Not many vehicles these days focus solely on power. While automakers such as Ford and Chevy still bring plenty of muscle vehicles to the table, the automotive landscape has become crowded with compact SUVs and pickup trucks that would rather do a little of everything than focus on pure performance. Of all the automakers in the industry today, GMC is one of the few that stays true to its roots, developing vehicles that push the envelope in more ways than one. Of all the vehicles released in the 2020 model year, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of our favorites. Combining power, utility, and the latest in automotive technology into one package, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is everything you expect to find in top of the line GMC trucks – and much more. Let’s check out the latest GMC has to offer and see how it compares to what’s currently on the market.
What’s Old is New
Sharp edges and boxy designs are used less and less by today’s automakers. While there is a reason why soft edges and aerodynamic designs have an advantage, the look doesn’t always appeal to drivers who loved the classic pickup design. Fortunately, GMC has revitalized the classic style in their latest Sierra 1500 model. While other automakers claim aerodynamic design to be a core aspect to great gas mileage, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 still provides impressive fuel economy with base models earning approximately 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These fuel efficiency stats are boosted when you consider the four-cylinder and turbo-diesel option.
Featuring three different cab options, Regular, Double, and Crew Cabs, and a vast assortment of engines, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a pickup made to be configured and played with. Five different trim options grace the model lineup, including the Sierra SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali, and with a starting MSRP of $37,800, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a considerable amount of value all at an affordable price. While the configuration options may seem overwhelming to a first-time buyer, the benefit of so many choices is hardly an issue for most drivers.
An Engine for Every Kind of Driver
Much like previous iterations, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 delivers a plethora of engine configurations from which to choose. Apparently, when GMC set out to design the Sierra 1500, they wanted to design an engine capable of handling any and all possibilities. While other modern truck engine builds come with fewer options and cut cylinder counts to four, GMC continues to offer a full spread of choices.
At the bottom line is a 4.3-liter V6 engine that starts out strong delivering 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. This engine is supported by a decent 6-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a well-rounded performance, especially considering the low entry price. It won’t cost much to go up from there, and the next step is a 2.7-liter turbo engine that delivers on its turbocharged promise by giving drivers 310 horsepower to play with. Pair that with a revamped 8-speed transmission and rear or four-wheel drive, and you have a pickup truck that beautifully utilizes all four of its cylinders. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-6 engine is new to the party, offering slick gas mileage while providing 277 horsepower and a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds.
While six-cylinders provide plenty of power, it is far from the end for this pickup. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a whole line of eight-cylinder options, starting with the 5.3-liter V8 that puts out 355 horsepower and is available in a four-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is available in a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 available only in a four-wheel drive with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While gas mileage takes a dive with an average of 17 mpg, those who invest in this top-of-the-line engine aren’t too worried about how much they’ll spend at the pump.
Taken as a whole, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 can be tailored to build any kind of horsepower heavy pickup you can imagine. With towing capacities ranging between 6,900 and 9,800, this pickup truck is literally ready for anything. From bounding through rugged terrain, or hauling cargo and freight over long distances, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers no shortage of power capability. But power is far from the only impressive feature in this top-of-the-line GMC pickup truck.
A Cabin Built for Kings
The pickup truck isn’t known for its rear-seat comfort. Focusing on utility, and front-seat passengers only, many pickup trucks don’t even offer a rear seat, not so with the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. Not only do rear-seat passengers have plenty of legroom, but the Sierra 1500 can also be fitted with amenities like heated seats and additional USB charging ports. And the extra comfort offered by the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 comes at no sacrifice to utility, with an available 5’8″, 6’6″, or 8′ bed, which offers plenty of options in terms of rear storage.
Front seat passengers have a pretty good setup, too. While base models offer basics like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, and Bluetooth connectivity, the higher trims advance quickly. Take a step up to the SLT, and the infotainment screen expands to host 8 crisp inches, leather upholstery covers most surfaces, wireless smartphone charging decks appear, as does a seamless onboard navigation system. All the way at the top, drivers enjoy wood trim, a surround-view camera system, and exceedingly comfortable front bucket seats.
Surprise, surprise, GMC is no stranger to safety features this year either. While other pickup trucks require you invest buckets of cash to get the latest auto safety tech options, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 takes a different approach. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has available forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, which means you can enjoy next-level safety and phenomenal power all at the same time.
What We Think of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
At first glance, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 may seem like a pickup truck lost in the past. With its classic style design, the pickup may be easy to overlook, but a closer look will reveal a pickup as refined and classic as its boxy exterior. With a diverse assortment of engines and a variety of available features to choose from, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is as modern as any top-of-the-line vehicle on the market today. What gives the GMC Sierra 1500 an edge is the ability to provide serious power customized to meet your individual driving needs. In an era where automakers are increasingly striking engine options from their lineup, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 continues to add even more, making it one of the most diverse and powerful vehicles on the road today.
