysts found that, surprisingly, the GMC Sierra had made the top 10 along with the Ford F-Series, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Wrangler, Ram Pickup, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra. 

Truck statistics are always fascinating. If you look at how consumers and automotive journalists have reviewed many of these models, logic would suggest that none of these would hold their value well, but they always do. 

Take the Toyota Tundra, for instance. When you drive it off the lot brand new, it is already, at best, 10-years old. It has had no major updates to the platform in at least a decade. It has the same old engine and chassis as always, but people still love them. Why? Well, they don’t really break. 

People love the GMC Sierra

Similarly, the GMC Sierra is not a very well-reviewed truck by KBB or Consumer Reports. They have a history of reliability issues of various types, but they remain highly valued because of their prevalence on the job sites and farms. A used one will keep that value long after the new truck scent has worn off. 

I will never fully understand the truck market, and it’s just as well. Truck people know what they want, and apparently, they want a GMC Sierra even with 75,000 miles or more.