2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

Name: 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
Brand: GMC

Price Range: $26,995 - $49,990

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

+377

The GMC Sierra is comfortable and can be equipped with a rambunctious 6.2-liter V8. But getting the big V8 drives the truck's cost up, reducing its value. Still, if you're looking for the best interpretation of the GM family of trucks, the Sierra could be it.

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At a Glance:

6 Colors
1 Trim
9 Packages
$69,900starting MSRP

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Several available powertrains for towing and hauling needs
Long cabin provides excellent rear legroom
Massive bed capacity and a bounty of in-bed tie-down points
New touchscreen display is attractive and easy to use

Cons

Interior design and cabin controls look dated
Has a rougher ride than primary rivals
Quality of some cabin materials is subpar
Extra-large center stack takes up lots of cabin space

What's new

New 3.0-liter turbodiesel available as an option
10-speed automatic now available with 5.3-liter V8
Optional bed-view and trailer cameras added to lineup
Adaptive cruise control now available
Part of the fourth Sierra 1500 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

The GMC Sierra 1500 is based on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and it shares almost all of its parts with that truck. The engines, the frame, the interior layout, and even most of the available options are identical. Yet the Sierra is more expensive. So why not just get the Silverado instead? Well, to justify its higher price, the Sierra 1500 offers a slightly more premium experience, a few higher-end materials, and some exclusive options that GMC hopes will draw you in.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$201/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Large Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

One big party piece that the Sierra offers is the MultiPro rear tailgate. It's a six-position tailgate that can act as a table, an extension to the tailgate, or a large step for loading items into the bed. Another available option that gives the Sierra some cool factor is the carbon-fiber composite bed. Available as an option on the top trim levels, the CarbonPro bed promises decreased weight along with increased durability. Then there are the retractable side steps that can move forward and back for easier access to the cab or bed of the truck.

Aside from those GMC exclusives and some styling differences, the Sierra is the same under the hood. The GMC offers the same engine lineup as the Chevy, which includes a V6, a turbocharged four-cylinder and two V8s. And, just like the Chevy, the 2020 Sierra now offers a new 3.0-liter Duramax six-cylinder diesel engine. It provides robust towing capability, improved fuel economy and ample low-down torque.

All of these extras, coupled with a long list of standard features and impressive capabilities, make the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a tempting truck. However, rivals such as the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 still hold an edge over the Sierra, with similarly equipped but less expensive trim levels and a more enjoyable daily-driving experience.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.3

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Sierra 1500 drive? The optional 6.2-liter V8 is a wonderful engine. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly. It helped our test truck cover 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to modulate the brakes precisely in routine driving.

We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra isn't quite as plush in seating as its main rivals, but the shape and support are there. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck ably absorbs most small impacts. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.

The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the split-heated front seats — offering separate settings for seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments. But dialing in a truly pleasing driving position can be difficult because of the way the steering wheel tilts up and down.

The layout of the controls is OK. We like the big volume and tuning knobs but are less fond of some of the virtual buttons on the touchscreen and the overall dated look of the cabin. As for visibility, shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the hood of the truck. The thick roof pillars can also impede your vision.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The 8-inch infotainment screen looks small compared to the optional 12-inch screen you'll see in the Ram 1500, but GMC's system is at least relatively easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and, in our testing, connected quickly. There are USB and USB-C ports on the dash, plus more in the center console and rear-seat area, but a second set in the rear for passengers would be nice.

The native voice recognition system understands basic commands but doesn't do as well with recognizing natural speech. Our test truck also had automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these systems work well.

Towing and Storage

8/10

How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is quite useful and convenient. It's big, with tie-downs galore, and no one offers bed steps like these. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best-in-class but are nonetheless very respectable.

Inside, a large center console and lots of small pockets provide plenty of space for all your small items. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sierra Denali should get 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway). That's respectable for an upgraded V8 but not the best in class. At 17.6 mpg, we met the combined rating on our highway-dominant test loop, while our long-term average economy came out to 16.4 mpg. Impressively, we achieved 20.5 mpg during a long highway trip for our best tank.

Value

6.5/10

Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricey Denali trim level. The interior is well-built and sturdy, but the quality of materials is disappointing. Other than the MultiPro tailgate, there's not much here that's distinctive. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.

GMC's three-year/36,000-mile warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.

Wildcard

6.5/10

These days a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does its drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas — with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better. If you want a full-size truck that's more comprehensively upscale, go with the Ram.

Which Sierra 1500 does Edmunds recommend?

While you can go full luxe with the Denali, we think the best value comes from the midlevel SLT. It's standard with the likable 5.3-liter V8, or you can get the optional 3.0-liter diesel engine or the upgraded 6.2-liter V8 (our choice of engine). The SLT also has the trick MultiPro tailgate. Plus, most of the Denali's extra features, such as adaptive cruise control and the bed-view camera system, are available on the SLT as well.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 models

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trim levels: base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The Sierra is offered in regular single cab, double cab and crew cab with a variety of bed lengths. All cab configurations are available with four-wheel drive.

The base Sierra comes with a 4.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a six-speaker sound system.

The SLE trim level adds a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, remote keyless entry and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen. From the SLE on up, a 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine (277 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque) is available as an option as is a bed-camera system that adds a cargo-box camera and provisions for two additional trailer-mounted cameras. On top of the standard SLE gear, the Elevation adds a remote-locking tailgate, LED foglights, and two USB ports in the back seat.

Stepping up to the SLT, you add a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed auto, a locking rear differential, a MultiPro configurable tailgate, dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trailer brake controller, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. 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 the 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 (SLT, AT4 and Denali only) that further adds forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control 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, skid plates, monotube shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and a terrain-selectable traction control system.

At the top of the range is the Denali, which basically builds on the SLT's contents. It also adds exclusive adaptive suspension dampers, the Driver Alert 1 package and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. Many of the top-trim features are available as options on lower trim levels. Other options for the Denali include power assist steps, a head-up display and a rear camera mirror. Also available only on the AT4 and the Denali is a lightweight carbon-fiber composite bed.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#4 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 from 2008-2022.}

$637/yr

vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.64x/yr

vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

19.6%

vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.

5 (50%)

4 (17%)

3 (6%)

2 (8%)

1 (19%)

3.7

36 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Good but not class leading

Davelv, 07/08/2020

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)

Just put 8500 miles in 7 weeks on a new 2020 Sierra 1500 Denali with the 3.0 Duramax. Overall mpg was 24 with highway speeds at 75 to 80 mph. Driving at 55 mph in construction zones netted 40 to 50 mpg. Fantastic engine. Ride is smooth. Seats are comfortable. Easy to drive all day. However.... the navigation voice input is useless as it can't recognize most requests. Navigation …

Pretty Bummed Out

Matthew Laraway, 12/13/2020

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 6A)

Hopefully all will get resolved...coming out of a Tahoe with 110,000 miles and excited to get into my 2020 Sierra Denali 1500 Carbon Pro with the Duramax Diesel. At this point, I have had the car 2 weeks and it has been back at the deal twice, this time going on 4 days. First issue was a coolant sensor that set off an engine warning and the second problem is car wouldn’t start due to …

Technology / infotainment system not so good

Howard, 02/14/2020

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)

Thought I was upgrading when I traded my 2017 Sierra 1500 crew cab with the premium plus package for this 2020 Sierra with same equipment package. I was wrong. There are indeed upgrades, however, the technology / infotainment system were a big step backward and has me regretting this purchase. Their system doesn't work well with at least some phones ( Iphone xs with latest operating …

Amazing truck!

ambustag2, 01/29/2020

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)

Bought the 2020 Sierra AT4 and it has been nothing short of amazing. So much tech that the truck nearly drives itself. Got this with the new 3.0L Diesel and averaging 23 MPG out of the gate. Highly recommend if you are looking at a new truck and like the color matched look.

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 videos

Drag Race! Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 vs. GMC Sierra | Racing Pickup Trucks! | 0-60 Performance & More

In this drag race, we take three popular pickup trucks to the racetrack to find out which one is the fastest. These full-size pickups are three of the most powerful around, obviously excluding the off-road-specialized Ram TRX. Can the F-150 PowerBoost with its hybrid engine outrace…

2020 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,900
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$201/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,800 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sierra 1500 models:

Forward Collision Alert: Sounds an alert and flashes a light when the system detects a possible front crash.
Lane Keep Assist: Detects when the vehicle is drifting from its lane and gently steers it back toward the center.
Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking: Automatically applies the brakes when the system detects an impending frontal crash at low speeds.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.1%

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Sierra 1500 does Edmunds recommend?

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good but not class leading

Pretty Bummed Out

Technology / infotainment system not so good

Amazing truck!

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 videos

Drag Race! Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 vs. GMC Sierra | Racing Pickup Trucks! | 0-60 Performance & More

2020 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.3L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}