Pickup trucks have historically had a reputation for being bare-bones vehicles that are just designed for hard work. It’s true that serious towing and hauling jobs tend to take place in less-than-glamorous environments, but that doesn’t mean that truck drivers should have to put up with a vehicle that isn’t comfortable or equipped with convenience features. In fact, some might say that people who spend a long day on a job site need a vehicle that boosts their comfort and ease even more than professionals who stick to sleek city or corporate environments. GMC clearly understood this idea when they designed the GMC Sierra 1500.
If you’ve been shopping around for a used GMC Sierra 1500 for sale and upscale features matter to you, then you’re already on the right track in terms of your model focus. Recent editions of this full-size truck have powerful engine options, a durable truck bed, and a hyper-functional tailgate, but also feature luxury details throughout the trim line that make it a pleasure to ride in. Each trim offers something a little different. Only you know what unique challenges your days and your drives present, so, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific features offered by every trim. Here’s a look at the best luxury features in the more comfort-focused trims from the 2021 model year for the GMC Sierra 1500.
For Uncompromising Luxury: Denali
The Denali is considered by many to be the best of the best when it comes to a luxury trim of a hardworking pickup truck. When you see the name “Denali,” you can expect an interior that will wow you right away with its style and comfort, and a feeling when you step inside that this is the VIP-level trim of this truck line. GMC has been making the Denali trim available on several of its vehicles, including the Terrain and Yukon, for many years. The Denali trim first appeared on the Yukon in the 1990s, and it was such an instant hit that GMC added it to other vehicles, including the Sierra 1500.
For the 2021 year, music lovers will enjoy a Bose premium audio system boasting a subwoofer, which creates a really deep sound that almost makes you feel like you’re at a live concert. If you want your favorite tunes to melt away a day of hard work, this sound system is up for the challenge. You’ll also get the premium GMC infotainment system here, which, in addition to navigation, sometimes has apps like Amazon Alexa and Spotify. If you are shopping used, ask the seller if their Denali comes equipped with these apps. Spotify, combined with a great sound system, would be an audiophile’s dream.
In the looks department, the Denali is simply breathtaking. You’ll get elegant perforated forged leather seating surfaces as well as authentic open-pore ashwood details, brushed aluminum trim, and chrome accents. It all comes together to create an aesthetic that’s somehow both modern and timeless.
For Off-Road Comfort: AT4
The AT4 is designed for the off-roader who wants to step into a really comfortable and inviting vehicle when they’re back from their adventures. Its features work together to make your journey go smoother and help you enjoy the ride. On this trim, you’ll find all-weather floor liners with removable carpet inserts that are certainly useful when you come in from a muddy hike or spontaneous dip in a lake you found on your off-road excursion. Pet owners who bring their four-legged companions along will probably appreciate these, too.
You’ll also get a 15-inch diagonal head-up display that shows important vehicle stats on the windshield so that you can keep your eyes on the road at all times. These stats include things like the front tire angle and the off-road inclinometer to help you stay in command when you tackle tricky terrain. The heated and ventilated seats in the AT4 will be a welcome feature on particularly cold or hot days––especially when you’ve spent most of the day outdoors, enduring the elements. Just slide into these climate-enhancing seats and let them get to work.
If you snag a used 2021 Sierra 1500 with the available 15 camera views and rearview camera, you’ll have a truly comprehensive view of everything happening around your vehicle at all times. The inside of the AT4 is a site for sore, hardworking eyes, too. It has a special darkened trim and décor and perforated front leather seating surfaces in Jet Black.
For Functional Meets Upscale: SLT
The SLT is loaded with features that make it ideal for long drives, starting with the 10-way power front bucket seats that are extremely comfortable and let you get that perfect angle and height for optimal driving ease. You also get a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel to quickly warm up your hands on cold days. Plus, those adjustable front seats are also heated and ventilated for climate control (not to mention leather appointed).
The SLT also has storage compartments in the rear seatback and under the rear seat, giving you plenty of options for where to store valuables and those items you need on hand for long trips. The exterior and general build of the SLT make it ready for a range of environments. It boasts a tall stance for better ground clearance and a better driver view. It also has high-intensity LED headlamps for times you need extra assistance in low-light settings.
When you do step out of it and need to grab something from your bed, it has rear bumper steps to help you get in there. The SLT is ideal for someone who can’t sacrifice solid DIY and functional features but still wants nice things.
The GMC Sierra 1500 Combines Comfort, Class, and Courage into a Timeless Truck
GMC did a smart thing by not only creating luxury features for its pickup but also by designing several trims with unique upscale features to appeal to very different drivers. It’s obvious that if the ultimate in luxury is what matters to you, then the Denali is the way to go. With its leather, wood, and chrome cabin details, it’s like the living room you get to ride home in on the way to your real living room. It is a clear price jump above the rest, but the price is more than justified for those who, simply put, enjoy the finer things in life.
The AT4 is an attractive option for off-roaders who have been looking for something more elevated in a truck while still needing those undeniable rough-and-tumble off-road features. It has those weatherproof floor mats, tons of camera views, and a head-up display to keep you in the know on your excursions.
Finally, that SLT is essentially an upscale working truck. If you need an impressive, powerful, and capable pickup for your work but you also want creature comforts, this trim has you covered. It has a nice high stance, rear bumper steps, LED headlights, and other features to make every moment of your time in and around the truck a little easier.
Whatever luxury means to you, you should be able to find it among these three trims.
