2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

　　

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The GMC Sierra 1500 is based on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and it shares almost all of its parts with that truck. The engines, the frame, the interior layout, and even most of the available options are identical. Yet the Sierra is more expensive. So why not just get the Silverado instead? Well, to justify its higher price, the Sierra 1500 offers a slightly more premium experience, a few higher-end materials, and some exclusive options that GMC hopes will draw you in.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$208/mo  for Sierra 1500 Base

　　Sierra 1500 Base

　　2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $29,600 MSRP4dr Double Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,500 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,200 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $35,900 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,200 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,800 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $39,200 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) - $39,500 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,800 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,200 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,500 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,100 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,500 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,800 MSRPElevation 4dr Double Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,300 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,700 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,000 MSRPElevation 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,600 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,000 MSRPElevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,300 MSRPSLT 4dr Double Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $44,300 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $46,700 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $47,000 MSRPSLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $47,800 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $50,200 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $50,500 MSRPAT4 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $51,000 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $53,400 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $53,700 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $54,700 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A) - $55,000 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $58,200 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $58,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　One big party piece that the Sierra offers is the MultiPro rear tailgate. It's a six-position tailgate that can act as a table, an extension to the tailgate, or a large step for loading items into the bed. Another available option that gives the Sierra some cool factor is the carbon-fiber composite bed. Available as an option on the top trim levels, the CarbonPro bed promises decreased weight along with increased durability. Then there are the retractable side steps that can move forward and back for easier access to the cab or bed of the truck.

　　Aside from those GMC exclusives and some styling differences, the Sierra is the same under the hood. The GMC offers the same engine lineup as the Chevy, which includes a V6, a turbocharged four-cylinder and two V8s. And, just like the Chevy, the 2020 Sierra now offers a new 3.0-liter Duramax six-cylinder diesel engine. It provides robust towing capability, improved fuel economy and ample low-down torque.

　　All of these extras, coupled with a long list of standard features and impressive capabilities, make the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a tempting truck. However, rivals such as the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 still hold an edge over the Sierra, with similarly equipped but less expensive trim levels and a more enjoyable daily-driving experience.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Sierra 1500 drive? The optional 6.2-liter V8 is a wonderful engine. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly. It helped our test truck cover 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to modulate the brakes precisely in routine driving.

　　We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra isn't quite as plush in seating as its main rivals, but the shape and support are there. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck ably absorbs most small impacts. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.

　　The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the split-heated front seats — offering separate settings for seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments. But dialing in a truly pleasing driving position can be difficult because of the way the steering wheel tilts up and down.

　　The layout of the controls is OK. We like the big volume and tuning knobs but are less fond of some of the virtual buttons on the touchscreen and the overall dated look of the cabin. As for visibility, shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the hood of the truck. The thick roof pillars can also impede your vision.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The 8-inch infotainment screen looks small compared to the optional 12-inch screen you'll see in the Ram 1500, but GMC's system is at least relatively easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and, in our testing, connected quickly. There are USB and USB-C ports on the dash, plus more in the center console and rear-seat area, but a second set in the rear for passengers would be nice.

　　The native voice recognition system understands basic commands but doesn't do as well with recognizing natural speech. Our test truck also had automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these systems work well.

　　

Towing and Storage

8.0/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is quite useful and convenient. It's big, with tie-downs galore, and no one offers bed steps like these. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best-in-class but are nonetheless very respectable.

　　Inside, a large center console and lots of small pockets provide plenty of space for all your small items. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sierra Denali should get 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway). That's respectable for an upgraded V8 but not the best in class. At 17.6 mpg, we met the combined rating on our highway-dominant test loop, while our long-term average economy came out to 16.4 mpg. Impressively, we achieved 20.5 mpg during a long highway trip for our best tank.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricey Denali trim level. The interior is well-built and sturdy, but the quality of materials is disappointing. Other than the MultiPro tailgate, there's not much here that's distinctive. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.

　　GMC's three-year/36,000-mile warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.

　　

Wildcard

6.5/10

　　These days a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does its drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas — with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better. If you want a full-size truck that's more comprehensively upscale, go with the Ram.

　　

Which Sierra 1500 does zzdcar recommend?

While you can go full luxe with the Denali, we think the best value comes from the midlevel SLT. It's standard with the likable 5.3-liter V8, or you can get the optional 3.0-liter diesel engine or the upgraded 6.2-liter V8 (our choice of engine). The SLT also has the trick MultiPro tailgate. Plus, most of the Denali's extra features, such as adaptive cruise control and the bed-view camera system, are available on the SLT as well.

　　

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 models

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trim levels: base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The Sierra is offered in regular single cab, double cab and crew cab with a variety of bed lengths. All cab configurations are available with four-wheel drive.

　　The base Sierra comes with a 4.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The SLE trim level adds a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, remote keyless entry and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen. From the SLE on up, a 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine (277 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque) is available as an option as is a bed-camera system that adds a cargo-box camera and provisions for two additional trailer-mounted cameras. On top of the standard SLE gear, the Elevation adds a remote-locking tailgate, LED foglights, and two USB ports in the back seat.

　　Stepping up to the SLT, you add a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed auto, a locking rear differential, a MultiPro configurable tailgate, dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trailer brake controller, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. A 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) with a 10-speed automatic is optional.

　　GMC offers a Driver Alert 1 package for the SLE and higher trims. It includes driver assistance features such as parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. There's also the Driver Alert 2 package (SLT, AT4 and Denali only) that further adds forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

　　GMC gives the AT4 trim similar features to the SLT but with a 2-inch suspension lift, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, skid plates, monotube shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and a terrain-selectable traction control system.

　　At the top of the range is the Denali, which basically builds on the SLT's contents. It also adds exclusive adaptive suspension dampers, the Driver Alert 1 package and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. Many of the top-trim features are available as options on lower trim levels. Other options for the Denali include power assist steps, a head-up display and a rear camera mirror. Also available only on the AT4 and the Denali is a lightweight carbon-fiber composite bed.

　　

2020 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: BaseSLEElevationSLTAT4DenaliBase

　　

Base MSRP	$35,900
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,800 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles