2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

Sharing nearly everything with the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra full-size pickup has suffered from an identity crisis in recent years. There simply hasn't been much difference between the offerings of the two brands. While the GMC brand proffers somewhat pricier and more feature-laden vehicles than Chevrolet, the differences have ultimately been subtle.

GMC hopes to more clearly differentiate the two pickups with the introduction of the 2019 Sierra 1500. To wit, the 2019 model has unique sheet metal and will be available with a carbon-fiber bed and a multiconfigurable tailgate. Optional retractable side steps that can pivot rearward to aid bed access are another GMC exclusive. And while the off-road-focused Sierra AT4 variant is largely similar to the Silverado Trail Boss, the Sierra AT4 will be available with the most powerful engine, the 6.2-liter V8. The Trail Boss isn't available with the 6.2-liter.

Of course, the Sierra and the Silverado are still much more alike than different. Both share the same five powertrains, frames, cabs and most of the interior. The latter is perhaps the biggest drawback. We're just not enamored with the overall design or the quality of materials. The Sierra plays to a more affluent audience with exclusive features, but it might not be enough to stake out a different fate than its Silverado brother.

Notably, we picked the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks and Best Gas Mileage Trucks for this year.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trim levels: base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali. They are available in various cab and bed configurations. The base is relatively sparsely equipped, though a few options are available. For the typical truck buyer, we recommend buyers look to the SLE trim level at a minimum because it has features beyond what you'd find in a work-only truck.

The version that strikes the best balance between amenities and functionality is the SLT trim level, while the Elevation is a cosmetic package available only in a double-cab configuration. Meanwhile, the AT4 offers an edge in off-road capability, and the range-topping Denali packs on the luxury-oriented features.

Configurations are as follows: Regular cabs are offered with a standard bed (6 feet 7 inches) or an extended bed (8 feet); double cabs come only with the standard bed; and crew cabs are available with a standard bed or a short bed (5 feet 9 inches). Be aware that not all trim levels are available with all configurations. All cab configurations are available with four-wheel drive.

The base Sierra comes with a 4.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 305 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, power locks, a locking tailgate, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, USB connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a six-speaker sound system.

The Sierra Convenience package adds remote keyless entry, a remote-locking tailgate, heated power mirrors, a 110-volt AC outlet and LED cargo box lighting. The Elevation trim includes those items plus special 20-inch black alloy wheels, LED foglights and body-colored exterior trim.

The SLE trim level adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a damped tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen.

Many more options are available on the SLE. A new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque) is an option. The SLE's Convenience package adds a rear window defogger, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded infotainment system, and second-row USB charge ports.

Other options include leather upholstery, a full center console, a power-adjustable front passenger seat and wireless smartphone charging.

Stepping up to the SLT, our trim level of choice, nets you much of the above plus a standard 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), a locking rear differential, a MultiPro configurable tailgate, a trailer brake controller and trailering package, power-folding and heated mirrors, and driver-seat memory settings. A 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) with a 10-speed automatic is optional.

GMC offers a Driver Alert 1 package for SLE and higher trims. It includes driver assistance features such as parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. There's also the Driver Alert 2 package that further adds forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

GMC gives the AT4 trim similar features to the SLT but with a 2-inch suspension lift, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, a skid plates, Rancho shock absorbers, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (20-inch wheels available), hill descent control and a terrain-selectable traction control system.

At the top of the range is the Denali, which comes with most of the features available on lower trim levels and has all of the available driver assistance features. It also adds a head-up display, a rear camera mirror, exclusive adaptive suspension dampers, 20-inch wheels and unique interior appointments. The MultiPro power assist steps are only available on the Denali.