2020 GMC Sierra 1500 review
GMC Sierra 1500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Large, functional bed
- Many engine options
- Lots of cabin space
Cons
- Dated styling
- Body roll on cornering
- Steering isn't very responsive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 20 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
A capable truck with loads of technology
The GMC Sierra 1500 was first introduced more than two decades ago and continues to innovate with the 2020 model. Updates include the addition of adaptive cruise control, an Enhanced ProGrade Trailering camera, expanded availability of the 10-speed automatic transmission, and more.
All GMC Sierra 1500 years
What is new for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Automated Cruise Control and Kicker Speaker System features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SLT trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The Base trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 trims
Base:
- 355-hp, 383-lb-ft of torque 5.3L
- 285-hp, 305-lb-ft of torque 4.3L
- 310-hp, 348-lb-ft of torque 2.7L
- 5.3L
- 2.7L
- Vinyl Seats
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Traction Control
- Rear View Camera
- 4WD/AWD
- Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth Technology
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 inventory
SLE:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 277-hp, 460-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- 3.0L
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 SLE inventory
Elevation:
- Includes all features available on the SLE
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Rear Defroster
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation inventory
SLT:
- Includes all features available on the Elevation
- 6.2L
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Seats
- Leather Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Tow Hitch
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 SLT inventory
AT4:
- Includes all features available on the SLT
- A/C Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Bed Liner
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 inventory
Denali:
- Includes all features available on the AT4
- Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Running Boards
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- View our GMC Sierra 1500 Denali inventory
GMC Sierra 1500 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
1. Good looks
The 2020 GMC Sierra, with its muscular body panels, bold grille, and unique C-shaped headlight housings, provides an exciting ride that's as practical as it is stylish. The grade-topping Denali bundles big 20-inch alloy wheels, as well, making the 2020 GMC Sierra an undeniably good-looking ride.
2. Flexible storage
A GMC exclusive, the MultiPro tailgate (AT4 trim) does more than just keep things from sliding out of the bed. Among its six functions are an extension feature to fit longer items like surfboards, a flip-down outer door to allow easier access to bed contents, and the ability to act as a full-width step for easy ingress and egress. On the SLT trim and above, the ProGrade Trailering System provides a total of 15 camera views.
3. Well appointed
The 2020 GMC Sierra is proof that a pickup can be as comfortable as it is practical. Optional on the SLT and standard on the ATR and above, the front occupants will enjoy heated and ventilated front seating, and the back seats heat up too. Similarly, the steering wheel in SLT and above trims has a hand-warming function.
4. Built-in entertainment
There's no excuse to be bored when you have some downtime in the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, whether on the worksite or out camping. A seven-inch touchscreen display, powered by the GMC infotainment system, is standard equipment, but move up to an SLT or beyond, and the monitor grows to eight inches. New for 2020 is the available ability to stream SiriusXM satellite radio with a subscription.
5. An engine for everyone
Boasting an impressive choice between four different engines and three different transmissions, there's a GMC Sierra 1500 for every buyer. Certain powertrains like the 3.0L motor mated to the efficient 10-speed automatic transmission yields an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Rugged and versatile, the RAM 1500 is an all-around terrific full-size pickup truck. The RAM 1500 aims to please, whether you're seeking a vehicle to hold your crew or your family. For model years 2017–2019, the RAM 1500 is offered in two different cab configurations: the quad cab and crew cab. This truck is also available in two bed sizes: a standard six-foot-four-inch bed and a shorter, optional five-foot-seven-inch bed. A 3.6L V6 engine at 305 hp is standard across all trim levels, and a larger and more powerful 5.7L V8 is also optional. For model year 2019, these features are standard on the RAM 1500:
Five-inch touchscreen interface
Vinyl flooring and upholstery
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Folding rear bench seat
Simple, functional, and adventurous; these all describe the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra. The unique TRD Pro trim gives the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra an enthusiast's makeover, getting it ready for extreme off-roading with FOX shocks and BBS wheels. A pair of V8 engine options power the Tundra, beginning with a 310 hp 4.6L V8. When equipped with the 381-hp 5.7L V8, the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra RWD Double Cab can tow up to an estimated 10,200 pounds when properly equipped.
All 2017–2020 Toyota Tundras get equipped with:
LED daytime running lights and automatic high beams
6.1-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth
Rearview camera
The Ford F-150 is a versatile full-size pickup. The 2017-2020 Ford F-150 has three cab and bed size options, as well as seven trim levels. Trims range from basic to extremely powerful, including an off-road-tuned Raptor model, which is powered by a 450-hp twin-turbo V6 engine. The 2017-2020 Ford F-150 doesn't offer a V8, but there are multiple V6 engine options that deliver plenty of power.
Here's what you'll find on the 2017-2020 Ford F-150:
SYNC® 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch screen
Seating for three to six, depending on cab configuration
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the GMC Sierra 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Sierra 1500 4th out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Sierra 1500GMC Sierra 1500 features and specs
Base 2WD 2D Regular Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Vinyl Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Long Bed
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.7L
Horsepower
310
Torque (ft-lbs)
348
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
28
Wheelbase
139.56"
Overall length
229.6"
Width
81.15"
Height
75.6"
Leg room
F 44.53"
Head room
F 43.11"
Front tires
255/70R17
Rear tires
255/70R17
Seating capacity
3
Max towing capacity
790/10000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 FAQ
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SLT: 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- SLT: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Elevation: 20 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Elevation: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SLE: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SLE: 20 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- AT4: 16 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- AT4: 22 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Base: 19 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Denali: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Denali: 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The GMC Sierra 1500 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Sierra 1500 as 3 out of 19 among Fullsize Truck
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of between 9200 and 12100 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500:
- Automated Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Running Boards
- Turbo Charged Engine
More about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Color options
Cardinal Red
Dark Sky Metallic
Onyx Black
Pacific Blue Metallic
Quicksilver Metallic
Satin Steel Metallic
Summit White
Tangier Orange
Wheatland Yellow
Woodland Green
Interior details
Cargo Space: Regular Cab has 72 or 98 cubic feet of cargo volume, Double Cab has 98 cubic feet, and Crew Cab has 63 or 72 cubic feet.
Seating Capacity: Regular Cab and Double Cab seat up to six people while Crew Cab seats up to three people.
Infotainment: A seven-inch touchscreen comes standard while SLT and above trims receive an eight-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 received an overall 4/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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