2020 GMC Sierra 1500

History/Overview

GMC introduced a new generation of its Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup for the 2019 model year. Notable features included a MultiPro tailgate, a Denali trim with a cargo bed fashioned from carbon fibre and doors and hood done in aluminum.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2020, the GMC Sierra 1500 gains a trailer view for its exterior camera system, a new adaptive cruise control system, an optional turbodiesel engine, a 10-speed transmission newly available with the 5.3L engine, and trailer tow mirrors now offered as a standalone option.

Available Trims

GMC offers the Sierra in base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali trims. Engines include a 4.3L V6, 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8 and a 3.0L turbodiesel six-cylinder. Depending on the engine specified, the transmission is an automatic with six, eight or 10 gears. Base, SLE, Elevation and SLT start with 2WD and can be optioned to 4WD. AT4 and Denali are standard with 4WD.

Standard Features

Base Sierra 1500 models come with the 4.3L engine with six-speed transmission, 17-inch wheels and tires, black door handles, bumpers and side mirror covers, manual side mirror adjustments, chrome grille surround, LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, locking tailgate, tilt steering, two-speaker stereo, 3.5-inch monochrome driver information screen, four-way manual front seat adjustments, manual door locks, infotainment touchscreen, manual windows, vinyl flooring and seat trim, air conditioning and tire pressure monitoring.

SLE adds the 2.7L turbo four-cylinder engine and eight-speed transmission, heavy-duty battery, bright silver wheels, body-colour door handles, cargo bed lights, chrome bumpers and mirror caps, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, EZ lift tailgate, 4.2-inch colour driver information centre, carpeted flooring, compass, cruise control, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power door locks and windows, rear-seat reminder, keyless entry and semi-automatic climate control.

Elevation trims gets 20-inch wheels, body-colour bumpers, LED fog lights, power locking tailgate, rear 12-volt power outlet, passive keyless entry, rear window defroster and remote engine start.

SLT trim comes with the 5.3L V8 with dynamic fuel management, locking rear differential, transmission oil cooler, trailer brake controller, 18-inch wheels, chrome bumpers and mirror caps, MultiPro tailgate, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, high-intensity LED headlights, LED signature taillights, ProGrade trailering system, heated 10-way power front seats with driver lumbar, 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, carpeted floor mats, HD backup camera, six-speaker stereo, heated steering wheel and leather upholstery.

AT4 adds a dual exhaust, hill descent control, off-road suspension with 2.0-inch lift, recovery hooks, skid plates, 18-inch all-terrain tires, black mirror caps, body-colour door handles and bumpers, standard (non-MultiPro) tailgate, all-weather floor liners, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats.

Finally, Denali trim gets 20-inch all-terrain tires, chrome door handles and mirror caps, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear park assist, safety alert seat, perimeter lighting, power sliding rear window, navigation, 8.0-inch digital driver information centre, Bose stereo, perforated leather seating, garage door opener and wireless smartphone charging.

Key Options

A driver alert II package brings low-speed automatic braking with forward collision alert and pedestrian detection, automatic high beams and following distance indicator.

The driver alert I group (standard in Denali trucks) is available on lower trims and includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear park assist.

Elevation trim can be had with a convenience package of a heated steering wheels, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering.

Fuel Economy

Sierra 1500's turbodiesel is the most efficient engine choice, with fuel consumption estimates of 10.2/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) with 2WD and 10.5/9.1 with 4WD.

The 2.7L turbo four-cylinder is rated 11.9/10.3 with 2WD and 12.5/10.8 with 4WD.

4.3L V6 ratings are 15.1/11.5 L/100 km with 2WD and 15.7/12.0 with 4WD.

Consumption estimates for 5.3L V8 models range from 13.5/9.8 (XFE) to 16.7/13.1 L/100 km (AT4) depending on trim and driveline choice.

Finally, the 6.2L engine's ratings are 15.5/11.9 L/100 km in standard form and 15.7/12.4 in AT4 trim.

Competition

The GMC Sierra 1500 competes most closely with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a near mechanical twin to the Sierra. Other full-size truck competitors include the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.