2020 GMC Sierra 1500

In the pickup truck grudge match between the big three American automakers, Ram overtook Chevrolet for the second-place sales spot below Ford in 2019. But let's not forget about the GMC brand (also owned by General Motors), which combined with Chevy, actually outsold Ram. The GMC Sierra may only be the fourth-best-selling full-size pickup on the market, but it still represents a huge volume for GM and caters to an ever so slightly different segment of the market than the Chevy Silverado.

Whereas the bulk of Silverado sales come from lower-trim work trucks, GMC focuses more on the upper end of the market with trims like the AT4 and Denali. GMC even offers class-exclusive features that are not available on its Chevy counterpart, including a handy Multipro tailgate with six different positions and a carbon composite bed. To see how the GMC Sierra 1500 stacks up against the competition like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, CarBuzz tested a 2020 Denali Carbon Pro Edition for a week. There is a lot to love about GMC's most luxurious truck, but it clearly needs one major improvement to be considered best in class.

The exterior appearance of the Sierra 1500 greatly varies depending on the trim and configuration. Each variant has its own size thanks to the availability of different cabs and long and short boxes. One thing is constant throughout the lineup, though, and that's chrome. So you'd better like shiny things. Lower models are less flashy, though. All models get LED headlights and taillights, and lower models come with a locking tailgate. A power lock and release tailgate with lift assist is standard from the Elevation upward. The base model and the SLE get 17-inch wheels as standard, while the SLT and the AT4 get an 18-inch set. Both the Elevation and the Denali get 20-inch wheels with up to 22-inch wheels available.

As with the exterior appearance, the measurements of the Sierra 1500 vary greatly according to cab, box and wheelbase configuration. The total length of the pickup varies from between 229.6 inches to 241.3 inches, and the shortest wheelbase belongs to the Regular Cab with the long box at 139.6 inches. The longest wheelbase measures in at 157.1 inches. The maximum width for all models is 81.2 inches without the mirrors and heights range from between 75.4 inches and 78.5 inches on AT4 Double Cab models. Ground clearance also depends on the model, with some 2WD-equipped models managing 7.9 inches, while AWD models can go all the way up to 10.9 inches of clearance. The lightest model in the lineup has a curb weight of 4,369 pounds and weighs 5,368 pounds at its heaviest. As for configurations, a regular, double, and Crew Cab are available. The long box is only available with the Regular Cab, the standard box with Double or Crew, and the short box only available with the Crew Cab. The AT4 is the most off-road-capable with an approach angle of 28.7 degrees and a departure angle of 27.2 degrees. It also has a breakover angle of 20.4 inches.

GMC makes a 12-color palette available for the Sierra 1500, but certain colors are only available on specific trims. The base Double Cab and Crew Cab models are available in nine colors, one of which is standard. The no-cost hue is Summit White. Two additional colors are available at the cost of $195 and include Cardinal Red and Onyx Black. The other six metallic hues cost $495 and include Deep Mahogany, Quicksilver, Satin Steel, Pacific Blue, Dark Sky, and Carbon Black. The SLE and Elevation are available in all the same colors, but add Smokey Quartz for $495 and Red Quartz Tintcoat for $595. The same colors apply to the SLT, but the mid-range model gets access to White Frost Tricoat for $1,095. The AT4 is only available in eight hues and doesn't get access to Deep Mahogany, Quicksilver, Cardinal Red, and White Frost. The Denali shares a similar palette but gets access to White Frost in place of Summit White. Our Denali trim tester came finished in White Frost Tricoat, which did not look sparkly enough to justify its high asking price.

The Sierra 1500's performance is greatly dependent on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base model gets a 4.3-liter V6 that's pretty much all work and no play, and the regular shopper isn't likely to have one parked in the driveway. The 2.7-liter turbo is the primary choice among commercial buyers and does an acceptable job around town, but it gets less refined as it carries a heavier load and is nowhere near as gutsy as other engines in the lineup. Arguably the darling of the engine lineup, the 5.3-liter V8 can haul over 11,000 pounds and when it isn't loaded, it's got ample power for daily use or moving to the new house. The king of the lot is the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful of the lot. Lastly, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel is new to the team and it's one of the smoother operators - quieter and sips the lightest. It does only allow for a maximum towing capacity of 9,100 pounds, though. Most models are available in either 2WD or 4WD guise, but the AT4 and the Denali are exclusively available in 4WD.

With a total of six engines and three transmissions, it's highly unlikely that you'll struggle to find the right one. The base Sierra comes standard equipped with the 4.3-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It's the only trim that gets access to this engine and it's coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Next up is the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that comes standard on the SLE and the Elevation; it's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers power outputs of 310 hp and 348 lb-ft. Two versions of the 5.3-liter V8 engine are available, one without dynamic fuel management and the other with dynamic fuel management. Without DFM, the V8 is paired with a six-speed automatic, but with, an eight-speed auto is standard on 2WD models and a ten-speeder is standard on 4WD derivatives. The newly optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine pairs up with a 10-speed automatic transmission and produces 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque with the best fuel efficiency of the pack.

Reserved for the top three trims, the 6.2-liter V8 is paired with a 10-speed transmission and punches out 420 horses and 460 lb-ft. Of the GM engines we've tested, the 6.2 V8 is by far our favorite - perhaps our favorite in any truck. In most driving, the V8 hums along silently without vibration, until you ask it to provide a surge of power. Shifts from the 10-speed are nearly imperceptible and when you need a quick burst of power, it can shuffle quickly to provide you with the appropriate gear. After quicker downshifting to the correct gear, the 6.2L V8 is more than capable of rocketing the Sierra up to speed in a hurry, without feeling overstressed or overworked. The combination of this larger V8 and the 10-speed automatic transmission is like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, two top-notch pieces working to make each other even better.

The Sierra 1500 feels every bit of its gargantuan size, but thanks to light yet precise steering, it doesn't feel like a burden when maneuvering at low speeds in tight spaces. At higher speeds, the truck feels solid and relaxed through the wheel, thanks due in part to available safety technologies like lane-keep assist. The cab is fairly quiet compared to rivals, though the ride comfort only feels average at best - far from the floaty ride offered by the Ram 1500 Limited's air suspension. Though it is not the softest truck on the market, the Adaptive Ride Control offered in the Denali trim helps provide excellent body control and improved comfort over rougher pavement.

How the Sierra stacks up to towing or acceleration tests hinges on the engine under the hood. We prefer the optional 6.2-liter V8 to the 5.3-liter that we last tested in the Silverado Trail Boss. The 5.3L offers adequate passing power but the 6.2L makes you feel like the true king of the road. Most buyers will never take the luxurious Denali trim on a vigorous trail, but the AT4 offers greater off-road performance without losing all of the luxury found in the Denali. Regardless of engine or trim level, the GMC Sierra is among the most enjoyable full-size trucks to drive.

Fuel economy is an almost infinitely mixed bag when it comes to the Sierra 1500 lineup. The most frugal option by far is the 2WD-equipped 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that boasts figures of 23/30/26 mpg. In FWD guise, the 2.7-liter turbo returns EPA estimates of 20/23/21 mpg, and the AWD model drops these figures down to 19/22/20 mpg. The base 4.3-liter V6 engine returns EPA estimates of 16/21/17 mpg in 2WD guise, and the AWD version returns 15/20/17 mpg. The bigger 5.3-liter V8 engine boasts EPA estimates of 17/24/20 mpg when equipped with 2WD and the eight-speed, and the AWD version drops these figures down to 16/22/19 mpg. The thirstiest engine of them all, the AWD AT4 that's powered by the 5.3-liter engine, it returns figures of 14/18/16 mpg. When the 24-gallon fuel tank is at full capacity, the most frugal Sierra 1500 allows for around 620 miles of total range, and the heaviest allows for just around 288 miles.

Our time with the Sierra 1500 Denali with the optional 6.2-liter V8 yielded fuel economy figures of around 14 mpg in mixed driving and 17 mpg on the highway. These numbers trail the EPA estimates, rated at 15/17/20 mpg city/highway/combined. GMC should be commended on the smoothness of its stop/start system, which was barely noticeable even without hybridization.

Much like its sibling from Chevrolet, the Sierra 1500's interior is its least appealing attribute and it trails rather far behind the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 when we consider design and quality. The cabin is drab and unimpressive in most trims, but it's the Denali that's most disappointing. Its materials do feel softer than other Sierra or Silverado variants, but hopping into a Ram 1500 Limited is an obvious indicator than a luxury truck can be nicer. Still, the technology and convenience features are generous and higher trim levels offer a vast improvement in this regard. Space offerings will vary according to cab size, but the crew cab offers immense space, as expected.

Seating and interior space depends yet again on the choice of cab size, and it's the Crew Cab that thoroughly impresses. It offers enough space from its backset for it to be mistaken for a limo, and ingress and egress are simple tasks thanks to the large rear doors. As expected, seating quality isn't as welcoming in the rear of the double cab, but it still offers class-leading legroom. A standard three-seater bench is offered by the Regular Cab and seating is comfortable enough for daily duties. From there, the Sierra 1500 seats either five or six occupants depending on the trim. In the first three trim levels, a four-way manually adjustable driver's seat is standard, while the three upper trims get a standard 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.

A host of different interior colors and materials are present throughout the lineup, with materials getting more premium as we climb the ladder. The base Sierra comes with Jet Black cloth upholstery, while the SLE and the Elevation add Dark Walnut and Slate cloth upholstery to the mix. The SLT upgrades its upholstery to perforated leather available in these same shades. The AT4 enjoys exclusive and standard access to Jet Black perforated leather upholstery with Kalahari accents, and the Denali comes standard with premium leather upholstery in either Jet Black or Dark Walnut/Dark Ash Grey.

With three box lengths available, space is limited to the configuration that is opted for. The short box measures 5'8'' and has a total cargo capacity of 62.9 cubic feet, while the standard box has a length of 6'6'' and allows for 71.7 cubes of real estate. The most accommodating long box measures in at eight feet and offers up 89.1 cubes. The Carbon Pro Edition replaces the steel bed with carbon composite, which is more moldable and does not require a liner.

In-cabin storage is sufficient enough and the rear seats can be flipped up to make space underneath. Additional packages that improve in-cabin storage are available and a large center armrest with a storage bin and a dual glovebox round off the storage nicely.

Most models in the Sierra 1500 lineup come well-stocked with features, but the convenience and luxury of the truck depends on which trim level you choose. The base Sierra comes equipped with single-zone climate control, a manual-tilt steering column and a four-way manually-adjustable driver's seat as well as a 12-volt power outlet in the front. The SLE adds remote keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, a leather-clad steering wheel and semi-automatic climate control. Added to the Elevation are keyless entry, push-button start and remote start. The SLT marks the beginning of a significant improvement in luxury and adds a 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

For the AT4, front bucket seats are added along with heated seats in the rear, and ventilated front seats. The basic suite of safety features at base level include a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, teen driver assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Elevation gets an anti-theft alarm and the SLT adds hitch guidance with hitch view, a ProGrade trailering system, and an HD rearview camera. Added to the Denali is front and rear park assist along with lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a safety alert seat.

Impressively, the standard tech is decent from the base model upwards, though simple upgrades greatly improve the higher trims. The base Sierra includes GMC's in-house seven-inch color touchscreen that enables Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth streaming. A 3.2-inch monochromatic information screen is also standard along with a six-speaker sound system and a single USB port. Only the Regular Cab is limited to a two-speaker sound system. The SLE adds a 4.2-inch driver information display, two USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Added to the SLT is a premium eight-inch touchscreen that enables HD Radio and SiriusXM. The Denali enjoys exclusive access to a navigation system and an eight-inch driver information display. It also adds a premium seven-speaker Bose sound system.

Compared to the Ram 1500 and newly released 2021 Ford F-150, the Sierra feels in need of an interior facelift. We'd like to see GMC incorporate the fresher cabin design and improved technology of the Yukon SUV. With a larger infotainment screen, unique cabin layout, and improved materials, the Sierra could easily jump a few places in the full-size truck pecking order.

For 2020, the Sierra 1500 has been recalled four times so far. It was recalled for issues relating to the possibility of the brake caliper bolts breaking, a poor alternator connection that increases the risk of fire, a faulty fuel pump, and for a possible fire hazard after seatbelt tensioner deployment. GMC offers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic and corrosion warranty, and the drivetrain warranty is valid for five years or 60,000 miles, increasing to 100,000 miles for the Duramax diesel engine. Roadside assistance is also standard for five years or 60,000 miles.

The NHTSA awarded the Sierra 1500 with four stars of five stars for overall safety, with five stars given for the side crash, and four for frontal and rollover tests. As for the IIHS, it received mostly good ratings, although a Marginal score was given for the small overlap on the front passenger side. Optional front crash prevention scored superior, but headlights were rated as Poor.

Safety is commendable on almost all models except for the lower trims, and all trims get a six-airbag system that comprises dual front, front side and curtain airbags. The base Sierra includes a rearview camera, rear seat reminder, teen driver assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system, while the Elevation adds an anti-theft alarm system. For the SLT, hitch guidance with hitch view is added along with a ProGrade trailering system and an HD rearview camera. The Denali is upgraded with front and rear park assist along with lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a safety alert seat. The Driver Alert Package II adds lane keep assist, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking along with front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator and adaptive cruise control.

Compared to the polarizing styling of the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC's classic design should appeal to truck buyers who are hesitant to change. The Sierra's driving characteristics still feel top-notch thanks to one of the best available engine/transmission combinations in the segment (the 6.2L V8 and 10-speed auto). There are more cushy options available, but old school truck fans may prefer the Sierra's old-school approach. For those who can live with far less than the Denali trim's leather seats and power running boards, GMC still offers a wide range of trim and configurations so you can build the perfect truck for your needs.

We are glad that GMC left a bit of old school feel in the Sierra, but the truck could still do with a major refresh on the interior. Ford and Ram have GMC completely outclassed in this area, but judging from the recently-unveiled Yukon SUV, the company's designers still understand how to make a class-leading interior. Look for a 2021 or 2022 model to receive major enhancements in the cabin. If the powertrain is more important to you, then we still recommend the Sierra 1500, especially with the 6.2L V8. But if you also want your truck to be a comfortable family vehicle, there might be better options available.

Thanks to a near-infinite amount of configurations, pricing for the Sierra 1500 lineup is a highly complicated affair. The Sierra in its most basic form will cost $29,600, upgrading to the 5.3-liter engine will cost an additional $1,395 and four-wheel-drive will cost around $4,400. The SLE in its most affordable form costs $38,000 with the 2.7-liter turbo engine equipped, while opting for the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine will cost an extra $2,500. Upgrading to a Crew Cab drives the price up to $40,700. The Elevation costs $40,500 as a Double Cab with the 2.7-liter engine and $43,200 as a Crew Cab. The SLT with 2WD and the 5.3-liter engine costs $44,500 and upgrading to a Crew Cab with a standard box results in a final asking price of $47,200. A cost of $52,896 accompanies the AT4 driven by the V8 engine, and upgrading to a Crew Cab with a short box and adding the 6.2-liter engine drives the price up to $53,700. The Denali equipped with the standard 5.3-liter engine has an MSRP of $58,900, though our tester with the Carbon Pro Edition package and optional 6.2-liter V8 topped $70,000. All prices exclude the $1,595 destination fee.

The Sierra 1500 lineup comprises a total of six models. These are the Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and the Denali. The choice between six engines, three transmissions and drivetrain differs depending on trim. The base Sierra is the only model to come standard with the 4.3-liter V6 and a six-speed transmission while the SLE and Elevation come standard with the 2.7-liter turbo mated to an eight-speed automatic. The SLT, AT4 and Denali come standard with the 5.3-liter V8 coupled with either a six-, eight-, or ten-speed automatic, based on the trim. All models are available in both FWD and AWD except the AT4 and the Denali that come exclusively equipped with AWD.

The base Sierra comes standard with single-zone climate control, a manual-tilt steering column and a four-way manually-adjustable driver's seat as well as a 12-volt power outlet in the front. As for infotainment, GMC's in-house seven-inch color touchscreen enables Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth streaming and a 3.2-inch monochromatic information screen along with a six-speaker sound system (on all but the Regular Cab, which has a two-speaker system) and a single USB port are standard. The basic suite of safety features at base level include a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, teen driver assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The SLE offers minor convenience upgrades including remote keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, a leather-clad steering wheel and semi-automatic climate control. A 4.2-inch driver information display is added followed by two USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Elevation doesn't add much in the way of features, but includes keyless entry, push-button start and remote start and an anti-theft alarm.

For the SLT, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel make up the list of added features along with a premium eight-inch touchscreen that enables HD Radio and SiriusXM.

The AT4 adds front bucket seats along with heated seats in the rear and ventilated front seats, along with standard all-wheel drive.

The Denali adds a navigation system, an eight-inch driver information display, and a premium seven-speaker Bose sound system. The safety suite is also significantly bolstered with the addition of front and rear park assist along with lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a safety alert seat.

GMC makes a plethora of optional packages available for the Sierra 1500 lineup. The most notable one is the $1,165 Driver Alert Package I available on the base Regular Cab that adds features including front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The price of this package differs marginally on other models. The Convenience Package is inclusive of EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate, cruise control, keyless entry and tinted glass for $1,245. For the SLE, the Convenience Package adds features like remote start, a heated steering wheel, keyless open and start and dual-zone climate control for the price of $2,090. The X31 Off-Road Package adds off-road suspension, hill descent control, rancho shocks and unique badging for the $1,245 on the 4WD Elevation, but the price once again differs based on trim.

With such a wide range contrasting starkly between lower and higher trims, it's easy to get caught up in the finer details and in turn, end up being stuck on which one is best. For us, it's the mid-level SLT. It adds all of the right bits that are notably absent from lower trims, but avoids the higher price tags of the AT4 and the Denali. We'd recommend adding the Driver Alert Package II for an additional $1,095, which adds adaptive cruise control, a safety alert seat, and more. Should you be in the market for a higher-priced truck, we think the AT4 offers most of the important luxury features found in the Denali but adds the benefit of off-road capability.

Both of these trucks excel at what matters most to potential purchasers. These merits include towing and power as well as the ability to proudly say that you own one. While they offer some similar qualities like a passion for low-end torque, a few things will seal the deal for different shoppers. Both offer a range of different configurations including fleet-focused versions and different bed and cab sizes. If you're after some more modern tech, the Sierra would be the better choice. It also leads the pack when we consider the space in the front. That being said, the F-150 beats the Sierra with a lower asking price. The Ford also takes the cake with the ability to tow around 1,000 pounds more. Essentially, the Sierra 1500 is better as an everyday truck for the family, and the Ford is the optimal choice if you're looking for a workhorse at an affordable price.

These GM relatives share plenty of similarities, and they're almost identical in terms of their powertrains and configurations. For the exterior, the Chevy has a face that is slightly more striking, but both have bold front ends. Their interiors are also similar, but the Sierra offers better options that are nonexistent on the Chevy, which makes the GMC a better choice for shoppers that prioritize a premium feel. That being said, at base level, they are quite similar and share the same infotainment system and hard plastics. The Silverado makes the most sense for work-spec shoppers, while the GMC suits those looking for a more deluxe experience.