The tried and tested GMC recently rolled out a facelifted version of Sierra. Sierra was considered as a cousin to Silverado but with the arrival of the new face-lift, Sierra has now embarked on a different route.
Not affected by the number of recalls pickup trucks are plagued with, Sierra has always been the first choice of truckheads as stats show that this truck is the least recalled truck in the competition.
Wide ranges of choice – from docile inline four to snappy AMG inline six
Refined powertrain
Semi-autonomous driving tech
Cons
Substandard fuel efficiency
What's New?
E 450 trim replaces E 400 and brings more power
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$29600
bodystyle
2dr Regular Cab
passenger capacity
3
top speed
98 mph
drivetrain
RWD
engine type
displacement
262 cu.in.
horsepower
285 hp @ 5300 rpm
torque
305 lbs.-ft @ 3900 rpm
transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Ladder Frame
suspension front
Independent front short and long arm suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Rigid axle rear leaf suspension
brake rotors (f/r)
13/13.6
dimensions
wheelbase
139.6 in.
length
229.5 in.
width
81.2 in.
height
75.6 in.
curb weight
4257 lbs.
ground clearance
8.1 in.
capacity
passenger volume
39.1 cu ft.
towing capacity
10000 lbs.
payload capacity
2240 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
6.5 sec.
zero to 100 mph
14.6 sec.
rolling start (5-60 mph)
7.5 sec.
standing ¼-mile
15 sec.
braking (70-0 mph)
210 ft.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
16/17/21 mpg
highway range
588 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / 100000 mi.
roadside assistance
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Cardinal Red
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
285 hp @ 5300 rpm, 4.3 L, V-6, flex-fuel (unleaded)
6-speed shiftable automatic
rear wheel drive
3
2dr Regular Cab LB 4WD (4.3L 6cyl 6A)
Starting at $35,795 MSRP
(15/17/20)
285 hp @ 5300 rpm, 4.3 L, V-6, flex-fuel (unleaded)
6-speed shiftable automatic
four wheel drive
3
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
6.4
Overall Rating
One of the most iconic and easily recognizable trucks the GMC Sierra series has withstood the test of time and is as of today one of the most selling trucks that America has ever seen. The truck is a jack of all trades kinda deal and does not let down on any front.
7.5/10 Features
7.1/10 Engine and Performance
3.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.5/10 Interior
5.0/10 Exterior
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Features
7.5/10
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 RegularCab is offered in 2 basic but potent trims. Both of them feature the 5.2L engine and can be bought with front or 4 wheel drive. The base trim is called the Sierra 1500 and sports a price tag of $28.205. The set of standard features include HID headlamps, 3.5-inch monochromatic display amongst other features.
The top end trim is called the Sierra 1500 SLE and can be bought for an MSRP $34,995. The standard set of features include a 4.2 diagonal color display, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control and remote keyless entry amongst other things.
Trim
Sierra 1500
Sierra 1500 SLE
MSRP
$28,205
$34,995
MSRP (4WD)
$32,145
$38,860
Key Features
Headlamps, High-Intensity Discharge (HID), bifunctional with GMC LED signature
Headlamps, High-Intensity Discharge (HID), bifunctional with GMC LED signature
DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER With 3.5" diagonal monochromatic display. Provides warning messages, odometer, trip odometer and basic vehicle information
DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER With 4.2" diagonal color display. Includes driver personalization, warning messages, odometer, trip odometer and vehicle information
STEERING COLUMN Tilt-Wheel, manual operation
STEERING WHEEL Leather-wrapped with audio and cruise controls
CLIMATE CONTROL Single-zone manual air conditioning
CLIMATE CONTROL Single-zone manual air conditioning
FLOOR COVERING Graphite-colored rubberized vinyl
Color-keyed carpeting with rubberized vinyl floor mats
REARVIEW MIRROR With manual day/night adjustment
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY Included with Convenience Package on Sierra trim. Includes remote locking tailgate
We Recommend
We recommend picking up the SLE trim since it adds a host of creature comforts that are bound to make life easy for the occupants. Features like cruise control and multifunctional steering wheel are some of the basic things that are expected from a vehicle of the 21st century. Moreover, it is certainly worth the extra money you 'd for it.
Despite much in common with the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra 1500 has a uniquely chiseled design and exclusive features. It alone is available with an adaptive suspension, a versatile split-folding tailgate, and a resilient carbon-fiber cargo bed. - Car and Driver
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine and Performance
7.1/10
Engine and Transmission
The engine duties on the GMC Sierra 1500 is handled by a 4.3L 6 cylinder motor mated to a 6-speed auto gearbox. The base engine is good for producing 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The figures are modest, to say the least, but they sure do make the truck feel lethargic on open roads.
In comparison with rivals, the GMC Sierra 1500 sits at par with the Chevy Silverado to take the top spot when it comes to both engine capacity and performance.
Models
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
MSRP
$28,205
$27,110
$29,610
Engine
4.3L 6cyl
3.5L 6cyl
4.3L 6cyl
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
Horsepower
285 hp
282 hp
285 hp
Torque
305 lb-ft
253 lb-ft
305 lb-ft
Acceleration
The GMC Sierra 1500 is able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in a modest 5.3 seconds and goes to complete the quarter mile in 13.6 seconds The acceleration is balmy and controlled. The truck takes time to gather momentum but never feels like it's pushing too hard.
In comparison, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 both claim the top spot again with identical quarter mile and 0-60 mph timings.
Models
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
0-60 MPH
5.3
7.3
5.3
Quarter mile
13.6
13.2
13.6
Engine
4.3L
3.5L
4.3L
Ride and Handling
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a big vehicle and it behaves like one too. The truck is at its best when .cruising on a highway a moderate speed, something it does like the back of its hand. It is not made with cornering at crazy speeds in the mind which is the reason why it shouldn't be done in the first place.
The truck does behave erratically over uneven surfaces and the issue is worsened when low profile tires are installed.
Braking
The GMC Sierra 1500 features a set of 13.0-inch brake rotors in the front and a set of 13/6 inch rotors in the rear. Even with its substantial curb weight, the truck is able to stop from 60 mph to a standstill in an impressive 134 feet.
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
Brake Front (in.)
13.0
13.8
13.0
Brake Rear (in.)
13.6
13.7
13.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4510
4051
4510
60-0 MPH (ft.)
134
119
134
The lighter Ford F150 XL takes away the cake here with 119 feet while both the Silverado and the Sierra settle for the second spot with similar specs.
Towing Capacity
Trucks are used to haul loads and the towing capacity is absolutely paramount while one goes looking out for a truck to buy. The GMC Sierra 1500 is able to tow a load of up tp 8900 lbs hooked to its back.
The Ford F150 fares only marginally better at 9100 lbs but it still takes the 1st position amongst its rivals.
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
8900
9100
8900
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel Economy
3.0/10
Keeping in mind that the GMC Sierra 1500 weighs almost 2 tons, the truck is able to return an impressive 20 MPG combined.
The Ford F-150 XL is able to better the Sierra by almost 5 mpg at 25 mpg combined and it also takes away the top spot amongst its rivals;
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
MPG (city)
18
18
18
MPG (highway)
24
20
24
MPG (combined)
20
25
20
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Interior
7.5/10
The top-spec Denali trim level has a familiar-looking interior design and is decked out with premium leather and real open-pore wood. - Car and Driver
Seats and Comfort
GMC Sierra 1500 with a Regular Cab is able to accommodate 5 adults comfortably. The legroom and headroom on the truck is something that will make even the taller guys happy. Overall, it is arguably the most spacious truck amongst its rivals.
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
Passenger capacity
2
2
2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
42.40/66.73/45.27
40.8/66.7/43.9
42.40/66.73/45.27
Both the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are the most spacious trucks in the segment.
Infotainment
The base trim on the GMC Sierra 1500 comes loaded with a 3.2 inch monochromatic display while the top end trim comes with a 5.2-inch color display. The MMI is simple and neat and displays all the required information directly on the click of a button. The overall interface is laggy and does take a while to register user inputs.
Interior Features
Some of the key interior features are
Vinyl or fabric upholstery
Multi-function steering wheel
4 way adjustable driver seats
Cargo volume
Cargo volume is one of the most important parameters on which a truck is judged on. The GMC Sierra 1500 features a cargo volume of 61.60 cube.feet which is relatively modest with respect to other rivals in the segment.
The Ford 150 features the largest boot in the segment at 65.2 cube feet.
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
61.60
65.2
61.60
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior
5.0/10
Dimensions and Weight
At 4510 lbs, the GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the heaviest truck in the segment. The truck is not overly elongated at 205.6 inches while it is the segment's widest truck at 80 inches in width. It is also at the highest in the segment at 73.5 inches.
Model
GMC Sierra 1500 Regularcab
Ford-150 XL RegularCab
Chevrolet Silverado-1500 LS
Curb weight (lbs.)
4510
4051
4510
Length(in)
205.6
209.3
205.6
Width(in)
80.0
79.9
80.0
Height(in)
73.5
75.2
73.5
Ground clearance (in)
8.2
9.3
8.2
Wheelbase (in)
119.0
122
119.0
The Ford F150 is the lightest truck in the segment at 4051 lbs. It is also the longest one amongst its rivals at 209.3 inches.
Exterior Features
Some of the key exterior features of the GMC Sierra 1500 are
Heavy duty steel rims
Large front grille
HID headlights
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety
The GMC Sierra 1500 has not been crash tested by any major crash-testing agencies yet. The set of standard safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, lane assist, and forward collision alert and tire pressure monitoring system amongst others. There is definitely a lack of active safety features on the Sierra 1500.
AIR BAGS Dual-stage frontal for driver and front passenger with Passenger Sensing System
LED DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
LANE KEEP ASSIST AND FORWARD COLLISION ALERT Included and only available with Enhanced Driver Alert Package. On SLE, requires RegularCab mode
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM Does not monitor spare tire
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Competition
Chevy Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a cousin of the Sierra 1500 truck. They share the same powertrain, chassis and even design elements to an extent. The Silverado, on one hand, features a lot of cosmetic look good exterior components while the GMC Sierra takes a more rugged approach.
Hence, this one is totally up to the preference of the customer since they are virtually the same trucks.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 just like the GMC Sierra 1500 takes a very hands-on approach to work. It is fine as a work truck but that's all it is. The exterior is boring while the interior is borderline tacky.
The GMC Sierra 1500 features a much more comfortable interior which makes it a better truck in our honest opinion.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Final Verdict
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a very capable and trustworthy truck that has proved its mettle over the many years of service that it has endured. With a lot of experience under its belt, the General Motor Twin with better interiors is a potential candidate for the throne of hauling king.