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Can GM's Next-Generation Pickups Support Growth in 2027?

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Key Takeaways

  • GM's redesigned 2027 Silverado and Sierra aim to strengthen its leadership in the full-size pickup market.
  • Upgraded V8 engines, Super Cruise technology and premium trims could drive richer product mix.
  • GM expects flat truck production in 2027, with higher output targeted for 2028.

General Motors (GM - Free Report) is preparing to launch its next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups, aiming to strengthen its position in the highly competitive full-size truck market. The new models bring updated powertrains, improved capabilities, advanced technology and more premium features. A richer product mix could support GM's revenue and profitability in 2027, although production constraints and intensifying competition remain key challenges. 

GM's New Pickups Could Support a Richer Product Mix

GM's current full-size pickup lineup continues to demonstrate strong market positioning. The company has maintained its full-size pickup sales leadership for 19 consecutive quarters, with light-duty full-size truck sales increasing 9% year over year in the third quarter of 2026 and 6% year to date. The next-generation Silverado and Sierra are expected to build on this momentum with significant product enhancements. 

The new lineup will feature sixth-generation 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter Small Block V8 engines, an enhanced 2.7-liter TurboMax engine and the segment-exclusive 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, paired with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. GM is also emphasizing greater differentiation across trims, with the Silverado offering multiple off-road variants and the Sierra expanding its premium offerings through AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate.  

GM is also strengthening the technology proposition of its new pickups through expanded Super Cruise availability. The hands-free driver-assistance technology, including trailering capability, will be standard on high-end Silverado and Sierra trims and optional on select lower trims. Equipped models will also include a three-year OnStar One plan. These enhancements could help GM attract customers across work, off-road and premium truck segments while supporting a favorable sales mix. 

However, GM's product strategy comes amid continued investments by competitors in the full-size pickup market. Ford (F - Free Report) is updating its 2027 F-150 with redesigned grille options, new wheel designs and a Carhartt Package featuring distinctive badging, interior accents and a spray-in bedliner. More notably, Ford is introducing BlueCruise with Towing. The feature will support properly configured trucks with towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. The F-150 also retains a broad powertrain portfolio, including the 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid and 5.0-liter V8.  

Stellantis N.V. (STLA - Free Report) is expanding its Ram 1500 portfolio with the 2027 Rumble Bee muscle truck lineup, comprising four variants powered by HEMI V8 engines. Despite its performance focus, the lineup retains practical capabilities, including towing capacity of up to 8,890 pounds. It is also adding Active Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance to help maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead and keep the truck within its lane. The feature is optional on the Rumble Bee 392 and standard on the 392 Track Pack and SRT variants. 

General Motors' Production Constraints Could Limit Growth

GM expects to build roughly the same number of full-size trucks in 2027 as in 2026, as it completes production changeovers across three assembly plants and three engine plants. Consequently, initial growth is likely to come primarily from a richer product mix and pricing rather than higher volumes. The company plans to gradually ramp up production as the new models reach dealerships. 

Volume growth could improve in 2028, with additional capacity, including production from the Orion facility, supporting higher output and market share gains. Smooth launch execution, healthy customer demand and moderation in commodity, logistics and other costs will remain important to achieving stronger earnings growth in 2027. 

The Zacks Rundown for GM

Shares of GM have popped 21.3% in a year compared with its industry’s 9% decline.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

GM is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales of 0.39X, lower than the industry’s average of 3.21X. It carries a Value Score of A.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM for 2026 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 26.1%.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

The consensus estimate for EPS for fiscal 2026 has moved northward over the past 60 days.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

GM currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

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