In the world of pickups, each manufacturer looks for little ways to tweak the design and offer unique features not found on other brands and models. While the head to head competition of pickups often falls under the hood and how much it can tow, some of these features often go overlooked. However, these tweaks and features may tip the scale in favor of one particular model over another. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a number of these truly unique features that simply are not available on other pickups.
The Sierra 1500 Trim Packages
As is the case with most pickups on the market, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with several trim packages. Each of these trim packages can be adjusted in terms of cabin size, bed size, and so on. This way, if you’re interested in a single row cabin with a longer bed or a quad cab with a shorter bed, each trim package does come with this available.
The Sierra SLE is the base trim package, followed by the Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The AT4 and Denali are the top-tier trucks in the Sierra 1500 lineup. In addition to improved performance specs, the Denali and AT4 come with an available Carbonpro Edition. This edition features a carbon fiber composite pickup bed, which helps make the interior more durable without adding much weight to the truck. It also helps weatherproof it over the non-liner trucks and is more performance-driven than spray-on liners.
The Denali Carbonpro edition comes with the same features as the Denali, in addition to the 6.2L V8 engine that can also be upgraded to a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, a 15 inch HUD, rear camera mirrors, plus additional color options not found on the other trim models.
Industry-Leading Features
The 2020 Sierra 1500 does come with several industry-leading features and other tweaks you’re not going to find on other pickups. This is highlighted by what General Motors calls the “Multipro” Tailgate. This gives the tailgate six different opening functions to better fit your needs. There might be times where you don’t want the tailgate just to lower down, as is the case with most standard pickups. Instead, this can swing to a side, part of the tailgate might open, there are added step options to make it easier to climb into the truck bed. If you’ve ever wished you could adjust how the tailgate opens, this is a feature to consider.
The Sierra 1500 also includes the best-in-class available v8 horsepower and torque, the best horsepower from a diesel engine, the most front head and legroom (which is great if you’re taller and need more room to move your legs around), and more cargo bed volume. The AT4 trim model even comes with a two-inch factory-installed lift for greater clearance and the ability to install larger tires.
Engine Performance
When selecting a new truck, it almost always comes down to engine performance and towing (at least if you’re buying a truck for work and not for the larger cabin). There are a number of engine options to consider when looking at the Sierra 1500.
The engine that comes in the base is a 4.3L V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. If you’d like an engine that is smaller but puts out improved performance, you may want to go with the 2.7L I4 turbo engine that is found in the SLE. This four-cylinder engine can put out 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque.
If you’re interested in the larger engine, though, and you want to rev up the performance specs, the SLT and up trim packages include a 5.3L V8 engine that churns out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
It is important to point out that these are the standard engines that come in each trim. There are several upgrade options you might want to consider. If you want to max out your V8 potential, you can spring for the available 6.2L V8. This engine boosts overall performance to 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. You also have an available 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. A turbo-diesel engine will give you improved fuel economy, although it won’t have the same kind of horsepower. While the 3.0L turbo-diesel has the lowest horsepower at 277, the torque, which is most important when it comes to towing, is maxed out at 460.
Safety Features On The Sierra 1500
If you’re considering the 2020 Sierra 1500 but want to know more about the safety features, there is a good amount to like. The entry trim package comes standard with driver, front head, front side, passenger, and rear head airbags (although this depends on the kind of cabin you go for). It also has four-wheel ABS and four-wheel disc brakes, plus electronic stability control, traction control, and daytime running lights. The entry package also has optional front tow hooks, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and integrated turn signal mirrors.
If you upgrade to the Denali trim package, you’ll have the same airbags and brakes, plus all of the same safety features. On top of these features, though, you’ll also receive blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and front tow hooks as standard. Brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and integrated turn signal mirrors are optional upgrades.
Fuel Economy
So how does the fuel economy of the pickups stack up to one another? there’s a rather broad spectrum when it comes to all the different engine styles. For starters, the I4 turbo engine has an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway on the 2WD model. The 4WD model sees this drop to 19 and 22.
The 5.3L V8 engine 2WD model has a fuel economy of 17 in the city and 23 on the highway (16 and 22 with the 4WD). The 6.2L V8 only comes in a 4WD package with a fuel economy of 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. And then there’s the diesel engine. This engine has similar horsepower to the V6 and torque the same as the 6.3L. The diesel engine receives 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, which is one of the best in its class. With the 4WD model, these numbers dip to 22 and 26, respectively, but if you want a hard-working engine, this is one option to consider.
General Motors Looks To Continue Offering High-End Pickups
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is made on the same line as the Chevy Silverado 1500. Both of these trucks are similar and, if you’re a General Motors fan, each of these trucks will deliver on performance. The main difference between the two includes a few external styling features and a handful of the unique features made for each particular brand. As the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with some of the best horsepower, torque, cargo bed volume, and more, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a comfortable ride or a work truck, the Sierra 1500 delivers.
